5-star Arvika single bit axe

I just realized - that scenic trail with real ocean view is named after him. And he didn't clear any of it! Now I know life isn't fair!
 
I finally got a chance to use the axe with the primary polished, and the performance did seem to increase some. However it is hard to judge axe performance changes on a small scale without a direct comparison. However the binding can only improve, in any case, and it doesn't take that long with a sanding disk, plus from a durability standpoint it makes sense anyway. I think I am going to see if I can get a custom maker to even up the grind a little, as doing a nice smooth concave arc with an angle grinder isn't trivial.

Here is a before and after shot :

http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sstamp/images/hults_before_after.jpg

The one on top isn't the axe I ground, however it is the same type.

During the wood cutting yesterday I had the worse glance of this year. The axe broke from a knot badly and smashed hard into a rock which had been covered by moss. The edge was damaged for about an inch on the extreme upper part of the bit. The majority was just impacted for about 1 mm or so, nothing major, however the very tip took a large lateral load because of the irregular shape of the rock. This resulted in a piece about 1/4" wide and 1/8" deep getting blown off. I just ground the tip down a little, as it would take far too much work to move the entire edge back 1/8" .

It is a decent pile of wood, I started another last week as I have moved further up and want to spend more time cutting and less carrying. As for size, we do have some decent sized Oak here, 2-3' is common in town, however none of it is on land that is family owned as it was long since cut down. It is rare to cut down anything over a foot now Those are just branches on wood the likes of which Jimbo knows.

-Cliff
 
Big trees just get boring as they take longer. I'll see if I can put up some pics of a scary one though. Any glance or change in direction that doesn't remove your leg or foot is a good warning on things too. Got lots of big axes here, no extra feet, legs. Let me know if you need another axe - I'll be out most days next week, but I can get one off. For what you are doing and the size of trees an Iltis might be better - and a change of pace.
 
Its only the end of the felling that is the interesting part. On most of the trees I cut down, I can simply direct the fall elsewhere if they go too badly. This tends to develop sloppy technique though, which is why I look for the big trees when can. Pictures would be appreciated, inspiration is a good thing.

Yes, the Hults isn't exactly optimal for these trees. I have beening thinking of an Iltis, much more suitable bit profile. If you have access to the 35" Iltis or similar with a decent alignment, can check them out locally, let me known and I'll send you out a check to cover the costs.

-Cliff
 
I'll have a look around later in the week. With a bunch of schools closing here - we're still busy moving stuff. Pretty iffy to find a good Iltis - but I'll try.
 
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