Here is an adze that I made and served as my main seat carving tool for years. The wood is from a tree trunk and branch. I've found that the branch (handle) should be about 60 degrees off the flat of the blade. As you can see, I had to insert a wood stop block after the integral block broke off (after about 100 chairs).
In response to a recent question, I've made a video of attaching the blade to the handle. I use artificial sinew or waxed cord. The process begins with placing a loop of sinew on top of the blade and then wrapping it around the head and blade until only the end of the loop is exposed. Then you feed the end of the string through the loop and pull it under the wrapping. It has always amazed me how tight this method holds the blade, and for years. Thanks to my intrepid apprentice and cameraman Josh King.
Mine looks just like it. Looks Northwest-coast inspired, like the type Kestrel sells - have you seen those?
ReplyDeleteI believe that I have seen the Kestrel version. It seems a bit light to me, but the blade is nice. Maybe they'd be nice enough to sell the blade! I learned to make the adze from an old FWW article. I can't imagine them doing one like that now!
ReplyDeleteI actually remember that FWW article. I had thought it was written by the Kestrel guy but I probably got that wrong. Kestrel does sell the irons by the way, they are 3/16 thick. You are right that's not a FWW type of article anymore - but I wouldn't be surprised to see it in Woodwork mag...
ReplyDeleteErik in Narrowsburg
Pete, you mentioned that this adze served as your main seat carving tool for years... Is it still your main seat carving tool? Also, what is the iron made from. Is it mild steel or a leaf spring or what? Thanks. Mike
ReplyDeleteMike,
ReplyDeleteI still use the adze rather extensively to remove the bulk of the material and establish the bowl shape at the back of the seat. I suggest using O-1 tool steel for the blade or some leaf spring can work if you have a forge, although, that means that the metallurgy will be somewhat of a guess.
good luck
Pete
Thanks for the insight on making and adze Peter. It will save me a bundle.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you saved some money, that's the spirit!
ReplyDelete