{"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EUsing a hand axe\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E1.\u003C/strong\u003E Mark out a clear chopping area, situated close to the fire area but separated from it by a graded woodpile.\u00A0The chopping area must be free of obstructions and trip hazards, and at least three axe lengths in radius\u00A0(eg an outstretched arm and the length of three axes). Place the chopping block in the centre. Axes should\u00A0only be used in this area, which should be clearly marked and enforced as a \u2018no go\u2019 zone for anyone who is not properly trained or clothed.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2.\u003C/strong\u003E Crouch or kneel behind the chopping block.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E3.\u003C/strong\u003E Hold the wood to be chopped in one hand, and firmly grip the haft of the axe with the other.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4\u003C/strong\u003E. Aim carefully and always try to hit the wood in the same place. When practising, it may help to make a chalk mark on the log.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E5\u003C/strong\u003E. Swing the axe in a chopping motion by bending your arm at the elbow, aiming to create a small \u2018V\u2019 with alternate angled cuts at 45 degrees. Do not chop straight down onto the wood, as this will cause the axe head to bounce.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E6\u003C/strong\u003E. As the \u2018V\u2019 widens, you will create chippings, and the wood will soon split. Clear the chippings away regularly and use them for kindling.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Plain","cta":"","body":"","link":null,"colour":null,"title":"Using a hand axe","image":"/media/6863/drawing-of-using-a-hand-axe.png?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dbdb7d186811b0","imageFocus":"","imageId":14657,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]},{"items":[]}],"config":null}]},"prev":{"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/safety-guidelines/","title":"Safety guidelines"},"next":{"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/using-a-bow-saw/","title":"Using a bow saw"},"allParts":[{"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/good-practice/","title":"Good practice"},{"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/safety-guidelines/","title":"Safety guidelines"},{"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/using-and-sharpening-a-hand-axe/","title":"Using and sharpening a hand axe"},{"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/using-a-bow-saw/","title":"Using a bow saw"}],"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/using-and-sharpening-a-hand-axe/","id":50726,"nodeName":"Using and sharpening a hand axe","title":"Using and sharpening a hand axe","type":"codexPart","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Using and sharpening a hand axe","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"searchDescription":"","subHeader":"","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC81MDcyNiJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/using-and-sharpening-a-hand-axe/"}