NH, thanks for the heads up. I know it's not going to be easy, but that's not the point is it! This isn't my first hewing experience either, so I know what's ahead of me. I am concerned though that after this winter my callouses aren't as thick and my hewing muscles are a bit out of shape. I was hewing the other day, and just got tired too fast! Guess it's time to get back in the swing of things again!
I do try to make a habit of wearing leather gloves when I hew, and usually some kind of gloves when working with most large hand tools.
I'd like to come up with a trestle sort of assembly that I can use to clamp things securely without using clamps, I've got an idea for a way to do it with friction wedges, may be I'll draw it out in the morning and see how it looks.
I've also got an idea to make a head clamp, which is just a way of securing a timber or log on one end with a massive weight, with the bulk of the piece or a sizable portion of it anyway hanging freely, allowing you to work at most of it unhindered by stands or tables. It is in a way kind of like a gigantic shaving horse head. This of course would not be a very mobile tool!
I also have a mind to go cut some poles and put up a pavilion to use as an outdoor shelter for my layout and cutting. That would further increase the traditionalism of the whole thing, and also keep valuable shop space free and clear. To keep it from becoming a mud hole, I might cover the ground (once the grass is worn off) with a good coating of ag lime.
I'm gonna go timber huntin tomorrow, maybe find some trees that would suit my needs. Though I am certainly hesitant to cut them in the spring. Likely I'll just mark them for future cutting. I've got a few down and some dead standing that should keep me busy at least till mid summer.
I'm more or less being a scavenger on this project, huntin high and low for any timber I can get my hands on!
DLB
