Wood Cutting Tools

Reassuring images of woodcutting generally have been of two kinds. One is that of splitting logs, either into the right lengths for cabin walls and fence posts, or fireplace-sized chunks. The latter includes kindling, so that fires can more easily take, after being lit. The other image is that of skilled hands carving wooden animals and utensils, using one knife or several with varying blade lengths. We may forget that the woodcutter began his trade as a very young man, not as the grandfatherly figure sometimes portrayed in art. Woodcutting is a talent developed over years of practice.

Today, the tools of woodcutting include the traditional ones of bench and chip carving knives, chisels, gouges, and bent spoons. The artisan also uses sharpening stones and a strop to keep blade edges honed. Dull edges do a poor job and are more likely to cause injury, so they are avoided. Files and rasps, depth gauges, wire brushes, fine sand paper, wood glue, and other essentials are also part of his tool kit.

Axes, hatchets, chisels and saws do require instruction in their proper handling. Don't just pick one up and expect to use it safely! Educational establishments such as Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University have strict policies for training new employees or those new to particular tools. For example, a coarse saw is used for crosscut work when wood is green, but a fine saw is used in dry wood.

Power Wood Tools

Along with power tools, such as chain saws, or the massive saws used in lumber mills, drill presses and wood boring machines are used extensively. It's good practice to seek professional advice before selecting Brad Point, Drill or Taper Point bits, or when needing special purpose points such as End Grain, V-Point or Hardesty Head. It's standard for drill presses to rotate Right Hand. However, some may have multiple spindles, some of which are Left Hand.