Axe Abuse !

[Dusty One]

Took down an old Poplar tree in an area where I couldn't get a stump grinder in. So spent a good bit of time and energy digging it out.
Great workout.. Dug out my old beat up single bit and shovel went to work. Here are a couple shots. Glad its done

 

[Ziggy99]

:thumbup:

 

[lucas teixeira]

hard work! congratulations!
There is a specific tool for this, very effective! "Chibanca" in Brazil, around 4-5lb.

 

[TimmyJ]

hard work! congratulations!
There is a specific tool for this, very effective! "Chibanca" in Brazil, around 4-5lb.

Or the "Pulaski" here in the U.S. A great outdoor tool.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Cutter mattocks like that Tramontina are certainly the best tool for the job. Having a sharpened digging bar can be helpful as well.

 

[Square_peg]

Good job. At least your soil isn't too rocky. Hopefully your axe is still OK - maybe just need a little sharpening.

I do like an axe mattock (cutter mattock) for that work. It's nice to have sharp bits 90° opposed. Sometimes you need to chop a root this way - some times you need to chop a root that way.

I can appreciate the effort that goes into doing that. I spent too many summers as a youth digging out elm stumps. I still have nightmares.

 

[300Six]

Good for you. Guaranteed you slept well after that workout. After being introduced to Pulaski axes many years ago I gave up using regular choppers on roots and stumps. Cutter mattock is downright handy for doing that sort of thing but they are crude compared to working with a Pulaski.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Cutter mattock is downright handy for doing that sort of thing but they are crude compared to working with a Pulaski.

I personally find cutter mattocks better for dedicated root work because the "axe" bit is designed in a manner better suited to repeated contact with dirt. I think there's just as much finesse in using digging tools as with any other cutting implement.

 

[Dusty One]

The Axe is an old unmarked one that has been used before for odd jobs. Still in great shape. Will have to pick up a mattock or pulaski to have on hand but will keep the old single bit close by.

 

[The Gopher]

hard work indeed, but the feeling you get when that big stump pops free is the best!

 

[Dusty One]

This one was one of the worst I have taken out over the years. And being 66 now I was super happy when it finally popped before I did.

 

[markv]

that's the way it was done in the old days.
you got yourself a nice wad of root burl out of the deal!
thanks for posting,
buzz