To Gauge An Axe
Taper
"The axe blade has a curved taper towards the edge. During sharpening it is important that the correct taper is maintained.
Heavy axes and axes used to cut hard wood and frozen wood require a stronger blade close to the cutting edge (1a).
Lighter axes and axes used for soft wood should be thinner close to the cutting edge (1b).
Although wood of coniferous trees is usually soft, branches may be very hard and axes may require the same taper as for hard wood.
Taper gauge
The taper of new axes is usually suitable for average conditions. A gauge can be made from a piece of metal sheet corresponding to the taper of the new axe (2a). This gauge can be used during maintenance. If the axe "bites", the taper is too small and if the axe does not penetrate enough into the wood, the taper is too big. Adjustments are made during maintenance and when the taper corresponds to the requirements, the taper gauge can be adjusted accordingly."
From: Design Manual on Basic Wood Harvesting Technology
http://www.fao.org/docrep/016/t0129e/t0129e.pdf
Another potential contradiction from a racing axe specialist:
"The Ossie is a conventional grind which has been shortened in the chisel and thinned to create a short fine chisel. This axe is not for the faint hearted, or for axemen cutting strong timber. Specifically designed for softwoods, an Ossie is at home in an arena of poplar and some pine species. Its thin short chisel creates little friction and so it penetrates the softwood well. Leave this axe at home if bound for Royal Sydney, but if the log steward has ordered softwood then a couple of Ossie axes might be the best choice."
"Bluey is one of the best performers in firm timber and is well suited to the Mountain Ash cut at Royal Sydney Show in Australia. A long flat chisel, the bearest hollow grind and medium size characterise this axe. Used for both underhand and standing blocks, it chips the hardwood well with good penetration. It is wide enough to cover a 14 inch log in two blows and yet still meets the size and weight limits for a hard hitting axe."
"USA Axes
These axes are specifically ground for the timbers cut in the USA which tend to be faster cutting than the Australian hardwoods.
These axes are ground with a 13.5 degree chisel and vary in chisel length from 12 to 20mm depending on the type of timber to be cut.
They are well suited to White Pine or Aspin Cotton Wood."
In this instance we have a very short chisel for the softwood axe, and a long chisel with very slight hollow for the hardwood. Although mountain ash is not what I would consider a very hard wood.
And all of the axe specifications:
Axe Specifications
Width
Length
Chisel Length
Chisel Angle
Blade Radius
Bust Radius
Grind
Quotes from:
A copy of the gauge from Woodsmanship by Bernard Mason
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