broadaxes

A broadaxe is a woodworking tool used for rough shaping of timbers. It is characterized by a wide, flat blade set at a right angle to the handle. This design allows the user to hew large timbers, such as those used in log cabin construction or shipbuilding, by taking off substantial chips of wood.

The broadaxe differs from a felling axe, which is designed for cutting down trees. A felling axe has a thinner blade that is tapered on both sides, allowing it to bite deeper into the wood and sever fibers more efficiently. The broadaxe's wide blade is intended for slicing along the grain of the wood, effectively removing material to create flat surfaces.

Historically, broadaxes were crucial for producing squared timbers from round logs. Craftsmen would use them to flatten logs on four sides, creating timbers that could then be joined together. The technique of hewing with a broadaxe requires skill and precision, as the user guides the tool with long, sweeping strokes.

Modern broadaxes are still used in traditional timber framing, historical reenactment, and by some furniture makers who prefer the aesthetic and feel of hand-hewn wood. While power tools have largely replaced broadaxes for large-scale timber production, the tool remains a testament to efficient, early woodworking technology. The handle is typically long to provide leverage and control.