Chopping / axe techniques

cooperhill

cooperhill

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Nov 14, 2011
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Wanted to start a discussion on chopping techniques. I guess I'm mostly talking about sectioning / bucking a tree and not felling but that would work as well.

I've been using an axe for trailwork for a few years and have had a chance to modify and improve my technique for efficient chopping.

I usually start standing in front of the log, hardly ever standing on top. I swing with my right hand - fore, middle, front; switch to my left hand & repeat. This diagram from "An Axe to Grind" shows the general technique. Some people use a backhand swing (not changing hands) but I swing with both right and left hands.

fig080.jpg


http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/fspubs/99232823/page17.htm#chop

Eventually, the a chip or sometimes plate pops out. I repeat the process occasionally working to chisel out the sides of the cut, in order to open it up. I've learned that chopping works best at a 45° angle. I've experimented with different angles but this seems to be the most efficient. I've also started trying cutting on one side of the log and then switching over to the other side, similar to block chop. I took a series of photos to demonstrate my technique.

This is the start of a side cut. I stand on the opposite side of the log and chop out, beaver style.



Switching to the other side, and also cutting out the top a bit, eventually it breaks free.



To clear the trail, I had to take the other end out as well. I started my notch on top. You can see this notch is starting to close up so I had to open up one side using the axe like a chisel. I've found axes work best when used to chip out wood not hit the same point over and over again.




Break:



I've varied my technique and am still working on it. Basically trying to cut with as much effectiveness and technique as possible.

I'm new to this forum so I'm not entirely sure this topic is discussed on here but was hoping to get some feedback/discussion going.
 
I've been working on swinging right and left handed recently. I feel like a have a little more power and maneuverability with a left handed swing as opposed to a back handed swing.
 
Cool thread and pics, Cooperhill! What state you in?

I'll have to try to learn to swing left handed. I use the backhanded swing, because I'm horribly inaccurate with my left.
 
@m3mphis I'm in NH. South of the White Mountains. Pic is from trailwork in the Whites.

It took me a few years to get good with the left hand swing. A good technique to learn.
 
Very impressive work. The first photograph looks like 3 trees grown together. I wonder if the convoluted grain made the task that much more difficult?

Switching hands does seem to be more efficient, but certainly a more difficult technique - one that only experience and practice can resolve.

Thanks for opening this topic,
Al
 
I have taught myself both the "backhand" and swinging left handed. Took a while to become efficient left handed but I got there. I usually use the same technique you do.
 
I also use the switch technique, or I guess the 2 hand technique, though I have never thought of it that way. I hit with a bit of a different pattern, though the same 6 marks are still in play. I start on the far side of the log, opposite of where I stand, left side first. Then far right, mid left, mid right, near left, near right. This allows me to take out 3 plates usually, instead of one big plate as pictured. You can sometimes take out 3 plates in the diagram pictured, though to me, usually not. I have just found this way easier and faster for myself, might not work for everyone. I have also found that i tend to bind up less with this method. Like I said, might not be for everyone, though I can usually get a good rythmn going.

For felling, thats a different ball game. I start in the middle with my angle cut, and then one far, and then one near, to set the line. I then make my undercut, or flat cut in the same manner, again to set the line. I then proceed usually 2 angle chops, 2 flat chops, etc, working a nice triangle wedge of wood out. Once I have my hinge where I want it and sized correctly for this particular job, then it is time for the back chop, which can be a little hairy sometimes with getting your axe stuck I have found. To minimize this I make 2 flat chops first, then come with the angle chops to bring her down. If your hinge is the right size, you shouldn't have to spend too long on it. This however will of course depend on the size of the tree.

I have found that techniques will vary wildy on chopping. Is there one best way or sequence? I doubt it. Each guy will have his own. And that is perfectly fine.

Hope this helps.
 
I appreciate the info in this thread. Below is a classic instructional book with related content. It describes five different ways to cut a log. [Fig. 24]

From the "Axe Manual of Peter McLaren, America's Champion Chopper", a book published in the 1930's by the Plumb Company. (It's available online as a downloadable .pdf file.

axe_manual006.jpg

http://scoutmaster.typepad.com/photos/the_axe_manual_of_peter_m/axe_manual006.html

axe_manual007.jpg

http://scoutmaster.typepad.com/photos/the_axe_manual_of_peter_m/axe_manual007.html

axe_manual008.jpg

http://scoutmaster.typepad.com/photos/the_axe_manual_of_peter_m/axe_manual008.jpg

Here's the link to the .pdf file:
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/downloads/pdf/mclarenmanual.pdf
 
Thanks for the link Steve. I'll have to print that out. I think the illustrations in An Axe to Grind are based on those photos.
 
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