Historical information
A mortise axe is a specialist axe designed for hewing sills and notches in joints. The axe has a long, narrow head, making it easier to work on large logs. The shape enables the user to hew a long way down into the notch, where otherwise a chisel would be used. This tool has one blade, which may be pushed, swung or struck with a mallet. Others, have two, one of which is used for separating the fibres, and the other for levering out the waste.
Significance
This is an example of a common woodworking tool used by the early settlers in the Orbost district.
Physical description
A long wooden handled axe used to cut mortises in posts for post and rail fences. The blade is made of iron and is quite long.
