Hand Hewing Timber - the quick way.

I'm planning to build a carport type structure next year for my tractor. I may even make it into an enclosed garage, but I haven't really decided yet.

My goal is to make as much of the timber out the wood around my house. I'm going to start by cutting the main beams and support beams. This is time consuming work, so I'll be starting this winter/fall and hopefully have most of the beams finished by next spring.

This quick walk-through will show you the easiest and quickest way I've found to cut the beams. For some I will be using a slightly more complex plan that actually involves measuring - Gasp! I'll post directions for these as well shortly. 

The only tools I use for this are a chainsaw and a sharp ax.

Step #1 - Find the log you want to work on.  Try and find something as straight as possible. This will minimize the amount of work that you have to do later on.

This one is relatively short, but will be used as a support beam.

Step #2 - Using my chainsaw I cut perpendicular lines down the log. I try to keep them at an even depth and as level as possible. In this picture I have already rolled the log onto it's side, but the cuts should be done as "flat" as possible and keeping the saw as level as you can. Be aware that the log itself is narrower and wider in certain spots. Take this into account with the depth of your cuts. This first set of cuts is the most important, since it will set the tone for rest of the log.

Step #3 Turn the log on it's side and using your axe start cutting out the wedges. Don't worry to much about getting everything perfect on this first pass. Once you have cut out all of the wedges you can then go back and clean up and shape the cuts.

Step # 4 Using the the finished side as a guide, start over and cut the top of the log again. Turn the log on it's side and use your axe to repeat the process and cut the beam flat. I use the first finished side as my guide for my second and third side of the beam. Basically I leave the side opposite of my first cuts till last. I find that it is easier to eyeball the shape this way and it turns out much closer to square in the end.



Here is the finished beam. All four sides cut and shaped roughly. Later I may go back with a draw knife and sander to clean up the rough ax lines, but then again I may not since this is just for a tractor shed.

Like I said, this is a pretty simple walk - through. There are really only two steps - Chainsaw cuts then Axe shaping. You just have to do the process four times. Just take your time, and trust you eyes and you will end up with some simple to make lumber that is great for any kind of rustic building work.