Hi Cordwood guy, and to others on this thread:
Well safety is a #1 issue with me, life is full of many safety problems, please don't think for one minute that modern tools are without their many dangers. I have had more close calls with modern tools than with the historic ones.
My dad who had used an adze all his life made one slip using his adze and severed a tendon in his ankle, he was one year learning how to walk. when I told him that I was going to demonstrate on a daily basis how to use the adze and the broadaxe, he said that he had only one thing to tell me--"be careful"--. I was very careful and over the 30 years that I was involved in traditional framing, and hewing, as well as making wooden troughs and many other things, I had only one close call with the adze, and it was on a slippery surface after a rain, so I tell all my students to be very careful and plan each move, and rest often to retain control of the tool that you are using.
I also taught safety training and one thing that I relate to those that want to listen to me is that sometimes putting on protection whether it be a mask, safety shoes, ear plugs, or shin guards, or your example a wooden box around your legs, it can give you a false sense of protection, and you can actually be a victim of safety appareil.
I believe in regards to using historic tools such as the broadaxe and the adze, as well as others, the best defense is to be shown how to properly stand and make each strike, and when to look at a situation and plan safety into each move.
Whether to use safety appareil is something that each person needs to address for themselves, whatever they feel comfortable with as they work, and I fully support their decision.
NH
