"Making" hewing stump, hacking stock or chopping block

[magick.crow]

"You will also want a large hewing stump (also called a hacking stock or chopping block). Mine are about 20″ diameter or more, and about 24″ high. "

So I am "making" this for my ax carving and bow work, perhaps some spoon making or whatever.

What wood should I use?

How should I dry it? It will be green.

How tall and wide to you like it? I am about 6 foot but my wife might use it as well. Should we have two?

Should I go with the end grain or make a cross gain one on legs known as a pig?

Would love to hear any alternative ideas as well.


I live in Germany so local wood is best but I am open to hearing what is used in other places.

Thanks.

Douglas E Knapp

[Danzn Bar]

Good Question.....I'm interested in the answers also....
DBar

[AndrewS]

Very good wood for that is "Hainbuche" also called white beech. "Hainbuche" is similar to Hophornbeam.
It is a dense and hard wood.


 

[Chief RID]

I made a black locust pig I used for 20 years. I just had a very big log that I split for staves and I did not want anymore and this side was knotty anyway. It was 25inches wide and 5 ft long. Put 4 legs of the same wood. It stood there for 20 years. I don't remember what I did with it or why. About 22 inches high and it worked for me. I did not know it had a name. I often thought about planning flat the top or at least a part, I never did.

[AndrewS]

yeah, black locust or in germany "Robinie" is also a good choice ...

[magick.crow]

Thanks for that. What do you use in the USA?