Chestnut paling

[Zac-1]

Has anyone got a diagrams/picture of the frame system built and used by paling makers for splitting wood with a froe? I’d like to have a go at building one.

[Badgerland]

Hi Zac-1

 

There are different styles of cleaving brake, but they effectively do the same thing. Your best bet is to try and get hold of any of the Ray Tabor books. Traditional woodland crafts, The encyclopedia of green woodworking or Green woodworking pattern book. The latter one is probably the most useful imho.

 

I use one on a very regular basis when splitting chestnut poles into 1/16ths for making gate hurdles. Mine’s made from some bits of old telegraph poles with half round chestnut cross rails bolted on. I would send you a photo, but it ain’t pretty. But it works! The reason I did mine the way I have is that I often need to take it to shows so needed something that is transportable and also will sit happily on tarmac surfaces.

 

If you struggle to get hold of a copy of any of the books, let me know and I’ll photograph the relevant pages from my copy.

 

Whereabouts in the country are you? I’m in mid-Wilts, so if you’re near by you’re welcome to swing by and have a look at/ have a go at using mine. Might make it easier to understand the concept.