Must Adze a question (pun intended)

[Farmall]

I've got about 7 or 8 different adzes now, various sweeps, widths, etc. and storing them is like stacking rocking chairs....takes WAY too much space. Been thinking on how to build a storage box for them that makes them accessible, but out of the way.....has anyone built anything to store adzes?

[kitaye]

I think I would use garden tool storage clips and hang them on the wall, but that probably will take up a lot of space too.

[Thor]

I feel lucky to have one adz. it sits on my desk next to my computer, because I'm so fond of it. I don't know what I would do if I had a pile of them. how do you use each one?
Christina

[Farmall]

First, being a man, I am always looking for a reason to get another tool. So woodcarving is an outlet for 1)my artistic bent (what little I have) and 2) buying tools, lastly 3) pounding on things with an adze is a great stress reliever!

I started with an old Cooper's adze, and then bought another....beat out some bowls, hollowed out some things, then found out that there are really good adzes being made and available! So, I was lucky to get a curved and a straight Auriou Adze before they went out of business.

Then, I was looking for a small adze and got a flat and curved small adze (blades about 1-3/4 to 2 inches wide, which are great for those tight areas on a bowl or when finishing a spot)....and then a blacksmith friend of mine made me one for making bowls...so I know have a wide selection....heavy ones are great for hardwoods and building up your forearms, lighter ones for green or softer woods....it has taken me about 10 years to acquire those that I have....

I am now working on a relief carving in a piece of tulip poplar that my Dad had split to burn in his woodstove. Last time I went to see him, I got it out of the woodpile. I used a straight bladed adz to "smooth" down one side, and am know working on relief carving a landscape scene reminiscent of the view out his window. Thought it would be pretty neat to put the piece of "firewood" by his fireplace with a scene in it (especially since the wood came from his property).

I am always looking for new ways to put them to use....the more they are used, the better I get at working with them...So, I use my assortment of adzes to flatten things, smooth things, put curves in things, and occasionally make bowls...it's just a really big gouge after all....

Was looking at a piece of red cedar that fell down two weeks ago during a snowstorm.....and thinking of spoons, and bowls, and maybe a wood spirit....already took my Spiller Axe (made in Portland Maine) and cut some pieces off of it.....I like to do things with hand tools and adzes are great tools....keeping them sharp is another day's story......

[Thor]

Originally Posted by Farmall

First, being a man, I am always looking for a reason to get another tool.

I agree with everything except that. Being a toolaholic is not gender based.

Christina, whose husband once gave a table saw to (my second) for Valentines Day.

[Farmall]

well, obviously I must withdraw my gender biased comment....Thor speaks, I listen...although as my thoughts wander, I do feel a bit like Loki sometimes.......

forgive my impertinence......I change my 1) to:

1) liking tools, as anyone should, it gives me an excuse to buy some more.

[Thor]

there ya go...that's better.

[kitaye]

We call them "toys" around here and tools are my preferred form of toys; be it carving, woodworking, weaving, or gardening I love them all.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I have several similar tools that merely hang from a 2x4 attached to the shed wall. Now...don't "axe' me anymore questions, its makes my head hurt! lol

[Thomp]

jim,

back a few years ago i tried my hand at blacksmithing, it wasn't long until i had collected 35 hammers and made 40 pairs of hot tongs "big pliers for handling red hot steel"

for tong storage i used a set of metal wheels on the axle and pipe for spacer between wheels, all turned upright i hung the tongs on the spokes and rim, a lazy Susan type rack

for the hammers i made a pair of inverted "T" shaped risers and between the risers of 2x2" i attached some 1x4 so the handle fit in and the hammer head wouldn't pass ... with several crossbars i easily had room for all the hammers but 35 of them made it impossible to move,,,