Medieval Woodworking Tools
- The medieval hand saw was similar to modern-day hand saws. However, the saw teeth were not spaced closely together as steelworking had not refined this method yet. The saw blade was 2 to 3 inches wide and 3 to 4 feet long, which is a bit longer than the modern day hand saw. Medieval saws were fitted with straight handles rather than hooked handles. These saws were good for rough cutting. However, to refine the cut, the woodworker used sharp-bladed tools.
- The medieval ax was used for various woodworking projects.Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
The medieval ax was made from polished steel. The ax head was rounded on one side to facilitate quick cutting. This head was placed on a wooden handle 3 to 4 feet long and 2 inches in diameter. Woodworkers used the ax to cut trees for lumber usage and square logs for building and bridge usage. The ax was sharp enough to make fine, even cuts along lumber in order to shape boards, as well. - The medieval drill was made from steel and wood. The drill base held crude drill bits that may have been similar to a medieval nail. The woodworker held the drill with one hand on a loose wooden handle and turned the drill with the opposite hand. These drills could bore clean holes up to 1 inch in diameter. Although this drill was used by the expert craftsman, it could also be used by the average hobbyist during the medieval period.
- The wooden block plane was used to fine-tune wooden projects. This tool was made from a wooden block 2 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches long. It was fitted with a sharp, steel blade on one side that was set inside the block at an angle and protruding from the block surface only 1/8 inch. The woodworker pushed the plane along a wood surface, with the blade trimming small amounts of wood from the project to create a smooth surface.