Resources:

You will need:

1. Hardwood log

2. Chopping block

3. Tools

4. Saw horse

5. Alternative to Saw horse

Click on any of the images above to see a larger version with a full description:

We strongly advise you have read the section on the safe use and storage of tools prior to following these instructions.

Method:

1. Use a bow saw to saw the wood to the desired length, keeping the knots to one end (note: with clients, ensure the hand not using the saw has a glove on)
2. Use a permanent marker to mark the wood at both ends to guide you as to the size and thickness of the handle
3. Measure the depth that the blade should go to and use the bow saw to cut to the point of intended thickness
4. Turn the wood 90 degrees and repeat step 3. Do this a further three times. This will result in four equal depth cuts around the log
5. Place the log on the chopping block with the knotted side down and handle side up. Hold the axe parallel to the front of your body and place on the log at the edge of the drawn circle. Use another mallet or thick piece of wood to hit onto the top of the axe. The log should split up until the cut made earlier. For safety keep the bulk of the wood between yourself and the axe
6. Turn the log 90 degrees and repeat point 5. Do this a further three times
7. Use the axe to trim the corners of the handle off (see safety tip below)
8. Use the knife to whittle off smaller pieces
9. Use your mallet to hammer onto froes or gauges

Click on any of the images below to see a larger version with a caption:

1. Saw log to size

2. Mark handle thickness

3. Saw to handle mark

4. Turn wood and repeat

5. Split wood to the cut

6. Rotate and repeat

7. Trim the corners off

8. Whittle smaller pieces off

9. Use to hit froes or gauges

Safety tip:

When using the axe to chip into the wood, ensure you have the wood between you and the axe. Your hand should be shielded by the wood and do not chip close to
your fingers.

Feel free to print the above instructions and images for your own use.

Variations and Feedback:

After experiencing these techniques for themselves, the trainees then planned for how they would deliver this to their own client groups. To see their plans and evaluations, please follow the links in the table below:

If you would like to try this with your own group:

• print off this proforma
• fill the proforma with your client group in mind
• deliver the activity
• allow your group to evaluate their experience using this target sheet

Your feedback is valuable to us and we would appreciate you responding using the Resource Feedback Form by 11 December 2009.