Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: jstason on January 13, 2014, 09:55:45 pm

Title: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: jstason on January 13, 2014, 09:55:45 pm
So I've been lurking on here since I finished my first bow last year and I'm hoping to start my second sometime in the near future. Since I don't have ready access to a band saw I was wondering what type of axe/hatchet to use to rough out a bow, or if there is a better tool out there to get the job done?

thanks -Jack
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: briarjumper12 on January 13, 2014, 10:11:28 pm
Since I first learned to use an axe I haven't looked back. Really quick to rough one out.  I was using a cheap hatchet. But I recently got hold of a Gransfors Bruks Swedish Carving axe.  That thing is awesome. I also use it for roughing out spoons.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: Crogacht on January 13, 2014, 10:20:19 pm
I just have an old hatchet made in west germany, nice and sharp. It's fairly light and the blade is probably narrower than most which is good, but I will likely get a carpenters hatchet at some point.

If I was rich, then I'd get a real nice one, but otherwise a cheap one is fine.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: 4dog on January 13, 2014, 10:21:54 pm
i use this...found it under a house i was working on.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: jstason on January 13, 2014, 10:23:11 pm
Thanks for the quick replies guys, those are both nice axes. I tried convincing my parents to let me get a band saw but they don't see it as a worthy investment of my money (pffff what do they know  ::)) so this seemed like the next logical step
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: RyanR on January 13, 2014, 10:29:08 pm
I use a Estwing hatchet. The same company that makes quality hammers. You can get them at your local lumber yard.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: George Tsoukalas on January 13, 2014, 10:38:39 pm
I use an old hand axe. Never used a bandsaw on a bow. Jawge
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: JW_Halverson on January 13, 2014, 10:48:22 pm
Short answer: A sharp one.

No joke, you will use less effort and have fewer mishaps.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: huisme on January 13, 2014, 10:55:57 pm
These are literally all the tools I've used for the past few bows I built.
(http://i.imgur.com/0XqnFB4.jpg)

The machete does the roughing and a lot of the scraping since my vice is on loan, and honestly I like not using the vice.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: JW_Halverson on January 13, 2014, 11:18:38 pm
Don't pass over a shovel, either, for roughing out bows. 

I once roughed out a hickory stave with a Cold Steel E-tool at a Bushcrafter event.  That has to be the wickedest and most dangerous shovel ever made!  I love it.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: DuBois on January 13, 2014, 11:27:02 pm
I have been using a cheapo camping hatchet lately since my larger hand axe handle bit the dust. I kinda like the smaller one now though. I saw one at the second hand store just like that 4Dog pic. Might have to go get it.
Quote from: RyanR on January 13, 2014, 10:29:08 pm
I use a Estwing hatchet. The same company that makes quality hammers. You can get them at your local lumber yard.
Can't break that handle now can ya?  ;)
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: Joec123able on January 14, 2014, 12:05:28 am
Quote from: jstason on January 13, 2014, 10:23:11 pm
Thanks for the quick replies guys, those are both nice axes. I tried convincing my parents to let me get a band saw but they don't see it as a worthy investment of my money (pffff what do they know  ::)) so this seemed like the next logical step

A bandsaw is totally unnecessary in bow making if you have patience hand tools will work fine for ya.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: Bryce on January 14, 2014, 12:58:08 am
A good sharp, sturdy, well made hatchet is worth it's weight in gold.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: bowsandroses on January 14, 2014, 01:05:10 am
I really like my broad hatchet, edge bevel on one side flat on the other heavy and super sharp.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: Traxx on January 14, 2014, 03:50:15 am
Ill second what briarjumper12 said.

I grew up using hatchets and axes in my work.I thought i knew what a great ax or hatchet was,untill i got a Gransfors Bruks.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: Del the cat on January 14, 2014, 03:56:28 am
Axe is great especially on the softer woods like Yew or Hazel. When you are old and bald with tennis elbow you can have a bandsaw then ;)
Get an axe made from decent steel (I went for a Bahco one, which is Swedish steel) Most imortant learn how to sharpen it well.
You want a weight that suits you, I'd advise against going too heavy*.
IMO. If it looks like shiny chrome or has a rubber grip... don't buy it ;D
Del
* If you need heavy, maybe JW will lend you his shovel >:D
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: mikekeswick on January 14, 2014, 06:32:05 am
As has been said Gransfor Bucks axes are simply superb.
Seriously I also thought I knew what a quality axe was until I used one of these
Link removed cos I was unintentionally breaking the rules.....Gransfors bucks website - I recommend a google!
Just have a look around that website.....drool drool  ;) Proper tools and worth every single penny/cent. I have given mine some serious stick, have only sharpened it once and it still pings fine hairs off my arm. Awesome piece of kit.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: nathan elliot on January 14, 2014, 08:00:16 am
I like to work as much as possible with an axe or hatchet. As has been mentioned the GB Swedish carving axe is very good. I personally prefer the mini hatchet, not every ones cup of  tea as its so small, I just like it. That said amazing tools can be made for a couple of ponds if you can find a nice old axe head and re haft it.
(http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt139/nathanelliot_bucket/Scotland%202013/IMG_0313.jpg)
(http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt139/nathanelliot_bucket/Scotland%202013/IMG_0368.jpg)
(http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt139/nathanelliot_bucket/Scotland%202013/IMG_0403.jpg)
(http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt139/nathanelliot_bucket/IMG_0835.jpg)
(http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt139/nathanelliot_bucket/IMG_0846.jpg)
(http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt139/nathanelliot_bucket/IMG_0860.jpg)
Go for a head about 600grams anything over a kilo tiers the arm unnecessarily.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: Del the cat on January 14, 2014, 08:48:25 am
Ooooh they are pretty... you got me wanting to re-haft my maky old heavy axe now :)
Del
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: Steve Milbocker on January 14, 2014, 08:59:15 am
Our local chainsaw shop sells Husquvarna axes and hatchets. quality tools. About 60 bucks for either.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: mikekeswick on January 14, 2014, 01:18:10 pm
Some nice work there Nathan.
I completely agree if you can find an old axe it's very likely to be worth the effort to clean it up.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: Blaflair2 on January 14, 2014, 01:54:24 pm
I use a draw knife to rough out the bow. Then a rasp. I'm not very accurate when it comes to chopping
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: 4dog on January 14, 2014, 02:36:28 pm
man nathan..thems some purdy choppers...obe of em really caught my eye...3rd in from the left bottom...like it!
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: GlisGlis on January 14, 2014, 02:52:36 pm
I'm not an expert bowmaker but I've done many woodworks
As a general rule i prefere a short kind of machete to do the roughing.
I found it more precise and less tiring for my arm/hand
I mainly like the fact that i can hit very close to the hand being powerful and precise at the same time. with an axe/hatchet is more difficult
Something like the one in the picure with enough mass and quite short and with a hand slip stop
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: Don Case on January 14, 2014, 03:25:31 pm
Does anyone use an adze? I'm guessing the only difference is turning the bow 90 degrees.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: toomanyknots on January 14, 2014, 05:06:45 pm
Quote from: 4dog on January 13, 2014, 10:21:54 pm
i use this...found it under a house i was working on.

Ha, I found one of mine in the middle of the woods stuck in a tree!
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: DavidV on January 14, 2014, 08:29:48 pm
Quote from: huisme on January 13, 2014, 10:55:57 pm
These are literally all the tools I've used for the past few bows I built.
(http://i.imgur.com/0XqnFB4.jpg)

The machete does the roughing and a lot of the scraping since my vice is on loan, and honestly I like not using the vice.

Huisme- I think I have the same drawknife. Do you have trouble keeping an edge on it? I sharpen it with a white Arkansas stone and it stays keen for a little while then it gets to a point where I can't shave even the straightest grained wood. also I work with the bevel down because it's so wide.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: Joec123able on January 14, 2014, 10:01:45 pm
Quote from: DavidV on January 14, 2014, 08:29:48 pm
Quote from: huisme on January 13, 2014, 10:55:57 pm
These are literally all the tools I've used for the past few bows I built.
(http://i.imgur.com/0XqnFB4.jpg)

The machete does the roughing and a lot of the scraping since my vice is on loan, and honestly I like not using the vice.

Huisme- I think I have the same drawknife. Do you have trouble keeping an edge on it? I sharpen it with a white Arkansas stone and it stays keen for a little while then it gets to a point where I can't shave even the straightest grained wood. also I work with the bevel down because it's so wide.

I have the same draw knife and mine doesn't hold an edge long especially on Osage but at the same time it's super easy to sharpen it so I still enjoy using it
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: briarjumper12 on January 14, 2014, 10:14:38 pm
Quote from: Steve Milbocker on January 14, 2014, 08:59:15 am
Our local chainsaw shop sells Husquvarna axes and hatchets. quality tools. About 60 bucks for either.

The Husquvarna axes have been getting good reviews on other forums that I frequent. The are made by Hultafors in Sweden. Also, of note, they make a carpenter's axe that has gotten good reviews and looks promising.

I am the in the process of restoring an old hewing hatchet. Flat on one side and bevelled on the other. It is of quality steel but is requiring quite a bit of work to get the edge back in order.  The to carve a handle and hang it. I look foward to seeing how it compares to the Gransfors carving axe.

Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: briarjumper12 on January 14, 2014, 10:20:46 pm
Quote from: Don C on January 14, 2014, 03:25:31 pm
Does anyone use an adze? I'm guessing the only difference is turning the bow 90 degrees.

I don't see why a adze with a straight bit wouldn't do fine job. Should even be able to work the fade area with it too.  Great, now I have to buy another tool to try LOL.  That really does seem like a good idea, worthy of exploration.  I have been looking at the curved adzes for bowl making anyways.   They are EXPENSIVE. Some of the curved ones i been looking at are around $300 apiece.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: Grasshopper Mouse on January 14, 2014, 10:34:45 pm
Quote from: Traxx on January 14, 2014, 03:50:15 am
I grew up using hatchets and axes in my work.I thought i knew what a great ax or hatchet was,untill i got a Gransfors Bruks.

Dude, you're a farrier! I hope you're talking about some kind of work from before you became a farrier.
 :o

Guy
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: Traxx on January 15, 2014, 09:45:50 pm
Actually,
I have used a hatchet to remove excess hoof in extreme post founder cases,on draft horses.A hammer and chisel is also used in some cases.

I began using a hatchet and Ax,at about age 7.Didnt start trimming and shoeing horses untill about age 14.A hatchet and Ax,were used in a lot of jobs,on a remote ranch that wasnt on Grid untill i was much older.Grandad didnt  have a generator or a power wood splitter untill i was an adult and he didnt believe in using the fuel in a chainsaw,unless necessary

Much different time then.People would have a Conniption,nowdays seeing a 7 year old using a sharp ax to split wood.Probly have their kids taken by CPS er something.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: PAHunter on January 15, 2014, 10:08:03 pm
Damn Gils that thing is right out of a horr movie!  Remind me not to piss you off.   ;)  I just use a small hand axe from Home Depot (12-14'' handle).  Works well but your forearms take a beating. 
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: Bryce on January 15, 2014, 11:38:47 pm
Quote from: Don C on January 14, 2014, 03:25:31 pm
Does anyone use an adze? I'm guessing the only difference is turning the bow 90 degrees.

ive got a few in the works. a D and and Elbow. very useful tools.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: Gordon on January 15, 2014, 11:59:02 pm
You don't need a bandsaw unless you plan on making laminated bows. The design of a good carpenter axe is hard to beat because it allows you grip the tool near the center of mass which, with practice, give you precise control over your cuts.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: dwardo on January 16, 2014, 07:38:26 am
Quote from: nathan elliot on January 14, 2014, 08:00:16 am
I like to work as much as possible with an axe or hatchet. As has been mentioned the GB Swedish carving axe is very good. I personally prefer the mini hatchet, not every ones cup of  tea as its so small, I just like it. That said amazing tools can be made for a couple of ponds if you can find a nice old axe head and re haft it.
(http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt139/nathanelliot_bucket/Scotland%202013/IMG_0313.jpg)
(http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt139/nathanelliot_bucket/Scotland%202013/IMG_0368.jpg)
(http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt139/nathanelliot_bucket/Scotland%202013/IMG_0403.jpg)
(http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt139/nathanelliot_bucket/IMG_0835.jpg)
(http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt139/nathanelliot_bucket/IMG_0846.jpg)
(http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt139/nathanelliot_bucket/IMG_0860.jpg)
Go for a head about 600grams anything over a kilo tiers the arm unnecessarily.

Cant believe you chose your hatchet over that lovely granny carving axe. I used a friends up at the woods recently and it was an absolute joy to use. Soon as I can justify the cash one will be mine!

Like Dell though I am longing for a bandsaw. Simply due to tennis elbow. Drawknifing and scraping doesnt tend to upset it as much but swinging an axe is pure pain.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: Marks on January 16, 2014, 11:08:51 am
Both bows I've worked on I used wedges and sledge hammer to split into staves and then nothing but a draw knife from that point on. Takes a little time but it worked.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: DuBois on January 17, 2014, 11:53:00 am
(http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/s662/mdubois7/001_zps558c7124.jpg) (http://s1311.photobucket.com/user/mdubois7/media/001_zps558c7124.jpg.html)
Picked this up at the thrift store. It is a "PLUMB" brand. Figure I'll re haft it and smooth down the handle when it gets warmer out.
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: Buckeye Guy on January 17, 2014, 03:28:22 pm
Quote from: Don C on January 14, 2014, 03:25:31 pm
Does anyone use an adze? I'm guessing the only difference is turning the bow 90 degrees.

Mine has become known as a bow adz .
There is a waiting list to get one made at the smithy who did it for me!
Guy
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: dmenzies1950 on January 17, 2014, 11:38:32 pm
I've used lots of different hatchets, but I prefer roofing hatchets that I picked up at garage sales for a couple of bucks each.            Dale
Title: Re: roughing out bows with an ax/hatchet
Post by: JW_Halverson on January 17, 2014, 11:45:20 pm
Quote from: Steve Milbocker on January 14, 2014, 08:59:15 am
Our local chainsaw shop sells Husquvarna axes and hatchets. quality tools. About 60 bucks for either.

I got a Husqvarna hatchet this summer.  It is much heavier than I anticipated, but pure quality thru and thru.  I won't be wearing this one out in my lifetime!