Adzes

Adzes and broad axes have been used for centuries in log cabin building. An Adze (also spelled as adz) is an edge tool of ancient origins which is used for smoothing or carving wood in hand woodworking, similar to an axe but with the head mounted perpendicular to the handle. Two basic forms of an adze are the hand adze, a short handled tool swung with one hand, and a foot adze, a long handled tool capable of powerful swings using both hands - the cutting edge usually striking at foot or shin level. The blade of an adze is set at right angles to the tool's shaft (like a hoe or plane), unlike the blade of an axe which is set in line with the shaft.