A log dog is a tool that’s used very little these days, as it works primarily with a crosscut saw, which moves forward and back. A modern chainsaw pulls the log in to itself, and doesn’t need the stability of a log dog.
I still use them, and they will be available for others to purchase, once we streamline production. The one in this article is hand forged, using a coal fired forge. In the first picture, I’m heating round steel bar stock in the forge. It’s held up by the chain. The chain is an assist that allows me to do other things while this is heating.
In the next picture, I’ve flattened one end on the anvil. Both ends get flattened, but they aren’t aligned the same. One is parallel to the shaft, the other is not. That way, they can fit with the wood grain of logs laying across one another.
In the next picture, I’ve heated and bent the steel. Most of the bending was done in the Hardie hole, which is the square one. It’s used for holding tools. The round one is called a Pritchel hole.
the next picture just shows a change of preference. I used to make my tapers very gradual and smooth, but here, I’ve done it in a shorter space. I think it looks stouter, and it probably -is- stouter.
Next is a demonstration of how it’s used. In the picture is a 2lb straight peen hammer, which is about what it takes to drive the log dog.
Finally, two pictures of the tool after it’s painted.
