Black Ash Log Pounding for basketry

short bit on pulling basket weaving splints from a black ash log

[@maolsonpf]

Jarrod, how do you size the splits after they're removed from the log, width wise that is? I used to make cuts with a circle saw down the log and size the splits that way. But there are issues with my technique as you might imagine. Any thoughts?

[@jasoncarson369]

When I was taught this process the old boy who showed me had a tool he made that was about 6 inches wide. It was a piece of wood with a trench through the middle that had bladed that he could move to adjust for size. He made the blades with old hack saw blades that he snapped off to length with plyers and sharpened with a file. (Also a great way to make a carving knife... hack saw blades in a piece of rubber hose cheap and very effective) anyway... he would put one end of his splint on a vise on the bench. Then he would put the device under the splint and push the blades up through the splints and seat the splint in the trench... then he would pull and walk backwards cutting the splints into smaller splints as he wiggled and pulled the blades and the device to the other end. Then once the splints are cut to width you split them and shave them. This makes them easier to work with and also makes them super smooth to touch. If I can help you by describing this better please let me know. I'm soaking some black ash logs right now and planned on making a video shortly.

[@jeantruesdale6491]

@@jasoncarson369 Hello! How long do you have to pound them until they separate?