Using an Axe, Hatchet, or Saw
Sometimes the wood we have, may need to be cut or split for practical use-or simply as a demonstration of everyday life in the 19th Century. Needless to say, these activities carry with them some obvious dangers and should be performed with caution.
Axe and Hatchet
When using an axe or hatchet always observe the following:
1. Always use a stable and fairly flat surface (such as a stump) as a chopping block. Be very careful not to simply chop into the ground. For one thing, you are more likely to miss your target and swing down into your foot or leg this way. There could be bedrock or a stone beneath you and striking the blade might result in damage to the tool or even send a shower of metal shards through the air!
2. Aim carefully, choose your target and select your wood carefully. Not every piece of wood is suitable for splitting or chopping. Avoid using wood that has knots or is cross-grained (where the garin or line of the wood runs in two directions against one another), as these are less likely to cleave safely or cleanly. Such wood is better tackled with a saw. When splitting, choose a place along the grain as this will help the wood to come apart clean and easy. Knowing WHERE you want to strike the wood will help to cut down on wild misses that so easily lead to accidents.
3. Be sure you have a safe distance around you before starting. We all know how guests wander in and out of our camp, and the last thing we need to have happen is for a guest to be leaning in for that "perfect photo-op" just as an axe is being heaved over a shoulder. So, always make sure that you have a good safe distance around you before using an axe or hatchet.
4. Use only as much force as needed! Depending upon the thickness of the log and weight of the tool, you may be surprised how little force is actually needed to split wood. Obviously, being cautious with the force applied is simply an issue of safety! Too much force could easiily result in a loss of control of the tool, or lead to muscle strain.
5. When you are finished, make sure the tools are put away! The LAST THING we need is to have a guest swinging an axe around because they found one unsecured!
Use of a Saw
Being safe when using a saw is much like using an axe or hatchet.
1. Whenever possible, use a wood cradle. Preparation goes a long way to safety, so cutting wood in a sturdy and secure place helps make the job easier.
2. Make sure no fingers or toes are in the way. The first and obvious thing to watch for is appendages directly in the path of the active saw. If someone is holding the other end of the log and you are cutting between the two of you, make sure you know where the blade is at all times. The less obvious caution comes when the work is done. If the log is overhanging, it could fall when you finish cutting and land on toes if they are in the way. Secondly, be careful touching the saw blade itself when you are finished with your work as the friction will often cause the metal to become quite hot.
3. Faster isn't necessarily better. Saws like those used in our time period have thin blades, so using a very fast pace can sometimes result in problems. In particular, if the blade snags the metal could buckle and break or snap back at the operator. As such, use a steady but careful pace. This might take longer, but it will be safer.
Using Kitchen and Pocket Knives
Being safe with knives is something that might seem obvious, but it can be surprising how quickly one forgets when busy. As such, try to heed these suggestions when using or handling knives in camp or the field.
1. Always grab a knife by the handle, and avoid the blade. It seems obvious, but get in a hurry and you may well grab the wrong end of the knife. When using knives, stay alert and pay attention.
2. Use knives for what they are intended, and nothing else. As much fun as it may be to try to stick your knife into the ground at your feet, don't. Miss and it could bounce into your leg or foot-or even someone else!
3. Always cut away from your body. Relaxing by the fire, whittling a stick. Great demonstration, at least until you hit a knot in the wood and the knife skips into your finger. In addition, be wary of who ELSE might be in the path of that knife. Even when cutting away from yourself, make sure there inst anyone that would be injured.
4. Sharp or dull, all knives are potentially dangerous. Dont let a dull knife give you a false sense of security! Whether sharp as a razor or dull as a stone, a knife can still cut or stab.
5. Like any weapon, never allow a guest to handle or use your knives. While it is unlikely that a guest that borrows your knife will turn out to be a homicidal maniac, it's still a bad idea to allow them to handle or use your knife. Ignoring the use a knife could be put to against you, imagine what could happen if that guest isn't as careful with it as you are! Do you really want the public to risk cutting themselves with your knife? For this reason, it is also a very good idea to make sure that you know where all your knives are (when working in a cooking area for instance), and ensure that the public can't simply pick one up when your back is turned.
Controlling Property
We have already covered this subject several times, but it bears repeating. The best way to keep accidents from happening is to be aware of your surroundings and to limit access to those items that could potentially cause harm to an over-eager guest. A fire that is being watched, a musket stored properly under guard, and the tent ropes that are marked so they are more visible with strips of cloth are conversation pieces and not accidents waiting to happen. With a little planning ahead and proper diligence, our camps can be the fun and interesting place to visit it is meant to be.
Sometimes the wood we have, may need to be cut or split for practical use-or simply as a demonstration of everyday life in the 19th Century. Needless to say, these activities carry with them some obvious dangers and should be performed with caution.
Axe and Hatchet
When using an axe or hatchet always observe the following:
1. Always use a stable and fairly flat surface (such as a stump) as a chopping block. Be very careful not to simply chop into the ground. For one thing, you are more likely to miss your target and swing down into your foot or leg this way. There could be bedrock or a stone beneath you and striking the blade might result in damage to the tool or even send a shower of metal shards through the air!
2. Aim carefully, choose your target and select your wood carefully. Not every piece of wood is suitable for splitting or chopping. Avoid using wood that has knots or is cross-grained (where the garin or line of the wood runs in two directions against one another), as these are less likely to cleave safely or cleanly. Such wood is better tackled with a saw. When splitting, choose a place along the grain as this will help the wood to come apart clean and easy. Knowing WHERE you want to strike the wood will help to cut down on wild misses that so easily lead to accidents.
3. Be sure you have a safe distance around you before starting. We all know how guests wander in and out of our camp, and the last thing we need to have happen is for a guest to be leaning in for that "perfect photo-op" just as an axe is being heaved over a shoulder. So, always make sure that you have a good safe distance around you before using an axe or hatchet.
4. Use only as much force as needed! Depending upon the thickness of the log and weight of the tool, you may be surprised how little force is actually needed to split wood. Obviously, being cautious with the force applied is simply an issue of safety! Too much force could easiily result in a loss of control of the tool, or lead to muscle strain.
5. When you are finished, make sure the tools are put away! The LAST THING we need is to have a guest swinging an axe around because they found one unsecured!
Use of a Saw
Being safe when using a saw is much like using an axe or hatchet.
1. Whenever possible, use a wood cradle. Preparation goes a long way to safety, so cutting wood in a sturdy and secure place helps make the job easier.
2. Make sure no fingers or toes are in the way. The first and obvious thing to watch for is appendages directly in the path of the active saw. If someone is holding the other end of the log and you are cutting between the two of you, make sure you know where the blade is at all times. The less obvious caution comes when the work is done. If the log is overhanging, it could fall when you finish cutting and land on toes if they are in the way. Secondly, be careful touching the saw blade itself when you are finished with your work as the friction will often cause the metal to become quite hot.
3. Faster isn't necessarily better. Saws like those used in our time period have thin blades, so using a very fast pace can sometimes result in problems. In particular, if the blade snags the metal could buckle and break or snap back at the operator. As such, use a steady but careful pace. This might take longer, but it will be safer.
Using Kitchen and Pocket Knives
Being safe with knives is something that might seem obvious, but it can be surprising how quickly one forgets when busy. As such, try to heed these suggestions when using or handling knives in camp or the field.
1. Always grab a knife by the handle, and avoid the blade. It seems obvious, but get in a hurry and you may well grab the wrong end of the knife. When using knives, stay alert and pay attention.
2. Use knives for what they are intended, and nothing else. As much fun as it may be to try to stick your knife into the ground at your feet, don't. Miss and it could bounce into your leg or foot-or even someone else!
3. Always cut away from your body. Relaxing by the fire, whittling a stick. Great demonstration, at least until you hit a knot in the wood and the knife skips into your finger. In addition, be wary of who ELSE might be in the path of that knife. Even when cutting away from yourself, make sure there inst anyone that would be injured.
4. Sharp or dull, all knives are potentially dangerous. Dont let a dull knife give you a false sense of security! Whether sharp as a razor or dull as a stone, a knife can still cut or stab.
5. Like any weapon, never allow a guest to handle or use your knives. While it is unlikely that a guest that borrows your knife will turn out to be a homicidal maniac, it's still a bad idea to allow them to handle or use your knife. Ignoring the use a knife could be put to against you, imagine what could happen if that guest isn't as careful with it as you are! Do you really want the public to risk cutting themselves with your knife? For this reason, it is also a very good idea to make sure that you know where all your knives are (when working in a cooking area for instance), and ensure that the public can't simply pick one up when your back is turned.
Controlling Property
We have already covered this subject several times, but it bears repeating. The best way to keep accidents from happening is to be aware of your surroundings and to limit access to those items that could potentially cause harm to an over-eager guest. A fire that is being watched, a musket stored properly under guard, and the tent ropes that are marked so they are more visible with strips of cloth are conversation pieces and not accidents waiting to happen. With a little planning ahead and proper diligence, our camps can be the fun and interesting place to visit it is meant to be.
bravenet.com