It’s pretty easy to think that modern tools and techniques are the only way to reduce a piece of stock to size. In fact, methods handed down since edged tools existed are still extremely effective. One perfect example is riving — taking a chunk of log and reducing it to the rough size and shape for your project by using a stick and froe.
The most interesting part is how quick and straight the work turns out to be. If split from the end on with a straight blade (and I’m guessing a little practice), wood is very predictable in the way it separates. A recent program on frontier cabin building featured a pair of guys using the same method to build siding for a log cabin-style house. The resulting planking was remarkably even and straight for jumped-up timber. Though they needed some heavy wedges and a jig framework to hold the board, the process was exactly the same as the one in this video.
It’s a shade on the brutal side, and the result is far from a finished material — but you can indeed rough-cut lumber in the middle of nowhere with surprising accuracy.
Riving Boards [YouTube]
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5 Responses to Video Friday: Riving Wood
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What’s also a pretty rad process to watch is how to hew a log with just an axe
Not as far from finished as i once thought. Not 2 minutes through the planer but less than 10 with a couple hand planes and it’d be perfect – and no sanding!
The trick is finding straight grained wood.
What the heck kind of wood is that? The chair itself looks like oak, but the wood being split looks too “stringy” to be oak.
cl
It looks easy but in fact, takes a lot of practice. My dad used to to it as he was into furniture making. First time i tried it myself, i had to use the handplaner on it after.