Thread: Tool For Making Shakes

Check out a thing called a "FROE"

This makes shakes too.

I got this when I searched

cheers
Michael

Originally Posted by allison-

HI,

I'm studying to be a building designer and I have a strong interest in using timber in my designs. I am looking for the tool used to make shakes(rustic shingle)

I've heard tht the tool may be called a shake knife

here's what it looks like:

Alison

STAN CEGLINSKI would be able to help you, he used to make and sell shakes. If you are in the area of Adelaide I believe he will be at the Timber and Working with Wood show, & may provide a demo.

Regards

Originally Posted by allison-

HI,

I'm studying to be a building designer and I have a strong interest in using timber in my designs. I am looking for the tool used to make shakes(rustic shingle)

I've heard tht the tool may be called a shake knife

here's what it looks like:

The pic says FROE and WOODEN MALLET and it ain't wrong
'shake knife' sounds like a made up name

I believe some people make froes by using a length of leaf-spring using the eye to hold the vertical handle and sharpening of course.
Cheers,
Jim

Mallet is also known as a maul in this application.

With a cranky bit of hardwood you can imagine why.

Tool exchange (google it) has had froes FS if memory serves. Or Hans Brunner.

My impression is that early Aus settlers preferred bark for roofing - refer cranky hardwood.

I made one yesterday from a leaf spring. Not made the handle yet, but that will only take a few minuets. About two months ago I made a shave horse for making oars. Then I needed to make some chairs. I needed the froe to split timber for chairs. I really need an anvil now..it just goes on and on..Where are you, i could show you how to make a froe f you are close.

Peter.

Originally Posted by rsser

Mallet is also known as a maul in this application.

With a cranky bit of hardwood you can imagine why.

Tool exchange (google it) has had froes FS if memory serves. Or Hans Brunner.

My impression is that early Aus settlers preferred bark for roofing - refer cranky hardwood.

I think it might also have been called a beetle. Tool exchange would certainly have one just may not be one listed atm. Drop a line to Stuart.

Cheers
Michael

Originally Posted by Basilg

Alison

STAN CEGLINSKI would be able to help you, he used to make and sell shakes. If you are in the area of Adelaide I believe he will be at the Timber and Working with Wood show, & may provide a demo.

Regards

You might wanna check the dates, Adelaide show has been done and dusted, next show is Canberra Everything Exhibitions & Events!

hi Alison, when you get your froe, one thing to remember is that the blade is not to be sharpened to an edge. The one in the drawing you posted has a bevel ground on it, which is correct, but it doesn't really come to a really sharp edge as it seems to be drawn. If they are too sharp they can cut the grain fibres rather than wedging them apart. You don't want to cut the fibres but rather split between them keeping the long threads of grain unbroken and stronger. Not many Aussie timbers split well like this because they tend to have wild interlocking grain rather than nice long splittable stuff. Choose your timbers with care.

Yep, Stan was using one of these at the Perth Woodworking show a fortnight ago.

Yes, froe.
Been there, done that.
Not a fun project.
Many theories for making shake shingles. In many parts of the country, here in the U.S. green oak was preferred. As can be expected, when laid up green it would go through changes as it cured. That was part of the process and preferred.
Making shakes with a froe is hard work, especially if you are using dried wood.
My next roof? I'll call the professional roofer and say, "Do it."

Originally Posted by Rifleman1776

Making shakes with a froe is hard work, especially if you are using dried wood.

I only see once in use the froe, during an historical revival of arts and craft. I was told it was a common practice of years ago, in some parts of northern Italy, to cover seasonally built shield for the animals. only occasionally for the house's roof.
But in the same place the roofs were (and are still today) built using slate slabs.

Not a minor work, so...
http://www.invalmalenco.it/foto/tornadri_tetti.jpg

but no one knew the italian name for "froe"