Ultimate Froe.

[Robson Valley]

Maybe it won't matter too much for you.

For poles of all kinds (story, mortuary, totem), you need to know which end was "up" in the log.
To avoid run-outs with long splits, you break from top down, those layers go inside the newer ones.
Even to carve detail in a little split post cedar pole of 64", marking which end was "up" helps a lot.

For big log poles, you need to know which was the north side (fewer branches & knots).

 

[Broch]

I understood you.

I've got plenty of 25 year old ash thinnings to practice on and thinking what else I can use if for apart from logs. I've also found the wood on some trees can be twisted or just very hard to split due to the way it's grown.

I have some decent sized cypress-type trees that might make usable shingles, so a decent sized froe will be useful.

I will keep plenty of ash for tool handles etc, in a few years it might be hard to come by.

Careful, Wayne will be after you for his bow making courses

 

[Broch]

Maybe it won't matter too much for you.

For poles of all kinds (story, mortuary, totem), you need to know which end was "up" in the log.
To avoid run-outs with long splits, you break from top down, those layers go inside the newer ones.
Even to carve detail in a little split post cedar pole of 64", marking which end was "up" helps a lot.

For big log poles, you need to know which was the north side (fewer branches & knots).

Ah, I may have been doing it all wrong
Thin end to thick end, yes?

 

[Robson Valley]

If you got run-out slabs, you probably got the log upside-down. It happens.

 

[Stew]

Ah, I may have been doing it all wrong
Thin end to thick end, yes?

Start in the middle. Sounds bonkers but for accurate pieces it works, though is harder work.

 

[Dave Budd]

Here you go, the standard froes that I try and keep in stock I've made smaller ones and thicker ones, recently I even made a curved one for a customer! The larger froe has an edge of approximately 11" (2" wide and 10mm thick), the smaller 7" and 6mm thick. I don't often sell them with handles, so I had to whip a couple up for the picture
froes standard by buddknives, on Flickr

 

[Robson Valley]

Is the radius on the 7" edge enough to stop first-strike bounce?
Either size, they would be a lot of fun and satisfaction to use. I can hear the wood now.
Shame. Shipping to BC would drain me.

 

[Dave Budd]

that rather depends on the wood I would think on anything but the densest woods it should be, but then I do tend to properly **** (technical term) things when I need them to bite straight away! I don't make to set patterns, so some in the batch may be more curved than that and others maybe a little less. I posted something of a similar weight to BC a little while ago and it was about £12 insured

 

[slowworm]

This is the one I bought last year for doing the ash poles. I'm very pleased with it so far but it is a heavy lump

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hand-forged-froe-WITHOUT-HANDLE-Forged-bevel-made-from-8mm-5-16-EN45-steel/222118170058?_trkparms=aid=888007&algo=DISC.MBE&ao=1&asc=52543&meid=40de490a8f534d26be8c1b7a15f4d27c&pid=100009&rk=1&rkt=1&sd=273524001656&itm=222118170058&_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982

Just to say thanks for this link. I've ordered one and it's turned up promptly.

Now down to use, I understand they are a splitting tool rather than cutting. Is it just a case of placing the froe edge where you want to split the log and bashing the spine of the froe with a big wooden mallet?

 

[Detritus]

Hi,

Super old thread I know - I’ve been searching for a good Froe to use when splitting wood to create carving blanks (for spoons, bowls etc.). I’ve seen the Gransfors Bruks Froe, and the far less expensive Ray Iles premium Froe - but I’d rather support a craftsman than get something mass produced. @Dave Budd are you still making Froes? I had a look but can’t see anything on your website. I’m looking for something to split Apple, Birch, Ash up to 8 or 10”.

 

[chas brookes]

Dang! My searching skills are abyssmal.
Mr Budd: May we see examples of your froes, please?

 

[chas brookes]

Hi,

Super old thread I know - I’ve been searching for a good Froe to use when splitting wood to create carving blanks (for spoons, bowls etc.). I’ve seen the Gransfors Bruks Froe, and the far less expensive Ray Iles premium Froe - but I’d rather support a craftsman than get something mass produced. @Dave Budd are you still making Froes? I had a look but can’t see anything on your website. I’m looking for something to split Apple, Birch, Ash up to 8 or 10”.

this link might help

Froes £45-£100 | Woodwork

Made from spring steel. Thicker and having a full width V-cross section than most modern ones, which makes them split more easily, be stiffer and be more controllable. Welded tapered eyes as standard. Small 7" blade £45 Medium 10" blade £70 Large 12" blade £80 Handles to fit £20

www.davebudd.com

 

[Detritus]

That’s awesome, thank you! Hope the heck did I miss that :0)

 

[Dave Budd]

That’s awesome, thank you! Hope the heck did I miss that :0)

yep I still make them, in fact I shall be finishing some off this week! I'll reply to your email shortly

Cheers folks and great thread resurrection!