Axe rules you routinely break

M3mphis

M3mphis

Joined
Jan 13, 2011
Messages
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Just curious about this, and I don't intend to be flippant or disrespectful to anyone. Purely for entertainment purposes. That being said, there are some "rules" that are really important (ie clearing an area around of people and obstacles when using an axe), but there are other "rules" that are more like "trends." Please don't take any of this as advice. No matter what disclaimer I attach, I'm sure someone will take exception to this.

Enough of that...

What axe "rules" do you routinely break?

The first two that come to mind for me are:

1. Always wear gloves when working on an axe bit. I almost never do.
2. Always kneel when chopping with an axe shorter than full size.
 
Regarding the second one, you can drop from the knees to prevent the axe from breaking the horizontal plane.

I never wear gloves while chopping either.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
Regarding the second one, you can drop from the knees to prevent the axe from breaking the horizontal plane.
Click to expand...

Yep, you can also move the work up. Like chop on a big stump or log. I do that a lot. Limbing for instance is one of those times where I break the horizontal plan repeatedly. Usually chopping on the opposite side of the trunk though.
 
For me its mostly with storage or leaning axe against something. In my shop I'm not worred because I am the only one allowed in there alone (only I have a key), also I never wear gloves when working with or on an axe. Except for maybe latex gloves if I want to stay clean.


-Xander
 
Lots of rules using an axe on forest service land (at least in the White Mountain National Forest). Gloves are actually a no no when chopping for us. I'm not sure I dip down often enough when swinging. Usually the logs are really big anyway.

I almost never wear gloves when working on axes (except using a wire wheel or other power tool). I have the cuts to prove it.

I don't use vinegar to remove rust. If I do so, it;s a quick bath. I hate that it's always given as the first option to restoring a rusty axe. I'm glad I've seen the light on the wire wheel.

I like Best Made Co. and their axes. I own the unfinished felling version and it's a great axe.

I own a Gransfors (actually three) but don't rave about them anymore. I'm also a convert to the church of the "high centerline". My latest kick is Maine axes.

I have too many axes. :eek: well, maybe not.
 
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cooperhill said:
Lots of rules using an axe on forest service land (at least in the White Mountain National Forest). Gloves are actually a no no when chopping for us. I'm not sure I dip down often enough when swinging. Usually the logs are really big anyway.

I almost never wear gloves when working on axes (except using a wire wheel or other power tool). I have the cuts to prove it.

I don't use vinegar to remove rust. If I do so, it;s a quick bath. I hate that it's always given as the first option to restoring a rusty axe. I'm glad I've seen the light on the wire wheel.

I like Best Made Co. and their axes. I own the unfinished felling version and it's a great axe.

I own a Gransfors (actually three) but don't rave about them anymore. I've also a convert to the church of the "high centerline". My latest kick is Maine axes.

I have too many axes. :eek: well, maybe not.
Click to expand...

I like it! All of it.
 
The only time I use gloves is when I am moving/stacking a lot of lumber. (Which doesn't happen that often.)

When I am sharpening I am very careful. I've thought about using gloves, but it just messes me up as I can't feel how I'm working the file or stone.

I do wear gloves, hearing protection, and a mask with the wire wheel or angle grinder. Those things get scary fast and I have burned a hole in more than one shirt from the sparks while I was grinding something.
Not as bad as lighting yourself on fire while forging, but the sensation of "Why am I burning?" is always interesting.
(And it isn't a sensation that many women understand, especially when they are doing laundry and find Another shirt that now belongs in the "work shirt" pile.)

Note to self: Wear outdoor work gear when I step into my shop.
 
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Ha ha, I have yet to catch myself on fire, but forging is hopefully in my future so maybe I'll put that on my "bucket list."

Eye protection is a big one for me. I wear safety glasses for a lot of things. I should be better about my hearing...but it already sucks anyway!
 
I never wear gloves while chopping or filing.

I lube my file with WD40 while filing.

I never bend enough at the knees, even when I am making an effort to.

I limb routinely on the same side of the log as me.

I have chopped while actually in a tree.

I have chopped a tree down without doing the basic checks - widow maker, escape path, nothing in my swing path, etc.

I only buy or use American made axes.
 
More often than not, I don't clean my axes after using them.

I only put a little oil on my handles, and some none at all.
 
I once chopped down a tree without wearing gloves, with an axe that had no handle, and I was actually in the tree.

What's up now Mike?


;)
 
Dont sharpen your axe / tomahawk while laying in bed watching TV. Dont fall asleep with your axe / tomahawk in bed.
 
leebrewer said:
Dont sharpen your axe / tomahawk while laying in bed watching TV. Dont fall asleep with your axe / tomahawk in bed.
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if I only had one I might take it to bed too. :D

I have frequently not worn gloves while sharpening and have suffered the consequences - double-bits are the most threatening for that.
I probably don't bend enough at the knees, but do try to do that - a high chopping surface would help IF I could be sure to never miss it...
I'm not great about clearing the area around me, but do take some care with my footing.
 
SamuraiDave said:
I do wear gloves, hearing protection, and a mask with the wire wheel or angle grinder. Those things get scary fast and I have burned a hole in more than one shirt from the sparks while I was grinding something.
Not as bad as lighting yourself on fire while forging, but the sensation of "Why am I burning?" is always interesting.
(And it isn't a sensation that many women understand, especially when they are doing laundry and find Another shirt that now belongs in the "work shirt" pile.)
Click to expand...
According to my son, the frantic drunk monkey dance you do while trying to put yourself out is pretty hilarious too:
cid__downsized950718001243.jpg

Not axe related but i was using an angle grinder to cut an un-annealed farrier's rasp in two.

I did have on eye protection while doing this, but that was about it.
 
rwn2000 said:
Not axe related but i was using an angle grinder to cut an un-annealed farrier's rasp in two.
Click to expand...

Ha, that's awesome! It's also a good way to plow through some cutting discs!! Them things are a "you know what" to cut un-annealed!
 
leebrewer said:
Dont sharpen your axe / tomahawk while laying in bed watching TV. Dont fall asleep with your axe / tomahawk in bed.
Click to expand...

I think I'll continue to NOT break that rule!!! :D I'd be forever banished to the garage.....huh...that doesn't sound too bad ya know.....
 
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