Tool Tuesday: Froe

[johan_steele]

The froe is an interesting and versatile tool. It can be used to rive boards, slats, fence rails, shingles and a variety of other items. Most that I have seen have been made by a local blacksmith and many of those from used files. I can not say that I have seen one mass produced. I own two of different sizes that are handy for different tasks. The bigger one is used for larger tasks and the smaller one for more detailed work. In all honesty I use the larger one to make the seats for stools more often than not while the smaller works well for shingles and shakes.

I have spent many a quiet winter eve splitting shingles for summer projects. It is a relaxing and productive exercise. Even when I find I do not need them I can easily trade or sell them off to those who do. The spoil makes good kindling for the various stoves and fireplaces around my place.

A froe in combination with a club or wooden mallet can produce a large number of shingles in short order without a lot of wastage. A simple tap or two with a club or mallet combined with a bit of light pushing and pulling of the froe allows for steady even splitting of all manner of wood. My smaller froe has been hard used enough that I question how much longer it will last. Though due to my fondness for the thing I may well take it to a local smith and have him forge weld a repair of a hairline crack I have noticed on the socket.