A few hewing methods

[@johnmarkconnolly6414]

I had a great uncle who once said that if there had been chainsaws in the late 1800’s, there wouldn’t be a tree standing today. Well done. What a craftsman.

[@offthecouch1999]

There was but they were manual and uses to open the pelvis of women who were having trouble with child birth

[@j.b.4340]

They cut down all of Louisiana’s old growth cypress, without chainsaws. It makes you weep.

[@1959Berre]

I once met a man with a chainsaw in the desert. Asked him what the chainsaw was for. "Cutting trees", he answered. "But there are no trees here", I said. "Not any more", he replied.

[@headhunter7049]

They wouldn't have had any gas to put in them.

[@JamesCaldwelll]

Well they didn't have TV and cell phones and poor most people were poor and had to work their butts off back then and most family's raised a lot of their food also it was work daylight to dark

[@overratedprogrammer]

This makes me appreciate all the old houses built from hand hewn logs. So much work put in back then

[@theineffablehomestead3378]

LOL, the quote at the beginning was priceless. Thanks for the video showing some hewing techniques, great knowledge share.

[@theineffablehomestead3378]

One helpful critique on this video, since so much is fast speed, there is no nature sounds and tool use sounds which usually fill your videos, the music volume was a bit low, so it turned out a pretty quiet video. Next time around maybe up the music a little bit.

[@MrChickadee]

Thanks for the tip, we don't like music normally but the timelaps has no sound, we'll do louder music in the future.

[@theineffablehomestead3378]

Mr. Chickadee I completely understand, the sounds of nature and your tools working is much better music. At least to my ears. The volume doesn't need to be too much louder, just a smidgen more next time. So it is soft and non invasive but still there. As this video was, it took me a while to even notice the music and turn up my computer volume to hear it.

[@jeepman1961]

The music was a good addition due to the time lapse. But I agree that the tools, and nature are the best music. When I go camping , some can't understand..... no radio.

[@larsfrandsen2501]

Prefer your videos without music. My two cents. Your videos are among the very best of its kind. Thank you!

[@John-op4so]

Your videos are therapeutic, it's nice to take a break from all crap going on in the world.

[@joebootstrap2389]

I got a chance to take a week long seminar under Charles McRaven on how to hew a log cabin. Fascinating, enjoyable, and such a great person. He claimed (unconfirmed story) that back in the day a guy could hew approximately 11 logs a day, average 9. We did one log in three hours and it smoked the six of us. Charles McRaven owned a company that professionally restored and built over 400 log cabins (mostly traditional) and authored several books on cabin building, blacksmithing, and stone masonry. Love your work, motivation, and dedication, keep it up and Semper Fi.

[@battmann678]

Nothing like having a good, competent, and supportive partner.

[@MrChickadee]

I'm truly blessed!

[@christiantupa]

That was the best demonstration of hewing I have ever seen! I’ll never judge someone else’s technique that’s different than what I first learned again!

[@arkansas1313]

This is an awesome environmental area for working. In 1965 I cut stave bolts and now I know it was one of the best jobs I ever had. I love watching this, bringing back great memories and relaxed times. I love seeing your finished products, they're super nice! You have a great quality workmanship and nice team work with your wife...no gym membership required! Please keep making the videos and I'll keep watching! ....13

[@Redthumb45]

That is a precious helper you have. Worth her weight in gold.

[@grintz77]

Relief cuts and kerfs with axe and crosscut saw. Radical. You have a fine lady to work opposite of -- she surely brings out the best craftsmanship in you.

[@juanrivero8]

Enjpyed the different methods. After trying a few, set on sawing out the jogs and leveling with an adze or axe. But there are many paths to a square log. Well done.

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you!

[@boblangill4676]

Reminds me of the saying, "When boats were made of wood and men made of iron".

[@Rubbernecker]

I never knew I wanted to hand hew a log until I started watching your channel!

[@guitarworks2546]

OMG...a motorized vehicle in the background.....oh well, my illusions have been shattered,,i thought you ventured deep into the forest on a couple of pack mules...lol...but then again....one fails to consider the technology of what likely is a Go-pro mixed in with all that "traditional old school" workmanship.....a mysterious paradox at work to be sure....great work as usual!!!!!

[@wgoconnor33]

This is a comment about a past video , I'm am an admirer of W.B. Yeats in one of his poems "The Lake Isle of Innisfree" there is aline "and a small cabin build there , of clay and wattle made" caused me to wonder what was a wattle. After finding out I had to cut down a willow bush and saved the branches( rerooting several for my yard) and built a small woven fence around my garden and always enjoyed telling people it was a wattle. After seeing your video on the workshop walls I was struck that this is poetry come to life , it was awesome.

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you so much, Id love to see your willow wattle work!

[@TombstoneHeart]

The building method of "wattle and daub" came to Australia with the early English settlers and they found that several of the over 900 species of Acacia found here were the best local supply of material for wattle and daub buildings. It must have been used a lot - so much so that we now refer to a lot of acacia trees as wattle trees. The Golden Wattle is our floral emblem and the green and gold colours of the trees in bloom are the basis for our national sporting teams colours. Just a bit of trivia that's best ignored! lol ubobohoboflowers.blogspot.com/2011/05/wattle-is-floral-emblem-of-australia.html

[@samiam7]

Another incredible video. You're living my dream. Thanks for sharing your story

[@NICEFINENEWROBOT]

You dream of chopping wood? Come over, I got something for you... ?8^)

[@738polarbear]

You know ,He never seems hurried or rushed but he gets a tremendous AMOUNT of work done.Slow and steady plodding wins the race and has less chance of mistakes. In fact I cannot remember seeing him make a mistake.

[@VernAfterReading]

Yeah, a new Mr. Chickadee! Great stuff as always. Hypnotic watching you work, and something so beautiful about those sharp chisels and tools.

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you, I love old tools, and keeping them sharp and in use!

[@paulmcdonald2742]

Great quote! Good old Roy Underhill. I love his 2006-2007 episode "The Spirit of Woodworking", and all the rest. Subscribed! Thanks for posting great videos.

[@timothyoliver4576]

Dude... You're a certifiable badass. Plain and simple. Thanks so much for the informative vids!

[@MrChickadee]

I appreciate that!

[@eddiemcvicker8270]

OSHA, would want you to be in a full suit of Armor, like a knight of old. LOL As always, great job. Thanks for letting us know how it is done.

[@robertbradley6946]

HAHA so true. You would have to have an axe safety meeting every morning at 8:30 am.

[@David-yh5po]

One hell of a wood worker. My hat of to you . Thanks for sharing this video with us.

[@davidmicheletti6292]

There is nothing like the sound of a really sharp tool cutting into wood.

[@michaelowen1750]

Roy Underhill is a fine man.. I met him many years ago when he worked for Colonial Williamsburg...He would be proud to know you mention him in your work..

[@jessesnowden]

as always, seamless job and great work. ive seen your videos circulated around a few woodworking sites and all the old timers agree that you are doing it right brother. you're a lucky man to have such a helpful and capable lady with you as well! thank you for sharing what you have, looking forward to seeing what you have next :-)

[@MrChickadee]

Wow Im honored to hear that, lots of folks think their way or the way they read about is all there is, we just wanted people to know they have many options.

[@stephenburns3678]

Thank you

[@dalyjolly5891]

Thanks for showing different methods. Looking to try these out in the coming weeks.

[@12cunow]

Great Video - something awesome about hand working timber ... also awesome ... having a wife at the other end of the saw.

[@ricksfarmart6150]

I loved this demonstration! I have the Loosie Goosie Ax that is offset, curved handle. Being flat on one side and curved handle I suspected it was an finishing tool, but never seen it demonstrated. Thank you so much!!!!

[@ejfurniture]

I love work, I can watch it all day. Excellent video!

[@MrChickadee]

Thanks!

[@Tugmun11]

I'm really enjoying your channel the shop build was just the best from all aspects. And I must say I'm really lookin forward to the Cabin build. I think I have watched every video you've done and lookin forward to more. Thank you for sharing...

[@MrChickadee]

We are happy you have enjoyed, thanks for watching

[@tammymcclimans4774]

great work, you two are amazing! superb work ethic!

[@barrylitchfield250]

You're one heck of a craftsman, and you're videos are excellent. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@tomthomas1458]

CONGRATULATIONS! As good a video as I have seen on log preparation. Thank you for your time and effort on it's production.

[@Ruger41mag]

Nice job. Thanks for sharing a couple different methods of hewing. Sharp tools sure do make the work go smoother ......

[@MrChickadee]

Thanks. Yep most bad experiences are due to improper set up or sharpness, its rarely the poor tools fault!

[@Ruger41mag]

+Mr. Chickadee Amen to that. s/f

[@dwolfe2907]

I hewed my first 5x5 beam , and damn was it difficult. I tried using just the axe - but I just couldn't do it fast enough. So I used my chain saw, to saw to the line , all 4 sides. and I chop it out with the axe, and level with my broad axe. and Hand plane to a smooth finish. Works for me - but I'm still experimenting. Overall, i'm loving it - I think about it allll the time haha :D

[@archi-dr5te]

I have only ever 'known' Lucy goosey - amazing to see other methods - mind blown!

[@griffinmcknight5211]

I'm a really big fan of your timelapse style videos allowing for us to see all of your work! Your other videos are amazing videography, but for the sake of seeing the full work, I prefer this style over the highlights. Just sharing my opinon :) love the videos, you do some awesome work.

[@TheGreasemonkey76]

Great videos, awesome craftsmanship. truly inspiring. about every 20 seconds I'd talk myself into AND out of trying this myself.

[@MrChickadee]

Give it a go, you'll be hooked!

[@ObsidianSeduction]

Wow! This is inspiring. This may be my only option. Can't afford to buy timbers but this gives me hope 😂

[@aleldon9085]

I have to say this - now days mostly used chain saw. Rarely who works by hand. I am proud of you. I do not blame chain saw users. I just love to watch hand users.... No offence to any one... Peace be would you!

[@keegancb84]

Ya know, Al had probably the most pleasant comment I've read on KZbin in weeks, and Never gunnatell has to go ruin it with his shit smelling self.

[@dondicey6528]

I also will move the log (12:29 ish) and "cant it" to the proper angle for my swing. I've not seen this too often as most folks will keep the hewing surface parallel to the ground or 90 degree if standing on the log. . I also find it much more comfortable and efficient to set it up for my swing angle. I'm short (5'7") so my "power" swing is certainly different from yours but I do pretty well with the proper angle. My old True Temper double bit is my go-to for this. Thank you for sharing!

[@matthewmarting3623]

So many comments I want to make. Have you ever tried doing the saw pit method? Saw pits look miserable but are apparently very efficient if my remember my reading correctly. What do you use the chunks of wood for? Shingles, stools, pegs? And lastly, well done! I've done the rustic woodworking thing (nothing even close to your scale or precision) and decided I'm more of a metalworking type. I don't go in for woodworking stuff much these days, but your persistence, precision and the rawness of how you go about your craft make it so compelling to watch.

[@MrChickadee]

Not tried it yet, its on the list, hewing waste makes good firewood and mulch.

[@GalagnoX]

Even with timelapse, I can say : what a long and hard task ! Great job as usual! Very interesting, nice and pleasant film like all your channel's videos. I'm hurry to see the final result.

[@MrChickadee]

Its enjoyable work, just better in the fall or winter haha

[@martinriley106]

This looks like the most energy efficient method!

[@blueoval250]

Not many have the patience, determination or work ethic for this, even less have the skills. Excellent work.

[@TheindefatigableGovernor]

My back hurt after watching that.

[@michaelowen1750]

I grew up in Williamsburg, and got to meet and spend quite a bit of time with Mr Underhill back then, was a good way to grow up...

[@maxr4855]

Very old and squandered metod but this is historical trufh abaut technologie of past. Great skills . Goodluck . From Warsaw Poland

[@Carlg26]

Another great example of a true wood worker. You might not think you are .. but the proof is in the pudding .. and you have lots of pudding. :)

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@kevinaustin6971]

you are truly an artist, teacher and master craftsman, always love your videos

[@firstgeer]

I commend you for keeping these skills alive.

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you!

[@gumboot65]

Thanks for this . Great Video !!! I just bought a big Flint Edge broad axe that I will need to haft and profile and hone. I have a bunch of white spruce logs . My hope is to get proficient at hewing to make beams and timbers for my home.

[@wgoconnor33]

I very much appreciated your quote from Roy Underhill I've watched him for years and have always been impressed by his dedication to the art of woodworking

[@MrChickadee]

He started me down this road when i was a wee lad...

[@tolbaszy8067]

Lovely camera work! It seems to be too much tree for that beam! I use a bark spud to peel logs before hewing, gets the dirt off and makes marking easier.

[@MrChickadee]

I can see why you might think so, if it was anything but a sill I would use a smaller log, even leave some wane on, but as a sill, sapwood is asking for trouble, only heartwood from white oaks is rot/insect resistant, takes a pretty good log to get that...

[@hluthvik]

Very cool video, thanks for showing different methods!

[@LyleMyers]

You have the 'good things come to those that wait' channel. You're videos are thoroughly enjoyable, and I appreciate that you're not trying to pump one out everyday or two. Quality over quantity! Cheers!!

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you for understanding!

[@barrylitchfield250]

Excellent job of keeping the background music in the background! Thanks for that..

[@hjazkiz]

I wish I had 1/100 of your talent and stamina. Thanks for sharing.

[@quinn860]

Amazing work, never realized how much work went into this, i know why they invented sawmills

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

I love the first quote, especially considering your baseball swing hewing technique that you seem to favor.

[@andrewakrause]

Roy Underhill is a national treasure. I have met him, and he's just a great guy.

[@mcchupka9718]

You make it look so easy… hopefully I can get it right on my first try.😊

[@mecedes4000]

Another wonderful presentation, absolutely well done. This skill is invaluable, I am paying attention. My hats off to you again

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you!

[@gokhanekici4235]

thanks Mr master chickadee you are really best master about wood work I respect you

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you, but I am only a student, the tools and the wood are my teachers! ;) Glad you enjoyed!

[@gokhanekici4235]

+Mr. Chickadee The real masters are always humble. You and Jimmy Dresta is my favorite master about wood. thanks too for sharing with us. It must be of a greater number of subscribers. I hope that over time increases. Hello from Turkey hugs

[@timhyatt9185]

have you ever seen a copy of Museum of Early American Tools by Eric Sloan and the companion volumes he wrote (A Reverence for Wood, and Diary of an Early American Boy) I have them and every time I watch your videos, i'm reminded of them.. :) I once watched a japanese carpenter hewing a timber....they do it BAREFOOT, standing ON the log, and with the adze work, cutting under their toes!! Seemed insane to me at the time, but he told us it was how generations of them had been taught....I think there's a video for it somewhere.....

[@bigunone]

Looks like a job for late fall or early spring when the weather is cool!

[@pauloflynn3365]

And you get some tidy firewood. :) Pleasure to watch and learn.

[@pauljohnson2372]

Chesnutt oak/mountain oak is super nice to work with. Hats off to you sir

[@w4ame]

Just found your channel from Zack of all trades. Subscribed!

[@alexhellier4459]

Great video dude. The finished product looks awesome!

[@washietatonka]

Did you make that chalk line or buy it. If you made it could you please do a tutorial. You are a true master in these modern times.

[@MrChickadee]

I bought it on ebay, its a japanese ink line, not a chalk line.

[@lauriewilson2072]

I love it!! Keep doing what you’re doing my friend!!! I think you’re Awesome!

[@stevenedwards4470]

Best chalk line ever. I didn't know they made a purpose built tool for that, that far back.

[@sinatralerby7545]

Hey Mr.Chickadee im a teenager and watching these video's wants me to get into hewing and timberframing sadly no good sized tree's out here keep up the vids.

[@eliasluizpedronmoschen7123]

If there are no good trees, plant them. If someone had done this before you, you would be able to Work 😁

[@FBOConcrete]

Great video I'm just learning about hewing, but you were very clean and efficient. Quote in the beginning can work on just about anything 👍

[@adamthethird4753]

I like this video. Gets your work done and demonstrates different things at the same time. Which method do you prefer?

[@donodc]

Great work! for my ink line i use a dart (without the feathers of course) it's hardened steel and has a knurled grip to boot.

[@MrChickadee]

Nice, I used a sharpened nail cut off and a scrap piece of wood.

[@luketdrifter2100]

Thanks for this video. I'm really enjoying your channel.

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you

[@crappo8459]

Your a very patient and talented man thanks for sharing 😎

[@ohasis8331]

It's kind of crazy that hard work can actually be fun.

[@h2o270]

I have done a fair amount of hewing and I have to say this the best how to video on KZbin! I use a broad axe but would like to try the lipped adze. I like the finish it makes.

[@MrChickadee]

Thank you so much Ron! Im partial to the felling axe for all, clean with a lipped adze if needed, if gives a lovely finish, that side was def the best even with a fair test.

[@henrimilo1]

Great videos, thank you. How long do you need to let log dry before hewing?

[@Rhmcmlxii2]

Mad respect brother, ive done this and it is a workout!

[@markduncan6690]

This guy is a genius! Watch and learn!

[@markharris5771]

Besides Mr Chickadee's great skill with wood, he is excellent at pacing himself so he can undertake these massive jobs on his own.

[@Tooffyck]

Incredible work and very inspiring for me ! I'm wondering, are you also making lumber / boards out of a log ? I haven't found anyone doing that properly only with handtools. As it seems you're doing everything from scratch for your house, I was wondering where your boards where coming from. Keep up your amazing work and thank you for sharing. Cheers from France ;)

[@brandonjackson1434]

I picked up an old broad axe with a nice handle today,I saw a few old hand saws I would really like to go back for

[@amer0701]

You got some stamina! Kudos!!

[@MrChickadee]

Thanks!

[@juliuscaesarkammel5752]

Gracias por el video. vi a mi padre hacer el mismo trabajo pero sólo con un hacha alemana marca Casco. creo que era el año 1987. hizo dos piezas de 12x8 para construir una carreta de un eje,en madera de Nothofagus dombeyi (Coihue). El siempre será mi héroe. y ustedes me ayudan a mantener su recuerdo. Gracias. Fuerza. sigan adelante.

[@MrChickadee]

Tu padre fue un gran hombre, nosotros honramos su memoria. Gracias por los buenos deseos. Saludos!

[@IgotHeliFever]

Wow ! You Sir are an Artisan with Axe and Adze be it Single bit,Double or Broad those Timbers look like they were cut at a Timber Mill & I guess they were-Timber's were cut & hewed to a finish in Mr. Chickadee's backyard Timber Mill & Lumber Yard. : )

[@Hp2G1]

Great video summarizing well the different methods. I just bough a broad axe, so I will experiment. :-) Thanks!

[@MikeCreuzer]

I really like that last version with the saw. So clean! I have some 32 inch logs I need to saw on my 22 inch portable band saw mill. Been mulling over splitting the logs, canting them square with a chainsaw, hewing them. I think using a chainsaw and an axe to get a cant just small enough to fit on my mill is the right idea. I do have an old hewing axe head which needs a handle, as well as a couple of other axe heads. One of these days I will get far enough in skills to make some handles for these handles and try this properly.

[@MrChickadee]

You can whack off two sides to get them on the mill pretty quick with a chainsaw and axe.

[@MikeCreuzer]

@@MrChickadee yep. That was what I was thinking after seeing your video. You took care of it so fast. I've been dreading these two logs all summer, now I am looking forward to them.

[@newtongaman]

Thanks!!! Question: How wet should the wood be for the best hewing?

[@MrChickadee]

Hew it the day you cut it or as soon after as possible!

[@echooutdoors2149]

@@MrChickadee ah that would've helped me last week🤣! I'm Hewing a perfectly seasoned white oak log and every swing I take at it, it swings back at me 3x harder! My tendons ache and my blisters pop but the log WILL be hewed 😂

[@JasonMichaelKotarski]

Rare is the man who asks "Would you like me to show you how to hew a log for timber?" Well done brother, I'm currently fond of the handy helper husquvarna technique at the moment

[@mikebeacom4883]

Jason Michael Kotarski ii

[@tylerjenkins91]

2 years of kindling on the ground there after that!

[@wellbbq]

I like the method using he cross saw.... great video

[@rickgreen9936]

To think, there was a time when this was the norm to building. We look upon these timber frames and log buildings with envy, built 200-500 years ago, the work, craftsmanship, knowledge. Doing this today is keeping the spirit of the values and ethics of a time when quality was measured much differently then today. I wonder if the the mass production houses now being built (USA) will be looked upon in 200 years with the same admiration? ...progress?...I think not.

[@MrChickadee]

Id think not, modern houses are built to last 20 years, no really, thats how they are designed...

[@rickgreen9936]

Jay, thank you for the reply and the interesting information. One can only hope that a quality renaissance will happen with builders/developers. In addition bureaucrats will realize their double standards of allowing throw away housing while preaching, and mandating, lower carbon footprints. Also I hope the upcoming timberwrights will still have good raw material to work with &/or learn to work timber with growth rings 1/2" apart. (gmo round up ready trees). I tip my hat to you, Joshua and the other timberwrights of today and tomorrow. Your craft..art...is much appreciated.

[@gabrielsteel35]

Great video mate. Id actually been meaning to ask you to do a video on hewing, I know you have done one before but the extra info is very helpful. I really want to learn how mark up joinery on these large beams, do you use the same lines you mark for the hewing to mark your joinery from? I have found this stuff incredibly hard to find information on, which is why I am very grateful for your videos. Can you point me in the direction of good resources for this kind of wood working. I'm planning on building my family home using some of these techniques .

[@MrChickadee]

Ive progressed to using "Line rule" layout exclusively now, I find it the easiest, fastest, and most accurate method Ive tried. I roughly level each timber perpendicular to its length, mark the average middle point of each end, then use a level to "cross" each ends middle marks, I then snap lines from each end mid point to mid point on each of the four faces. All layout for joints is done measured from these center lines, never from the timbers edges. You can see the process in our videos here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gn6zl62Fi9Knp9E

[@stephendaniel168]

Really liked that. Nice work.

[@MrChickadee]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@WELSBYROOTS]

Nice job! I learned alot, thanks for sharing!

[@jeffreyarmstrong2800]

Thank you for all the wonderful videos. I'm starting to collect tools to try a smaller project you inspired! Will you do a video on you wonderful chalk box? I want to make one of those!!!! Thank y'all again. Jeff

[@MrChickadee]

You're welcome. its a japanese ink line from Ebay.