why and how we use green wood
- When worked green, wood can be split or 'cleft' along the grain maintaining its natural strength. This is process is carried out using metal wedges, wooden wedges called 'gluts' and then can be cleaved into finer sections using a 'froe' and a cleaving 'brake'.
- The cleft sections can then shaped into the gate parts using a 'side axe'.
- Mortices can then be constructed using a bit and brace and chisel. Final shaping of the rails is then carried out with the axe to ensure a tight fitting joint.