well hello everyone
I have been following this thread with keen interest and I must say The variations on this log set up is really interesting.
Historic Hewing is one topic that I love to put forth my views for what they are worth.
In all my years of research the main method of setting up a round log to begin the squaring process is actually quite simple.
Justchoose a site with a faily flat surface area, and lay down 2 preferrably 6 by 6 sleepers. Now these small timbers need to be let into the ground surface about 4 " and should be parallel to one another this is important! and they should be level . Pack the dirt around them and tamp in tight. Another note is that these sleepers should be about10 feet long and towards the rear roll on the next heavy timber, this will hold everything in place
Next on the opposite end roll on the log to be hewn and dog it down with 2-- 36" square iron dogs that are sharpened to long tapered points on 6" turned down ends.
Drive them stoutly into the bed sleepers and into the side opposite of the side to be hewn.
This log will not move and as you finish the side roll it up not down and continue to work on a flat surface for the duration of the hewing process
I have hewn timbers over 45 feet in length in these cases just add more bed sleepers and use additional dogs.
Remember logs of that length will be approaching 40" on the butt ends so be prepared to do alot of work on the first side, it lightens up as the sides roll along.
NH
