Windy Smithy

I make Log Building Tools, Oak Framing Tools, Bodgers Tools, Knives and Bespoke Tools including axes, drawknives, chisels, draw pins and a multitude of other tools and devices for the discerning house carpenter and logbuilder.

I provide all that I can for a wide range of craftsmen, who have been having difficulty in finding the hand tool for the job, and I am happy to research a particular tool and to produce it, using either the traditional techniques, or modern methods, saving time and effort. I have travelled extensively in Scandinavia, learning relevant skills with a wide variety of toolsmiths, with many thanks to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for inspiration and support.
Laminated blades, where the Tool Steel cutting edge is supported in a sandwich of softer mild steel, are often used in my tools, as the toughness of the surrounding material ideally complements the perfectly tempered edge steel. The layers are Forge Welded in the fire, creating a uniquely crafted tool.

Below are some images and information on a selection of our tools, just click the tool to find out more...

AXES | MERKNIFE | HEWING DOGS | PUPPY DOGS | FRAMING PINS | TIMBER TROLLEYS
FROES | SCYTHE PEENING ANVILS | PEELING KNIVES | OFFSET PRICKERS | OTHER TOOLS

...and if something takes your fancy then here's HOW TO ORDER

Hand crafted axes, for hewing, shaping and planing. Several styles available, including the Broad Axe and Norfolk Axe. Most styles available in both double bevel and single bevel (side axe) forms. Axes available without handle if preferred.
Mortice (push) axes also available. From £120.00 (double bevel) & 130.00 (single bevel).

Broad Axe: £145

Side Axe: £160 (small Side Axe£110)

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Well-balanced, sturdy and essential tool, effectively a draw gouge, for cleaning up the hollow in the underside of the log. These come in three different widths, with a cutting edge of hardened and tempered carbon steel.

Merknife: £125

Merknife with sheath: £150

For holding timber still while hewing (squaring up) and other operations. Length: 800mm or 500mm.

Dogs: £35

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For holding round logs absolutely fast while working on them.

Puppies: £16

A temporary pin for use in traditional pegged timber frame building. The pin is used in place of the oak peg during construction and assembly of the frame. Forged from solid stainless or mild steel bar, and ground to a smooth finish, with a T-handle (useful for knocking out wooden pegs!) Other sizes (eg 7/8") available on request.

£17.00 (3/4" mild steel), £22.00 (1" or 7/8" mild steel), £22 (3/4" stainless steel),
£28 (1" or 7/8" stainless steel). Exta long 1" to fit all sizes, £30 in stainless, £24 in mild steel.
Discounts available for orders of 20 or more.

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A solid, well built, yard trolley on pneumatic tyres , capable of single handed moving of extremely heavy pieces of timber. A must for the solo framer! Individually built to suit your own trestle height, and in the colour of your choice.

Trolley: £390

A sturdy tool for cleaving mostly green wood, used with a mallet. Supplied without handle.

Froe 8" - £35 / Froe 10" - £40 / Froe 12" - £40: £145

A traditional Alpine tool for sharpening your scythe by hammering the edge
against this handy portable anvil, used between the legs.

Scythe Peening Anvil: £40

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A Norwegian style curved Drawknife used to remove the bark and to smooth logs prior to Logbuilding.
Also suitable for other uses. Approx. 13” blade.

Peeling Knife: £95

Used to mark tenons through pre-drilled Mortice holes in Traditional Tmber Frame joints. The tenon is then removed, and drilled where the mark indicates, 3/16” closer to the shoulder than the centre of the peg hole in the mortice. When the joint is re assembled and the peg driven in, the offset holes will cause the shoulder to be forced snugly against the other timber, tightening the joint.

Offset Prickers: £22 / 7/8": £24 / 1": £24 / Set of 3: £65

...and if something takes your fancy then here's HOW TO ORDER

My complete range of tools includes Socket Chisels, Gouges, Adzes, Froes, Mortice axes, Knives,
Race Knives, DrawKnives, Wedges, Viking Axes and Yurt Makers Carrot.

Yurt Makers Carrot - an invaluable tool for burning out the square holes around the Wheel of the yurt.
Simply heat one up in the fire and when red hot, push it into the pre-drilled holes around the wheel to give
even tapered holes all around. £28 or £50/pair

Splitting Wedges - for splitting large timbers. Made from soft iron. £25 each

Just scroll down the page to see some of these tools...

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