Archaeologists have unearthed some of the oldest hand axes on Earth over the last few decades. These ancient tools, discovered on the African continent, date to 1.75 million years ago. We’re still using this hand tool, therefore, it’s needless to say, the axe is the oldest hand tool known to mankind!
Today, axes are mainly used as tools and form three primary groups: forest axes, cutting axes and log-building axes. There are also certain common types, such as the ice pick used for mountain climbing, the cleaver used in kitchens or the fireman’s fire axe.
Whatever you use an axe for, the key is to use the right axe for the job. Here are the types of axes woodworkers should keep in their kit.
Cutting/Splitting Axes
Cutting axes, as the name suggests, are made to cut wood, prune trees and trim branches. This kind of axe has a heavy and large head that is forged and ground into a concave shape with a thinner edge. The axes are made to cut along the grain of the wood fibres.
The concave shape of such axes ensures the edge goes through the wood easily and swiftly to split it effectively. The Tata Agrico axe is useful for splitting wood. They are strong and sturdy with a tampered cutting edge to ensure better cutting efficiency. The axe is made from high-carbon steel, which guarantees durability.
Forest Axes
Forest axes are used in forests for everything from limbing small logs to felling large trees. The distinctive feature of such an axe is a rounded, long edge with a flat elongated axe head. They are specifically designed to cut across the wood fibre grain.
Trade Axes
Trade axes have their origins in the European continent but it didn’t take long for the design to spread all across the world. This kind of axe is smaller than others and they can be easily carried around. They are used for a myriad of jobs, from hunting to domestic work.
Carpentry Axe
As the name suggests, the carpenter’s axe is a tool designed for precise woodworking. This is an important tool in the woodworker’s kit. These axes are small and are also used in traditional log-building and joinery. They have distinct fingers notches and beards for a “choked” grip that helps with control. The carpenter’s axe is not ideal for chopping wood or felling a tree, but it’s useful for more detailed and precise cutting work. If you are making furniture from raw wood, you need a carpenter’s axe.
Build your woodwork kit with the right tools. In the meantime, you can explore axes on Tata Agrico.
