recommend a hatchet or small axe

[Gaitanson]

Gentlemen (and ladies):

I'm in a quandry over what kind of hatchet is best for rough cutting or shaping a selfbow. I've been using a Cold Steel hatchet that is called the Frontier; I guess it is also a throwing hatchet. It has a 3.5 inch blade and is very nice. Maybe I'm fine where I'm at but I was wondering if anybody has a better idea. I've even seen where people have made an entire bow using just a hatchet. They are much more skilled than this old man. I don't like to use electric tools because the saw dust drives me nuts, but I've enjoyed making my first few bows with more "traditional" (not stone, at least not yet) tools like a homemade draw knife, scraper, bastard file (4 in one) and my hatchet. Any and all advice will be greatly appreciated.

Gaitanson

[Radon]

Hi Gaitanson,

I really like the Gränsfors Bruks Axes (http://www.gransfors.com/htm_eng/index.html) I personally use the wildlife Hatchet. Not specially for Bowbuilding but more as a general tool.
For Bowbuilding the Carpenters Axe might be useful.
All Gränsfors Bruks Axes come razorsharp out of the box and each one is handforged by one blacksmith who marks it with his initials.
I very much like the idea to work with a handcrafted tool.

Greetings
Radon

[DanaM]

I don't use a hatchet but if I did I would use a broad hatchet, I think thats what ya call em,
the kind with only one bevel on the edge, seems like this would help in controlling the wood removal.

[tpoof]

I would look around for an old single bevel axe...
the one I have is from my great grandfather and is well used!
The steel is soft enough to get it very sharp and the single bevel allows great control with wood removal
compared to a ordinary hatchet there is no comparison!

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[snakebow]

I use a broad hachet that I got from my grandfather. It is the best tool I've used for roughing out  a bow yet.

[George Tsoukalas]

I use an old camp axe for roughing out the bow. It's my non motorized bandsaw.  Jawge

[Coo-wah-chobee]

I use an old camp axe for roughing out the bow. It's my non motorized bandsaw.  Jawge

    Yup EXACTLY as Jawge said. Ya can use lots of hachets but fer fine work I prefer what they call a bearded hachet I made. You can really choke up on it and get behind the blade fer controlled work and NOT get yer fingers smashed er cut off ! Here is a pic the bearded is the second smaller hachet. GoodLuck..........bob

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[markinengland]

I like the Gransfors axes. I have four. Yes, I am an axe addict!
I like the carving axe best for bow making. You can get your hand close to the head, the curved head allows chps to be cut across the grain, and the weight seems just right. The steel is very good and keeps a keen edge. If I had to reccomend one for this kind of wood work it would be the carving axe.
I made this bow with the carving axe and a small knife.
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Ash%20axe%20bow/DSCF0002.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Ash%20axe%20bow/DSCF0005.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Ash%20axe%20bow/DSCF0003.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Ash%20axe%20bow/DSCF0001.jpg
The handle and fades area is a little tricky and may need carving with a knife but the wood itself guides you on making the bow with an axe. Reduce the sides, reduce the depth, take off the corners and repeat until you have a bow.
The carpenters axe I have used less. I haven't yet really got in tune with it and the edge is a bit delicate. I think it may be good for fine work on clean grain softwoods though. Might be good for making arrows!
Pics attached of some of my addiction!
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Ash%20axe%20bow/gransfors1.jpg
The wildlife hatchet is a nice personal tool great around the camp and the mini hatchet is just plain cute but I haven't got pics of them.
Mark in England

[Dane]

I too love bearded axes. I have a nice little one, and it was strange getting used to the balance. Once I did, I feel in love.

Dane

[Gaitanson]

I am truly speechless! Just showed my wife all the replies. This is like having a community of like-minded brothers out there. Thanks a million!! And thanks so very much for the pictures. I appreciate the responses more than you can imagine. This has made my day!!

A. Gaitanson