A wooden hay rake is a brilliant craft that incorporates a lot of skills and techniques in a deceptively simple product.
First we start by cleaving an ash log and shaving the heads on the shavehorse getting them as straight as possible.
Next we make the teeth, first splitting a log into billets then driving them through the time cutter. It’s trickier than it looks!
Then lots of drilling, 12 holes all straight and true. It’s great exercise in teamwork and very satisfying when they all finish up aligned.
The handle is shaved, sawn down so it can spread and be jointed into the head for the finished hay rake.
Thanks to The Land Trust for organising and facilitating the workshop and all the participants who were a pleasure to work with.
