Felling AXE questions Old/New

Operator1975 said:
Here's a question - I notice a lot of guys stay with their axes in the 2 3/4 lbs to says 3 3/4 lb range when it comes to felling and chopping. When I look back through my collection and then also read old catalogs, advertisements, etc - it seems the dominant weight for a felling axe is 4 lbs. why is that? Why the shift to lighter axes these days? Bushcraft? More utility for multiple jobs? Guys just don't like hauling 4 + lbs around? I'm just wondering, seems like an interesting question.
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I think G-Pig has it right. The heavier axes were used in conjunction with a cross-cut saw so only the upper cut of the face was made with the axe. It's the lower cut that requires more precision and could benefit from a lighter axe.
 
I collect vintage axes. It is very modest compared to Operators collection. I only have around 20 Kellys, my favorite axe. The ones that would fall into the classic "American Felling Axe" patterns are all 3 to 4+ pounds. I've dropped a few trees in my day with an axe...But when we make wood for heating on the farm, the chainsaw rules the day. We put up around 10 to 15 cords of wood each year that we sell to help offset the property taxes.

Sadly, other than for clean up, the axe has taken a back seat. But then again, we are trying to produce wood, not practice our axe skills.

Double Ott
 
Just curious - does the Neeman Felling have a beard? Do you mean the heel? Forgive my ignorance.
 
I may be calling it the wrong thing but I thought the beard on an axe is the drop from the handle to the heel.
 
I think we are talking about the same thing. Yes, the heel would be a little longer. Kinda like a Jersey pattern
 
jmh76 said:
Well Im pullin the trigger on an American Feller from John Neeman. I was thinking of having him drop the beard 1/2 to 3/4 inch. Do you think that would be a mistake, as far as performance? http://www.flickr.com/photos/neemantools/6795128804/in/set-72157629481829461
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I think the mistake is in the shape of the cheeks on that axe. A straight line from heel to toe, not convex at all.

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Should stick like glue. Beautiful axe other than that.
 
I use axes most of the summer on wilderness trails and after joining this form I see how come the axes on ebay have gone so high?I would like to buy a jersey for use for me and my crews can you horders stop so I can get some axes to use.If some of you want to do some axe work I could probly sign you up and put your axes to work. Thanks wilderness trails selway?bitterroot d
 
moosecreektrails said:
I use axes most of the summer on wilderness trails and after joining this form I see how come the axes on ebay have gone so high?I would like to buy a jersey for use for me and my crews can you horders stop so I can get some axes to use.If some of you want to do some axe work I could probly sign you up and put your axes to work. Thanks wilderness trails selway?bitterroot d
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yeah, what kind of work do ya' got?
 
my crews work all the trails on the selway bitteroot wilderness out of moose creek RS. And If you dont like that area I know people on the frank church / gosple hump out of Dixie ID.Email me dougkolivefs.fed.us
 
moosecreektrails said:
my crews work all the trails on the selway bitteroot wilderness out of moose creek RS. And If you dont like that area I know people on the frank church / gosple hump out of Dixie ID.Email me dougkolivefs.fed.us
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after tonight, im going to be away from a computer until monday night... i'll be in touch!
im about 1hr 1/2 outside of missoula in the garnets...
 
moosecreektrails said:
my crews work all the trails on the selway bitteroot wilderness out of moose creek RS. And If you dont like that area I know people on the frank church / gosple hump out of Dixie ID.Email me dougkolivefs.fed.us
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Email sent. I may have a jersey for you at a very good price.
 
Square_peg said:
I think the mistake is in the shape of the cheeks on that axe. A straight line from heel to toe, not convex at all.

6795116876_4ecf59da37_b.jpg


Should stick like glue. Beautiful axe other than that.
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D'ya know, that was exactly my thought when I read this suggestion. However, if the OP is having this custom made then he could possibly ask that this is forged with a high centre too??? I expect they are made to order and there is enough lead time to make a few tweaks.
 
I am gonna have him thin it up. More like Grandfors Bruks, and a few other tweeks too. Should be here in couple months or so. I cant wait. Ill post pics.
 
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