THE CUTTING EDGE Penny Woodward looks at important winter tools for cleaning up gardens and cutting firewood.
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the timber or fibreglass used for the handle and the way the head is attached to the handle (with timber handles, typically timber and steel wedges are used) will determine the cost, safety of use and how long your tool is likely to last. As usual, it’s about buying the best quality you can afford, and looking for a warranty of at least 10 years but better if it’s a lifetime guarantee. For safety you should always wear solid shoes and long pants when using these cutting tools. With axes and splitters protective glasses are also recommended.
Axes There’s a whole world of axes out there that goes way beyond the “just need to split some timber for firewood”. There are wood chopping competition axes that can be as expensive as $800, while the cheapest home garden ones are about $50. Unless you’re an
PHOTO: ISTOCK
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inter may be a quieter time for gardeners in many regions but there is still plenty to do and a whole set of tools you’ll need to get things done. Let’s start with cleaning and tidying – clearing weedy areas or tall grasses that have got away during summer, and pruning out dead and dying tree branches. If you have a wood-burning stove or a fireplace, then it’s also time for splitting and cutting firewood. Quality and safety become even more important when you are using tools that are inherently dangerous, especially if wrongly used or badly made. Typically, handles on axes and splitters are timber or fiberglass. If they are timber and made overseas, they will probably be white hickory, or ash for smaller tools. If made in Australia, then probably a hardwood like spotted gum. With all of these tools, the quality of the forged steel used to make the head, the quality of
