Hewing facts for kids
In the world of woodworking, hewing is a traditional way to shape a log. It changes a round log into flat pieces of lumber or beams. This is mainly done using an axe.
Hewing is a very old method. Before sawmills existed, it was the main way to make square wooden beams. These beams were used for building structures like timber framing. Even today, some people still hew logs. They might do this if they have logs but no sawmill nearby. Or they might want to save money. For example, people living off the land might hew their own wood. This helps them build without buying expensive lumber.
Contents
What is Hewing?
Hewing means to strike or chop with a tool. When we talk about hewing wood, it means shaping a log. You use a sharp tool, usually an axe, to make the log's sides flat. This process turns a rough log into useful building material.
How Logs are Hewn
Hewing is an old skill. Over time, people developed different ways to do each step. These steps help turn a tree trunk into a strong wooden beam.
Getting the Log Ready
First, a tree is chosen and cut down. This is called felling. The log can be shaped right where it falls. Or it can be moved to a special work area. Sometimes, animals like horses helped move heavy logs.
Workers place the log on two smaller logs. These supports keep it steady. They might cut notches into the support logs. Or they might use a 'timber dog'. A timber dog is a metal bar with teeth. It holds the logs firmly in place.
Next, the hewer carefully measures the log. They decide where the flat beam will be inside the round log. Then, they use a chalk line to mark straight lines. These lines show where to cut.
Making the First Cuts (Scoring)
After marking, the next step is called scoring. This means chopping notches into the log. These cuts are made every foot or two. They go almost as deep as the chalk line.
There are a few ways to score a log:
- One way is for a person to stand on the log. They swing an axe to chop the notches.
- In Germany, two carpenters sometimes worked together. They stood on the ground with the log on supports. They swung their axes downwards to make the cuts.
- Today, some people use a chainsaw to make these notches. Then, they split off the wood between the cuts with a felling axe.
Removing Wood (Joggling)
Once the notches are made, the wood between them is removed. This step is called joggling or juggling. Workers knock off these pieces with an axe. This leaves a rough surface, just a little bit away from the marked line. Scoring and joggling help remove a lot of wood. This makes the final hewing much easier. It also stops long pieces of wood from tearing off.
The Final Shaping (Hewing)
The last step is the actual hewing. This is done using a special tool called a broadaxe. The broadaxe has a wide blade. It is used to make the log's sides smooth and flat. Workers usually hew from the bottom of the log upwards. This helps keep the wood fibers strong and neat.
People often think that an adze was used to flatten the top of logs. An adze is a tool with a blade at a right angle to the handle. But studies of old buildings show different marks. These marks suggest that axes were used more often. Axes were good for the sides of logs. Adzes were often used by shipbuilders. They shaped ship timbers, especially for flat surfaces.
After hewing, the wood can be made even smoother. Tools like a hand plane or a drawknife can be used. The yariganna is an ancient Japanese tool also used for smoothing.
In the 1800s, some buildings in the U.S. used both hewn and sawn timbers. Long timbers were often hewn by hand. It was easier than moving them to a sawmill. Transportation was difficult back then.
Railroad ties made by hand were called axe ties. The people who made them were sometimes called "tiehackers".
Hewing Today: Old Skill, New Style
Hewing is not as common as it once was. But it is still used for special building projects. Hand-hewn beams are very popular today. They are often recycled from old buildings. People use them as beautiful details in new homes. They also add a rustic look to restaurants and shops.
See also
In Spanish: Labrado artesanal para niños
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