Height of hewing block

[Matt Sullenbrand]

Hi folks,

I am getting ready to cut off a section of an elm log for a hewing block. Any tips on its length, and thus its working height? Maybe the same as the recommended height for a workbench-bottoms of the knuckles when you are standing and let your hand hang? Advice needed!!! Thanks!

Matt

[Andrew Arndts]

you want it roughly as tall as your knee, at least that is how high I have used.

[Richard Francis]

Hold the axe as if cutting and find out where the blade is parallel to the ground; cut your log 8 inches taller and make a step in it 8 inches down for basic cutting and detail cutting on the higher end. See Garrett Wade Classic Hand Tools and pictures of Dave Sawyer chopping.

[john brenton]

What Richard said...plus you may want to check Peter Follansbee's web site. That ddude does a ton of hewing.
Hold the axe as if cutting and find out where the blade is parallel to the ground; cut your log 8 inches taller and make a step in it 8 inches down for basic cutting and detail cutting on the higher end. See Garrett Wade Classic Hand Tools and pictures of Dave Sawyer chopping.