Treasures......................

S

se3388

Joined
Jul 2, 2013
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Here are some of items I got from my Dad years ago, the first two items are (I believe) used for cutting shingles, not sure what they are actually called. I guess they were hand forged as you can see where they were folded over and forged together, not sure how old they are.

Second is some kind of axe which I know nothing about, it is flat on one side and appears to be hand forged. Can anyone tell me what it is called and used for?

The hatchet is from Philadelphia Tool Co.(name is printed versus cursive as I think most are). I read somewhere that Fayette R Plumb bought the Philadelphia Tool Co out is 1889 and that ones like mine without a bevel on the nail notch are early ones. I read this on the net and can't verify any of it.

Feel free to set me straight on any info that is not right.







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You have two froes, a side axe or broadaxe and a shingling or lath hatchet, all together a nice collection you could build your own cabin with. Since they all come in a single bindle the way you show and tell it you may be right that the froes were used to rive shingles but in fact they are very handy for many things not only shingling work. Once you have your shingles roughed out you can trim them further with the hatchet and nail them up. Then moving on to your interior work you can split out lathing, also using the froe, trim them again with the hatchet nail them onto your studs with about half an inch space in-between and then plaster with either a clay, sand, chopped straw and manure mix or if you want to go deluxe, lime plaster. You have got your Dad to thank for keeping you busy now.

E.DB.
 
Wow, thanks for all that info. Why was the side axe made like that (flat on one side), easier to make or for a particular purpose? The back or edge of the second froe has hammer marks where it appears to have been driven through something (probably wood).
 
The broad/side axe is for hewing timbers square. THe flat side goes against the work. The froes were used for riving clapboards or shingles out of logs. You would tap away and twist one way or the other to get long splits. (subject to correction by brighter bulbs).
 
Thanks, I knew next to nothing when I started looking for information on these. Can anyone shed light on the hatchet?
 
Let me see if I can find some visual aid... Ok, here's a little something, incorrect spelling notwithstanding, it is in fact red cedar. For a lot of riving a riving break is handy. Here the condition is all improvisation though.

http://vimeo.com/57858072

If your froe has been damaged through someone, in ignorance, hitting it on the back with a steel hammer instead of something softer, that's a good indication not to do that.

E.DB.
 
Thanks, that is interesting. I would hate to have to do enough shingles for a roof like that, but in the old days that was all you knew.
 
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