So, I'm looking to buy an axe...

[Toxic_Avenger]

:whistling::whistling::whistling:

Mainly for use clearing trails, and camp duties. I don't have a fire at home, so it will live in the vehicle.

I didn't know axes were so involved.

Before I came to this realilsation, I toddled down to bunnings and looked at the axe display. Everything was present, from the $10 hatchet, to the $100+ swedish jobs with fibreglass handles and anti-friction coatings on their space age blades.

"Blimey!" I thought...
The sales guy also had no idea.

The cheapies were too small, and of very questionable quality (not sharp, daggy cast material, dodgy handles).
The Fiskars axes were very snazzy, but pricey at 120ish.
To get some clarity, I asked a guy I know who owns a sawmill and does some wood chopping comps... "Just get a Sneddon's Axe" (At about $400!!! GULP :eek:).
I've heard interesting reviews of the Gransfors Bruks swedish hand forged axes, but definitely a primo and pricy product for my use in the bush.

I need something to clear logs off a track up to about 300mm diameter. Usual aussie hardwoods and whatever else I come across. I am no woodsman, so it will need to take a moderate amount of abuse from stray hits etc.
I am impressed with the fiskars X7 hatchet I have, but the fiskars offerings I have seen in the larger sizes (the X21 and X25 models) are more geared towards log splitting rather than felling of trees (or chopping them into more manageable bits).

Can anyone offer some sane advice?

[Mick_Marsh]

Advice? Yeah.
Get a two stroke with a chain.

[loneranger]

I'm sure there's plenty of more experienced guys on here that will no more about axes. I chopped plenty of wood growing up as my parents had a wood heater and the old solid fuel water heater. It was my brother and my jobs to chop the wood and get the water heater going everyday. My dad used to buy all his tools from WA salvage so we never had an expensive axe.= and it lived outside in the rain.

I had a quick look on the Bunnings website and if it was me I'd be going for the cheapo $70 cyclone axe with the wooden handle. If your worried about missing grab one of the $5 overstrike rubber protectors and see how you go. If you find yourself using it a lot in time you may want to buy a more expensive item once you've got the hang off it.

Alternatively go hunting around swap meets for an old axe head. Buy a handle and away you go. If you get an old one it will probably be far better quality than anything you'll get now without spending a fortune.

[Vern]

Fiskars are sooo awesome! My wife loves hers!
She does all the firewood cutting and splitting here.
Best i have used

[incisor]

Another vote for Fiskars ...

[Toxic_Avenger]

Advice? Yeah.
Get a two stroke with a chain.

Yeah, not really an option.
I'm young and fit, and I'd rather have an axe rattling around the back all the time, rather than have a chainsaw, fuel, bar oil, and all the other accoutrements which will more likely than not be left at home when I need it most.

[Saitch]

Look for an older Kelly or Plumb.
In the '70s we were issued with Nordic (won't mention the brand) axes & for chopping Scandinavian Pine etc I'm sure they're very good.
Australian hardwood, not too flash.
Steve




p.s.who's going to bring up the old joke about the best ax they've had???

[Toxic_Avenger]

Alternatively go hunting around swap meets for an old axe head. Buy a handle and away you go. If you get an old one it will probably be far better quality than anything you'll get now without spending a fortune.

I've looked at this, but some axes are well rooted, and have a sever vintage tax applied... not to mention the handle, buggerising around, and all the time to get something that might not be suitable in the end.

There are recommended handle lengths and axe head weights for best results.


Another vote for Fiskars ...
The X7 fiskars hatchet I have is a ripper, but falls way short on anything over 100mm pine. Used the hatchet on a 400mm fresh felled eucalypt that was over the track the other weekend, and it was a 20 minute job with 3 blokes in the rotation. Not enough weight and too hard a wood.

[Dop]

It may be a bit pricey ($149), however, if you have other Ryobi tools it can be handy. You will get through most small to medium Logs with this. https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-cordless-chainsaw_p3380992
It may be a lot more than you wish to spend, but in the long run it may be a bonus when your camping too. I have found that using an axe on fallen trees can be a pain if the trunk bounces and you can't always reposition the trunk. Also no oil spills inside the landy or the smell of 2stroke.
Just a thought mate. Grant

[Toxic_Avenger]

p.s.who's going to bring up the old joke about the best ax they've had???

Looks like you're front and centre and the spotlight is on you!

[87County]

I tell you what Mitch, borrow an axe and try to chop through a log of the size that will stop you .....by yourself ....

I think you'll find another way around that log :)

Save your cash mate and as a side benefit you will hopefully avoid trips to the ED up at the Base Hospital !



Oh, btw, that best axe had three replacement heads and five replacement handles

[scarry]

I use one of these

Redirect Notice (http://www.google.com.au/url'sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiQkNLQ47HOAhVBo5QKHSRNAeYQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftoolsandmore.us%2Fstanley-15-453-bow-saw-12.aspx&psig=AFQjCNG6P-noFcnOyvdfTDT6Daj8nKGW2w&ust=1470744286019181)

Depends what size the timber is you want to cut,but a saw is often a lot easier to use than an axe.

[stealth]

Your kidding aren't you? You want advice on an axe? And you want to cut 300mm logs? If you need advice on the axe I'd love to see you chop through that.

[bsperka]

A rotating saw (aka chain saw) for 300mm hardwood logs would be the best. Fiskars seem to be good but unless you are into pain and soreness a machine is better than manpower.

[Toxic_Avenger]

Your kidding aren't you? You want advice on an axe? And you want to cut 300mm logs? If you need advice on the axe I'd love to see you chop through that.

You appear to be having trouble grasping the concept of this thread, so I'll break it down in some nice simple language for you.
Some axe good.
Some axe Bad.
What does AULRO use? Why?

This is as much a question of 'which axe design is most useful for in the bush' as it is 'what axe have you used, with success'.
This is not about my ability to use the thing. Or what might be the best use of my time. I don't want a chainsaw.

You won't cut thru a log (easily) with a block splitter.
Likewise a hatchet (as I've found) is too small for my purposse of clearing a random log or small felled tree off the track.
Too Narrow a axe blade will cut fast, but chip easily if not struck correctly. Also, harder woods that us Australians have built axes for, are harder on these edges than axes made for european softer woods.

So there is a bit of thought that should go into which axe is most suited to my task.

[Marty90]

https://www.google.com.au/url'sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=13&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi-kb224rLOAhVFn5QKHX2WDyQQFgheMAw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fthoroughlyreviewed.com%2Fhome-kitchen%2Faxe-review%2F&usg=AFQjCNEVlZ8p3uVBjb-Lm7IKKrDigG2s9w

[Stuart02]

I'll tell you what's really hard to find and that's an axe sheath.

I'm a forester so have spent a bit of time swinging axes, and I'd say if you're not a professional or competitive wood chopper, don't over think it too much beyond a decent weight and comfy handle. I just have a Stanley.

Fibre glass/plastic handle will take the knocks in the back and won't need the maintenance that a nice timber handle deserves.

How it cuts is overwhelmingly about the edge /you put on it/ and that /you keep on it/. Some will hold their edge better but be a PITA to touch up and vice versa. Either way if you have an axe you should have a file and stone.

Splitters require a totally different kind of edge to be most effective - a much broader lay, so I would be clear about what I wanted to do most of and expect out of an axe (in fact a wedge and the back of an axe is better for splitting large blocks.)

To the chainsaw brigade, like tirfors, axes are harder work but can do things their powered brethren can only dream about. Like get your saw unjammed, when it's run out of fuel :P

[Tote]

I was going to second the suggestion of a Plumb axe as I have used them since I was a kid and I have a very good plumb hatchet with a fibreglass handle that goes camping. It seems that Plumb do not make axes anymore though...
Maybe a ebay search or looking at markets where you see old tools restored...

Regards,

Tote

[Geedublya]

Having a father who was a timber worker (logger, saw miller, girder cutter etc) and axeman (competed all over the east coast for 50years in underhand, standing block, tree and saw). I carry one of his old tree axes (smaller and lighter) in my car, I keep it sharp but not with the very fine edge for competition.

I would suggest talking to the saw miller/axeman and see if you can get one of his old competition axes or if he knows of any axeman with an old axe. Get the handle they use as well as they are much better for control. I would also suggest you get him to show you how to use the axe.

A good axe in the right hands is a valuable tool and can make short work of a decent sized log.

Since my father died I have his axes and axe box but I won't be selling them.

[Stuart02]

.

Since my father died I have his axes and axe box but I won't be selling them.

What an awesome momento of your Dad and his life.

You're right, too, that technique is super important, far more than people credit. It's not just angles and edges, but feet, legs, the whole thing.

[incisor]

The X7 fiskars hatchet I have is a ripper, but falls way short on anything over 100mm pine.

i've used my fiskars to get through 250+mm iron bark when i had a deadline to meet and my chainsaw went on leave

the next week i bought a husky 55 ...

wasn't fun but it was easier than i thought it would be...

[austastar]

Hi,
My wood heap split anything axe has a fiber glass handle which takes all sorts of use/abuse. I wouldn't buy an axe with a wooden handle after this one.

Look at the blade cheek profile, concave for cutting, convex for splitting.

I carry a half axe in the truck, light and easy to swing.

Cheers

Sent from my GT-N5110 using AULRO mobile app

[Grumbles]

A useful adjunct to an axe is a large bushman saw. The saw is easier to use than an axe and may even be quicker. It is easier to use on fallen timber which is not supported and has a 'spring away' tendency when struck by an axe.

Can't help with the axe quality question Toxic A. Age precludes me from swinging an axe so I know nothing about them...thank goodness.......:D

[Chilly]

I have a Husky...free gift with my chainsaw.

A log splitter sort of cross axe. works good...not as great as an axe designed for chopping but a happy medium between the two.

[ramblingboy42]

I , honestly , have grandma's axe.

I have no idea how many heads and handles it has had.

But , seriously , it is well over 100years old , no brand on it , holds an edge forever , doesnt appear to rust from year to year.

For any historians in the south Queensland area , the axe came from Newtons dairy farm , which was just east of the Caboolture river spillway near the Bruce Highway.

The house is still standing and was recently sold by the family.

I have a number of old items from the farm and the historical society has some.

Gma Newton lived if I remember correctly in 3 different centuries and died at 103 years of age.

sorry for hi jack but it fitted in with grandmas axe.

Dennis

[DiscoMick]

If you're going to keep it in the vehicle make sure you get a protective cover for the head or the damm thing will wreck havoc in your vehicle - and take your head off if you have a crash!
Do you have a cargo barrier, or a way of restraining the axe from flying about inside.

[AllTerr]

If you're going to keep it in the vehicle make sure you get a protective cover for the head or the damm thing will wreck havoc in your vehicle .



Fiskars comes with one :Dhttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/830.jpg

[Simon]

Granfors Brucks are wonderful bits of workmanship. Had a half axe from them (until it went walkabout a few months back :mad:).

Held its edge really well, and I have the scar on my shin to prove it when I didnt pay proper attention.

Also very well balanced, felt like you could swing it all day.

Pricy though.

[alien]

We recently picked up a Striker combo(axe/splitter) unit from Home Hardware.
Sneddens do a sheath that fitted requiring only a little extra Velcro to lengthen the strap.
I'm still putting an edge on it but so far has done all that I've wanted.


I've found using reverse gear is easier than removing a fallen tree and I don't carry a chain saw(+oil/fuel/wedge/files/chaps/glasses) as mine is 30+ years old and lost it's reliability.

[Toxic_Avenger]

If you're going to keep it in the vehicle make sure you get a protective cover for the head or the damm thing will wreck havoc in your vehicle - and take your head off if you have a crash!
Do you have a cargo barrier, or a way of restraining the axe from flying about inside.


Fiskars comes with one :D

One of the reasons why the fiskars X21 is up the top of my wish list. Only concern is how it performs with harder woods and for felling rather than splitting.

As for the safety side of things, I was thinking of making up a bracket which bolts onto the inside rear grab handles above the rear door.
I don't have a pic of my vehicle, but I should be able to booty-fab something to do the trick- maybe a bracket which bolts between the grab handle and the roof trim.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/817.jpg

[bob10]

Hardcore Australia make a selection of tomahawks/axes all with protective covers. However, if you are anticipating coming across large trees in your path, a chain saw is the only option.

https://www.google.com.au/url'sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjRxebE-rPOAhXGG5QKHVvqDmsQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsoldiersystems.net%2Ftag%2Fhardco re-hardware-australia%2F&psig=AFQjCNGYH1s3qL2UCDTQBJkuJ9IsUL7kww&ust=1470819168177935

[Toxic_Avenger]

a chain saw is the only option.


No it's not...

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/787.jpg

[Don 130]

One of the reasons why the fiskars X21 is up the top of my wish list. Only concern is how it performs with harder woods and for felling rather than splitting.

As for the safety side of things, I was thinking of making up a bracket which bolts onto the inside rear grab handles above the rear door.
I don't have a pic of my vehicle, but I should be able to booty-fab something to do the trick- maybe a bracket which bolts between the grab handle and the roof trim.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/817.jpg

Mitch, I hope you realise that axe is a splitting axe, and while it may split a .300 block, It would take a month of sundays to cut through a fallen .300 Aussie hardwood log to clear your way.
Sneddons (http://www.ruralfencing.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=5&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=54) make the sort of axe you're talking about, but at a price that may hurt too much. See the design and do what's already been suggested. Find a second hand good one.
Don.

[Toxic_Avenger]

That's why I ask these seemingly inane questions. Thanks Don! It was a concern I had, but wasn't sure if it was more a hybrid design rather than a splitting design.
From what I've read on the fiskars site, they do a chopping axe, but it does not seem to be offered in Australia.

[Fluids]

So I'm looking to buy an axe, .... and I'm thinking, cool, Fender, Gibson, stratocaster or telecaster maybe .... ???

What a let down :p

[kogvos]

A useful adjunct to an axe is a large bushman saw. The saw is easier to use than an axe and may even be quicker. It is easier to use on fallen timber which is not supported and has a 'spring away' tendency when struck by an axe.

Can't help with the axe quality question Toxic A. Age precludes me from swinging an axe so I know nothing about them...thank goodness.......:D
I'm also a fan of the bush saw. Works well for most situations I've come across, and slides nicely in some thin gaps I have in the back of the 90, along with a few spare blades.

[Mick_Marsh]

So I'm looking to buy an axe, .... and I'm thinking, cool, Fender, Gibson, stratocaster or telecaster maybe .... ???

What a let down :p
You still can.
Wasn't it Pete Townshend who tried to chop an amplifier with a Rickenbacker?

[roverrescue]

I've cleared a lot of tracks of fallen timber
Anything up to about half a metre round gets winched
Over that the stihl gets fired up

If I was dealing with a 300 log I'd just winch it or drag it?
I also agree a bush saw would use less physical effort than an axe to shorten up a log?

I have a half axe under the seat box is great around the campfire
I'm thinking storing the axe up high makes less sense than dos low

[ramblingboy42]

So I'm looking to buy an axe, .... and I'm thinking, cool, Fender, Gibson, stratocaster or telecaster maybe .... ???

What a let down :p

tele for the blues , strat for rock, Les Paul if you want to be Dave Gilmour.

[DiscoMick]

Yep, don't put it on the rear door at head height, put it on the floor, maybe clamped to the base of the rear seats. And get a cargo barrier.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app

[Toxic_Avenger]

If it could be played, I'd play it like this for sure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfWAS1TDpy0

Like a boss.

[Fluids]

tele for the blues , strat for rock, Les Paul if you want to be Dave Gilmour.

Uh, that'd be a Stratocaster if you wanna be David Gilmour ... but back on topic ...

As far as the "axe" goes ;) ... Ever seen a Silky Saw ? Japanese made, reverse taper ground blade (doesn't jam in the timber like a bush saw can). It's a "pull" saw with an incredibly sharp blade ... Take a look at the Drifta web site, or google silky saw big boy or katana ... Puts an axe to shame !! I've got a big boy and it would make short work of a 300mm log compared to using an axe.

... and they fold in half so take next to no room to store.

[Fluids]

You still can.
Wasn't it Pete Townshend who tried to chop an amplifier with a Rickenbacker?

Yep ... Just one of many ...

And that people, is how the electric guitar became know as an "axe" !

Believe it, or not :cool:

[Hogarthde]

An ex competion axe is your best option. A Keesteel, made in Dorrigo, Aussie Speed,Miller, Hytest either black or red,or the well credentialed Tuatahi made in New Zealand are all excellent brands . I am over 70 and carry a black Hytest in the D3 at all times, and a mere 300 mm hardwood is no big deal.

dave

[bob10]

No it's not...

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/787.jpg

Ok, a winch, if you want to be pedantic.

[Marty90]

HE WANTS AN AXE:wallbash::wallbash::wallbash::wallbash:[bigrolf][bigrolf][bigrolf][bigrolf]

[ramblingboy42]

dave Gilmour has , I think , 5 strats, 2 teles , at least one Les Paul....a goldy which he used a lot on The Wall.

some of them are 50-60 yrs old.

he has some hybrid Gretches, and a collection of acoustics and several sliders which I don't know anything about.

and the strap on his black strat.......thats something else.

[AllTerr]

I prefer Gibson :D

[XSiV]

I have a fiscars axe. Once we were confronted with three 200-300 mm logs across the road, I had gone through two of them before my mate even had his chainsaw out. By the time he got it started I was most of the way through the third. He then insisted on taking over and finally let me finish when his blunt chain made vey little impact. Admittedly there are times I've come across a tree that was too big to cut through with an axe but every time I've had to use the fiskars it just eats through the wood like a hot knife through butter. It lives in the draw under my tray and gets sharpened at least once a year before a big trip where I think I'll need it. Also even though it is a full size axe it is light enough to use as a hatchet for splitting kindling at the fire. The next axe I buy will be the fiskars axe splitter combo as the only issue I have with this axe is when I need to split larger dia logs.

[Hogarthde]

G'day Geedublya, seems as if we,[and your energetic dear old dad], have misconceptions regarding what constitutes an axe!

dave

[67hardtop]

So Toxic, have ya got one yet or are you all still overthinking cutting up some wood???😆😆😆


I went for a quick bush walk for a quick wee wee one day at work at the wood chip mill in Mangimup WA and found an old axe with a busted handle. After who knows how many yrs sitting in the scrub it was still sharp as and with a new dryandra wood handle i used it for more than 35 yrs till it was stolen along with all my trade tools about 6 yrs ago. Great axe. Never ever sharpened it. I was told by a tree feller at the mill it was a really popular brand of axe with them. Cant remember the brand. Had a distinctive head and cutting edge design tho. Never had a better axe.

Cheers Rod

Sent from my GT-I9507 using AULRO mobile app

[sheerluck]

So Mitch, are you going to tell us what this is really about? As this story appears in the news
Viking find gives sceptics the chop (http://www.news.com.au/technology/science/archaeology/viking-burial-site-in-denmark-contained-a-warrior--and-his-enormous-axe/news-story/c2c58410644f148a4fdaad5786182c59)
And then a couple of days later you are asking about axes? :angel:

[Barefoot Dave]

Husqvarna are a buscrafters secret: Just as good as a grunfors (hand forged swedish steel) and usually less than half the price. about $80!

X2 for the Silky saws. Qld SES now carry these, hand saws and pole saws. Often used to release stuck chainsaws. Just rips through logs! Not cheap, but freakin awesome. Drifta have decent prices on the range.

All you need to know and a bit more -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9RYer09zAY

[carjunkieanon]

I have a fiscars axe. Once we were confronted with three 200-300 mm logs across the road, I had gone through two of them before my mate even had his chainsaw out. By the time he got it started I was most of the way through the third. He then insisted on taking over and finally let me finish when his blunt chain made vey little impact. Admittedly there are times I've come across a tree that was too big to cut through with an axe but every time I've had to use the fiskars it just eats through the wood like a hot knife through butter. It lives in the draw under my tray and gets sharpened at least once a year before a big trip where I think I'll need it. Also even though it is a full size axe it is light enough to use as a hatchet for splitting kindling at the fire. The next axe I buy will be the fiskars axe splitter combo as the only issue I have with this axe is when I need to split larger dia logs.

Which model Fiskars? I could only see their splitters for sale in Australia not their felling axes.

R

[XSiV]

Which model Fiskars? I could only see their splitters for sale in Australia not their felling axes.



R



Not sure if the model, I bought it probably 10 years ago now but here's a pic.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/727.jpg

[Toxic_Avenger]

So Toxic, have ya got one yet or are you all still overthinking cutting up some wood???😆😆😆

I'm doing exactly this.
I like to have my options on the table before making any purchase- probably looks pretty lame from the outside looking in, but I'd much rather buy the right tool for the job, rather than have to buy it twice, 3 or 4 times because the quality wasn't there, or I chose the wrong product at the start.


Not sure if the model, I bought it probably 10 years ago now but here's a pic.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/727.jpg

That's their chopping axe.
Fiskars Chopping Axe (28") (http://www2.fiskars.com/Products/Gardening-and-Yard-Care/Axes-and-Mauls/Fiskars-Chopping-Axe-28)


As far as I can tell, it's no longer a supported product, in this country at least. not on their australian website.

[stewie110]

I use one of these

Redirect Notice (http://www.google.com.au/url'sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiQkNLQ47HOAhVBo5QKHSRNAeYQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftoolsandmore.us%2Fstanley-15-453-bow-saw-12.aspx&psig=AFQjCNG6P-noFcnOyvdfTDT6Daj8nKGW2w&ust=1470744286019181)

Depends what size the timber is you want to cut,but a saw is often a lot easier to use than an axe.
I also use a hand bow saw. Little noise, easy to pack, easy to get new blades, keeps me fit. Last summer I spent 4hrs hacking along a fire trail with it after a storm. At the time I wished for a chainsaw.. But I still cary the bush saw.

[DiscoMick]

After reading this thread I'm beginning to understand why the Norwegians have an entire TV series on cutting wood.

[Bushie]

Believe me as you get older a chainsaw is a much more desirable remedy.

Shame I didn't have mine with me when we came across this - nearly killed me :(

The bushsaw was a big help though. (as was my son)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/668.jpg


Martyn

[Mick_Marsh]

So Mitch, are you going to tell us what this is really about? As this story appears in the news
Viking find gives sceptics the chop (http://www.news.com.au/technology/science/archaeology/viking-burial-site-in-denmark-contained-a-warrior--and-his-enormous-axe/news-story/c2c58410644f148a4fdaad5786182c59)
And then a couple of days later you are asking about axes? :angel:
What? You reckon Mr Toxic is a Berserker and is looking for a whopping great axe to be buried with?

Think I'll watch season 1 of Vikings this week.

[Tombie]

Mitch. Don't mount to the handle area - not enough bite - in a frontal impact it's coming forward to meet your noggin!

[XSiV]

Even though I have the Fiskars I also have a husky chainsaw which goes through logs like nothing else. Because it is a big bulky thing with all the accessories it's much easier to carry an axe but when I do have it with me and it's required I'm always glad I took it. In fact I am currently redesigning the layout of my pod for the ute and I will be trying to incorporate a compartment for the chainsaw.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/663.jpg

[Don 130]

By the way, Silky saws are available via Ebay from Japan for a more affordable price.

Silky Bigboy Medium Teeth 360 MM 350 36 Folding Hand SAW Pruning Trimming Japan | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/like/311623402802?lpid=107&chn=ps)

Don.