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Green Woodworking - The Benefits of Hewing



wood burning tip

The art of woodworking is not a dying one. Many woodworkers still follow traditional methods, such as cleaving or riving and breaking. Cleaving the wood vertically follows the grain and riving does not break the fibers. This technique uses a traditional hand tool called the froe. However, axes and wedges can also been used. It is important to not waste any materials.

Hewing

Hewing is a traditional woodworking method that has not been lost. It's a technique that involves splitting logs vertically along the grain, but doesn't break the wood's fibers. The traditional hand tools for hewing are a froe or wedges. The hewer is able to measure the timber in the log precisely using the froe as well as the wedges by measuring the ends.


Hewing, or the process of cutting a log into lumber, is a fundamental skill for greenwoodworking. It's an ancient skill that is again gaining popularity with more people going green. Before the advent sawmills, this was the preferred method for timber framing. Even today, it's used to make squaring beams. Even if a house is not being built, the cost of finished lumber may not be prohibitive. Therefore, this skill is well worth learning.

Modern woodworkers depend heavily on machinery and huge infrastructures to produce woodwork items, but the old methods of hewing are not completely lost. Many woodwork began as traditional crafts that made use of the wood's metamorphic properties. Most household needs were produced by woodworkers. While modern woodworkers use industrialized methods, they still need a great deal of knowledge and skills to tame trees. It is possible to help the environment and reap the benefits of working with them in the traditional way.


Cleaving

The origins of green woodworking can be traced back as far as the human relationship to timber. The first steps of green woodworking are cleaving and splitting. They preserve the fibres that run the length the tree, making it strong. Hand tools include a drawknife, pole lathe, and other tools. An adze is also used to rough-shape chair seats.


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The most important characteristic of cleft wood is its strong structure. Cleaving and separating wood is done with a froe. This is a sharp instrument that opens the wood so it can naturally break apart. Cleaving wood from fresh cut is easier and more efficient. To create a variety, woodworkers can experiment with different types of equipment and tools.

Splitting logs is similar to ripping timber, but the process is a little more complicated. A froe is used to cleave logs instead of an axe. It's safer and more efficient. A froe has a blade that is placed on the wood and stuck with the mallet. The handle acts as a lever to increase force and can be used to guide the split in a particular direction. You must start from the end to split a log. Then work your way up.

hewing break

Hewing is the process of turning a log into lumber using an axe. Hewing was the most common method of shaping beams before the advent of sawmills. This technique is still occasionally used for timber framing. People will often save money and pay less for finished lumber by hewing their logs. This ancient practice is sustainable and green. Learn more about the benefits and risks of hewing.


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Wood that is harder requires more work. The saw blade could be too hot if wood is too soft. Choose hard woods such cherry, fruitwoods, and maple. Choose a clean log, free of any defects. Look closely at the bark as well as the end grain. If necessary, you may need to cut it with a knife and wedges. Look for a cool feel when it is cool.

Green woodworking is not for beginners. While unseasoned wood is readily available, you must learn how to care for it and use proper tools for this process. Avoid using figured wood as it is harder to work with. For the best results, choose oak and ring-porous timber. For straightest wood grain, forest-grown trees have fewer knots. This woodworking method is eco-friendly because it preserves natural resources and enhances our quality of life.




FAQ

What kind of tools do carpenters use?

A hammer is the most commonly used tool by carpenters. A hammer can be used to drive nails into wood. This helps to keep pieces together when they are working on a project. Other tools include clamps.


How much will it cost to get started?

Because each project is unique there are no exact numbers. These factors will help you get an estimate of how much money is needed.

  • Material costs
  • Tools and equipment
  • Time spent on the Project
  • Your hourly rate
  • How much profit do you expect to earn
  • It doesn't matter if your goal is to hire help

If you're just starting out, you may decide to start small by making simple items such as boxes and picture frames. You'll become more proficient as you get experience.


How do you know which tools are the best for you?

It is important to consider your needs and preferences when shopping for tools. Do you prefer metal handles or plastic? What size are you most comfortable using for screws and nails? Do you prefer to use hand tools or power tools?


Where do I start with woodworking?

It is best to actually build furniture to learn how to make it. You'll need tools, and you'll have to make mistakes along the way, but if you keep at it, you'll eventually figure out what you're doing.

Choose a project that interests you. You could make something as simple or complex as a box. Or you could build a whole entertainment center. Once you have chosen a project, locate a local woodworker who is skilled in this kind of work. Ask them for their advice about the tools and where they can be found. Perhaps you could ask if there is someone else who does this type of work.


How do I learn basic woodworking skills?

The best way to learn how furniture construction is to make your own bench. This project can be done with any kind of wood that you have at home. If you don't know what kind of wood to use, then go ahead and buy some cheap pine boards from Home Depot or Lowes. After you've built your bench, you'll want to sand off all the rough edges and finish it with a stain or varnish.



Statistics

  • Woodworkers on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10% to be exact, make roughly $24,000 a year, while the top 10% makes $108,000. (zippia.com)
  • In 2014, there were just over 237,000 jobs for all woodworkers, with other wood product manufacturing employing 23 percent; wood kitchen cabinets and countertop manufacturing employing 21 percent. (theartcareerproject.com)
  • If your lumber isn't as dry as you would like when you purchase it (over 22% in Glen Huey's opinion…probably over 10-15% in my opinion), then it's a good idea to let it acclimate to your workshop for a couple of weeks. (woodandshop.com)
  • Most woodworkers agree that lumber moisture needs to be under 10% for building furniture. (woodandshop.com)



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How To

How to make wood joints

This tutorial will help you join two pieces of wooden together. The "pocket hole joint" is a method whereby we drill holes into the wood and glue them together. If your wood has a straight grain, smooth surface, you can use this method. You might consider dowel joinery if your wood isn’t straight or flat. These are the steps

  1. Drill Pocket Hole Joints. To start, measure and mark where you want to put the pocket hole joint. Use a jigsaw or handheld drilling machine to drill 3/8 inch deep holes at the ends of each wood piece.
  2. Sand Smooth. Sanding the edges of the wood will help to prevent the joint from splitting later.
  3. Glue Together Apply glue on both sides of the wooden plank. Let the wood sit for 5 minutes, then clamp it together.
  4. Clamp the Pieces Together. After the glue has dried you can attach the pieces to form a flush joint.
  5. Trim Joinery. Trim the excess wood around the joint after the glue has dried completely.

Allow enough space between pieces so you can turn them inside out.




 



Green Woodworking - The Benefits of Hewing