Question

The handles of felling axes are curved, whereas the handles of pickaxes, mattocks, sledgehammers, broadaxes and double-bitted axes are straight. What is the physical principle involved?

Peter Read , Taroona Tasmania

Answers

Pickaxes, mattocks, sledgehammers and double-bitted axes have straight handles because they are designed to be used in a downward manner. The tool is struck from a near vertical stance to a point in front of the operative. The straight handle is reversible and allows both points of the tool to be used: a pick has a chisel and a sharp point, a mattock has one blade at 90 degrees to the other. The straight handles are oval in section and bell towards the operator's end, giving grip and preventing the tool from slipping out of the hands. These tools are extremely difficult to use horizontally.

A felling axe is designed to be used in the horizontal and vertical positions and any angle between within reason. The design allows a constricting grip to give control when the tool is swung, so that it will not slip out of the operator's hands. The end of the handle thickens and bends so that if the hand slips there will still be a grip at the end to prevent the axe from becoming a missile and risk damaging one's legs. The axe, under certain circumstances, may be used with one hand and still be safely controlled.

An adze, used for shaping wood, has a single blade head at 90 degrees to the line of the shaft which has more of a curve than the felling axe. It is used by swinging it down and towards the user who stands astride the timber. This tool requires a high degree of control, hence the handle shape, otherwise one may then need it to shape a wooden leg.

R Trewinnard , Newmilns Ayrshire