Schedule
Course fee: £130 Tutor: Dave Jackson
This one day course will introduce the variety of different axes and their uses in and around the woods.
The course will also cover how to look after your axes, including grinding and sharpening, and what to look for when buying a new or second hand axe.
You will learn practical tips and techniques on:
- how to get the best out of your axes
- knowing the right axe for the right job
- how to use axes safely and effectively
- how to keep your axes sharp and in good condition
- PPE (personal protective equipment) selection and use
- health and safety related to axe work
Following introductions, the group will head in the woods to look at felling and forest axes. We will practice felling trees, covering practical hand felling techniques as well as the use of billhooks and saws.
Back in the craft area we will look at splitting timber for firewood and cleaving to get materials ready for crafts use. This will include the use of splitting axes, cleaving axes and froes.
At Ecclesall Woods we pride ourselves on the high quality teaching from our tutors and our low class numbers (max 5 for most classes) and a number of our courses also have an assistant.
We have found that smaller class sizes are more productive, un-rushed and allow students to learn more
You will need to wear suitable clothing and footwear for working outdoors in this season. Steel toe cap boots would be advantageous if you have them, but are not essential. Please note this course will require a high level of manual dexterity on your fingers and is physically demanding.