Hewing an Oak log with a traditional Lincolnshire side axe

Rob Ley converting an Oak log into a post using a vintage French felling axe and a traditional Lincolnshire pattern side axe. The side axe dates back to the Victorian era and was made by James Howarth of Sheffield. The post will be used in a traditional Lincolnshire Mud and Stud building similar to the one in the background of the video. Thanks for watching, we hope you enjoy the video.

[@mr__sins]

I love the technique... Amazing work.

[@stuartosborne6263]

Great work, thankyou for sharing.

[@ailbyashholt3532]

Thanks Stuart

[@stuartosborne6263]

Ailby Ash Holt about 10 years ago I did a BTCV course at agricultural college, whilst doing come coppicing I was able to fell a silver birch with a 2 man crosscut saw and then hew a square beam out of it. Very satisfying, the beam still sits in my garage.

[@JanColdwater]

I had seen someone use some sort of wood stripping blade that had handles for both hands that you pull towards yourself as you run it along the trunk. Very fast with less effort. Love your home!

[@robertley1822]

J Alien Coldwater That would be a draw knife. Good tools but not really appropriate for using on uneven English oak. The axe is definitely the tool for this job. Thanks for the input.

[@JVSwailesBoudicca]

Blimey Mr. Ley......that Lincs Side Axe looks like it could do you some damage if it hits your shin !
Saw your link on a reTweet your wife did this morning. (I'm L_AQUARELLISTE, origially from Lincoln.)
I shall enjoy watching you on here.

[@johnmutton799]

Dangerous! Looks like a French axe!

[@bigpete1986]

Nice video... is that set up as a right handed or left handed axe? Looks to me like that would be left? I’m just about to hand a brades side axe....

[@ailbyashholt3532]

Hi there, sorry for the slow response! With this log I am mainly using a right handed side axe, I change to my left handed axe for certain areas because the grain direction changes. Thanks for your interest!