Carpenters Using Hatchets?

C

ConBon

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Jan 17, 2012
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Hello, I'm a finish carpenter but find myself doing a myriad of other things (framing roofing demo drywall) and was wondering if anyone in the trades uses a rigging hatchet or carpenters hatchet? What do you find them useful for these days? Did they replace your regular hammer? I've toyed with the idea of using one but never got around to it. I know that a drywaller will use a drywall hatchet (a rocker's hammer as we say,) and the benefits are obvious, but what about everyone else?

This was my Stanley Hatchet, accidentally thrown out after we had a flood :(



Connor
 
I use a modified riggers on a 18" handle for roughing out larger tenons and mortise housing while timber-framing.... It's also nice for knocking down knots on Red Pines that I peel for rafters and 3/4 round joists... it fits in my hammer holster so it part of my tool belt system when framing...

Peace, Rooster
 
Unless you're working with timbers a carpenter should have not need for a hatchet. Back when I used to frame houses we called any carpenter using a hatchet a wood butcher. One exception, a form carpenter might use one to make stakes.
 
When building barns, out buildings or a bridge on a farm using hatchets are really better. Because when driving size 50 or 60 ring shank commons the heft of the hatchet head transfers more force to the nail head. Allowing it to be driven more efficient. DM
 
Square_peg said:
Unless you're working with timbers a carpenter should have not need for a hatchet. Back when I used to frame houses we called any carpenter using a hatchet a wood butcher. One exception, a form carpenter might use one to make stakes.
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I used a hatchet to hew a couple of high spots off of the subfloor before I fitted the landing tread around the balcony of these stairs. I also used a hatchet as a slick to true a few of steps on the carriage before installing the treads. Being these stairs are curved, or flared, my hatchet came in handy fitting the curved sleeper carriage to the straight portion of the main case. I find a hatchet works best for fitting these steeply pitched bastard cuts. I keep a hatchet near me at all times for little tasks like I just mentioned. A hatchet is quick, efficient, and makes zero dust as compared to using a hand planer or belt sander to accomplish the same task.

I also find a hatchet handy in framing too. I find myself hewing crowns off joists, and headers on a regular basis. But, hey what do I know, I've only been building custom homes for 35 years.

Best regards,
The Wood Butcher.:D
 
I certainly see a hatchet as useful in timber framing, and know that form workers use them. But I never thought about what quinton mentioned. I might find a small straight hatchet and tuck it in a toolbox. Course, theres a few tools I'd like first.

Connor
 
I have an old Plumb lathing hatchet that I use all the time. I'm a remodeling contractor, great tool for hewing small amounts off of studs and joists to level them., trimming shims, or re-lathing before a re plaster job.
 
I've often wondered how they could be used myself.

I swung a hammer for better than a decade, these days I turn more wrenches. But I picked one up specifically to keep at the shop for demolition duties on old pallets that I burn on occasion. The problem was, that my Plumb hatchet project turned out so nice, I don't want to beat it up!! :D But that is what I rebuilt it for. The old abused head came from e-bay, it was perfect for my intended purpose.

I think I'll take it in to work after all...
 
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tanglediver said:
I've often wondered how they could be used myself.

I swung a hammer for better than a decade, these days I turn more wrenches. But I picked one up specifically to keep at the shop for demolition duties on old pallets that I burn on occasion. The problem was, that my Plumb hatchet project turned out so nice, I don't want to beat it up!! :D But that is what I rebuilt it for. The old abused head came from e-bay, it was perfect for my intended purpose.

I think I'll take it in to work after all...
Click to expand...
Wow, that looks really nice. How long is the handle?

Connor
 
quinton said:
But, hey what do I know, I've only been building custom homes for 35 years.

Best regards,
The Wood Butcher.:D
Click to expand...

I bow to your experience. I've only been doing it for 33 years. Those tasks you describe I've always done with other tools, power planers, slicks or just a skilsaw when it comes to taking the crown off of a joist. A 7-1/2" angle grinder with a 24g or 36g disc is a helluva wood eater, too.

I have a saying - there are as many RIGHT ways to do it as there are GOOD carpenters. I'd love to swap stories with you over a cold one some time.
 
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