#Wood shaping tool adze how to

A swell at the bottom of the handle facilitates this motion while assuring a secure hold that doesn’t require a death grip. For example, in the case of a typical short-handled bowl-hollowing adze, the ideal swing rotates the head around a point near the end of the handle. But in practice, it need not be complicated. This can get a little muddy, because it varies depending on the style and configuration of the adze and how it is swung by an individual user. To understand the hang of a particular adze, consider the location of the pivot point. The cutting edge should be about 90° to the surface. With the cutting edge against a flat surface, extend the handle off the edge so that the pivot point of the swing hangs free. You and your aching wrists may be eager for it. The adze will still cut, but there is probably room for improvement. If the hang is too closed, then the outer bevel will slam against the wood with each stroke. While there are many variables, the general idea is that, with a natural swing, the cutting edge should enter the wood sweetly and cut efficiently. The cutting edge of any adze should be in line with the outer arc of the swing. Let’s get a handle on the hang first, meaning the length and shape of the handle and its orientation to the head. While this article focuses on a European-style adze typically used for hollowing bowls, many of the concepts apply to other styles. There are many styles of adze for a wide variety of purposes. Understanding a few key concepts can help you tune and maintain an adze so it will be a deft extension of your hand. Meanwhile, you may find an adze that’s usable with some thoughtful adjustments, and all adzes may benefit from some tuning to suit your work. The wait is worth it for a tool that will serve lifetimes. Some blacksmiths produce excellent adzes that work right out of the box, but lately, demand is such that the wait list is often long. In a sense, an adze is just a carving gouge that you swing. This traditional tool can be right at home in today’s woodshop.

#Wood shaping tool adze how to

Here, David Fisher explains how to choose, maintain, and use an adze to quickly hog away green wood and form pleasing curves, whether you are carving the inside of a bowl or shaping the crook of a spoon.Ī good adze is a versatile tool capable of removing wood quickly but also with nimble sensitivity. At its essence a carving gouge that you swing, an adze is a versatile and efficient tool when you understand how to use it.

Synopsis: If you’re looking to remove a lot of material quickly, don’t overlook the adze.