Using a Froe

I used my new froe to split some willow branches into strips that I will using in a project I have going on at the moment. The willow branches were quite thin and had some awkward knots which meant they do not split straight all the way down, this is not to much of a problem because I have cut them thicker than needed so I can correct the shape with a draw knife or spoke shave later.

Here are some photos of how a froe is used...

start by hammering the froe into the top of the wood with a mallet

now use the handle to push and twist the tool down the grain

beeswax helps the tool not to stick in the sap

the left overs from cleaning the strips

a bundle of very rough planks tied up with willow wands