What Is It - Chisel ?? + Hand Ax + ugly hatchet

[crash325]

First is a socket chisel. I would disagree that it was only meant to be used by hand. Usually the steel socket was for a chisel that was to be pounded on. Given the size, I would assign it the task of 'clean up' for moritse and tennon joints. Or, put a 3' handle on it to clean the bark off of logs.

Second is a broad axe. The handle of which would originaly be offset (curved) to keep your knuckles away from the timber being shaped. Been there, done that. Snap a chalkline the length of the timber. Chop in every foot to the depth of the chalkline. Use the broad axe (with offset handle) to remove the stock down to the line to square up the timber.

#3 is just an ugly hatchet.

#1 Is a "Slick" and is used to finish smoothing beams. No Hammering as the handle was not designed for that. That (improper use) may be what split the top of the original handle. See the picture of a wooden handled chisel meant to be hammered on.

#2 Not a true axe although most modern names include Axe. It is more of a chisel with an offset handle. Goose wing is the name of a German tool used for the same purpose. It is used for the same job as the "Slick." Some modern names are Carpenter axe, Right Wing, & Finishing Axe. A true Broad axe is sharpened on both sides and most have a curved blade

#3 Everyone got that one right. But it is fun to turn junk into something useful. The wood handle was turned from distressed ( Worm holes, lighting strike) wood on purpose.
:thumbsup::licking:

 

[J_J]

J.J. I read just about everything you post. And you are almost always right. You are close this time and it is used while timber framing.

But this time you got it wrong. Strictly a Hand Tool, not to be hammered on. Somewhat large for most joints.

In rebuttal, here is another one, called Vintage Slick Large Wood Chisel Old Timber Framing Tool.

A slick is used to clean the surface of a hand hewn beam.

Do you know what this is for sure? The same or similar tool is used for a lot of things, and if it looks like it will work, I will use it.

I worked in a large wood shop back through out the 50's. The shop had one huge motor, that drove about 6 belt driven tools. I used something similar. We either used a leather mallet or a light hammer. They made a lot of their tools or refurbished others. I haven't filed a saw in 60 years. I did a lot of jobs in the orphanage, but woodworking was my favorite.

 

[Swamp Yankee]

Nice handle on the broad axe. Its shape follows the grain of the wood, making for a much stronger handle.

 

[bironacad]

In rebuttal, here is another one, called Vintage Slick Large Wood Chisel Old Timber Framing Tool.

A slick is used to clean the surface of a hand hewn beam.

Do you know what this is for sure? The same or similar tool is used for a lot of things, and if it looks like it will work, I will use it.

I worked in a large wood shop back through out the 50's. The shop had one huge motor, that drove about 6 belt driven tools. I used something similar. We either used a leather mallet or a light hammer. They made a lot of their tools or refurbished others. I haven't filed a saw in 60 years. I did a lot of jobs in the orphanage, but woodworking was my favorite.

Yup a two inch mortise chisel for the big joints in timber framing you can buy them at Lee valley.

 

[studor]

I always thought a slick had an angle between blade and handle and was pushed not pounded -- that looks like a mortising chisel to me. Can't tell the dimensions of the second axe and that might make the difference as to what it is called, -- the third is called a fuaxe -- you figure it out -- JMHO

 

[J_J]

Most slicks are off set like this.

I am sticking with framing chisel. You can put different handles on them.

There is a stamp on your chisel, can you read anything on it. or is the name of the chisel stamped on the other side?

Can you take a picture of your chisel sideways?

 

[bironacad]

The Broad Axe has one side flat for facing logs and comes in different sizes see attached. My father use to call that hatchet head style a Swedish Axe, go figure, and I am sticking with the timber framing chisel,

 

[crash325]

A "Slick" can be straight, have a Slight Curve in the blade, offset socket, canted or cranked socket. Were I going buy or acquire another slick, I like the curved blade. As It lets you lever out the shavings a little easier.
I posted a video of a shipwright using a slick, his is straight.

Timber Framer's Slick

Mfg. Description of their Slick
The large paring chisel used by timber framers and shipwrights, a slick is propelled by hand for removing substantial amounts of material, leveling broad surfaces, and fitting joints. Its 1-3/4" diameter ash handle is canted to provide clearance, and terminates with a knob to give a secure grip. The 2-3/8" wide, forged high-carbon steel blade is hardened to Rc57-59 for durability and has a rounded back for strength. Overall length is 27".

Quote from a How to article.
In use, a slick is always pushed; never struck (thus the slender handle). Using a combination of the tool's weight and bracing the handle against the shoulder or upper arm, fine paring cuts are made. Slicks are used mostly by shipwrights and timber framers.


The tool is 39" in length and has a 3 1/2" wide cutting edge of excellent laminated steel which will become scary sharp with little effort. It operates just like a big chisel except that you don't hit it with a mallet, you slide it along and allow it's weight, inertia and sharpness to remove the wood in thin ribbons.

"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia !"

 

[texasjohn]

I'm just impressed with the workmanship on the handles...good job!!!

 

[J_J]

Maybe some of you wood workers can appreciate some of the labor this video shows how it was done and is still done in some places.

YouTube - Cleaning Mortices