I have cast and used these axes to cut down 8" trees with out any problem. A
lot of resharpening. You may need to modify your hafting. Also are you
using pure modern copper out of curiosity?
Dan
----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael Haseler" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, September 20, 2007 4:42 AM
Subject: Why would copper-age man waste his axe cutting down trees?
> After a bit of research, I discovered my rough sand-cast copper axe was
> actually not much different in size and shape from Otzi's so I thought it
> was time to find a handle and use it as an axe rather than a knife.
>
> After a few preliminary blows held by mole-grips, and an adjustment of the
> cutting edge angle, I set out into the woods looking for a knobbly tree.
To
> cut a long story short, I now have a copper axe, and although it requires
a
> slightly different technique using bit more care, it really is a fine
tool.
> Indeed, my 11yr son thought it was superior to the hand-axe (possibly
> because it was sharper - possibly because it was a better weight).
>
> Now as a man that owns three (sorry four) axes, has on his xmas list a
> fifth, I know my axes, and this copper axe is not a felling axe. OK, I can
> get through a 4" fresh log with relative ease - and when I (un)learn some
of
> the bad technique an iron axe lets you get away I won't have to hammer it
> back in line after every tree, but why would someone thrash such a nice
> blade on chopping big logs?
>
> Surely, it would be simpler just to light a fire at the base, and stoke it
> for a few hours and watch the tree fall over with almost no effort?
>
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