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What is hand-hewn v. rough sawn?

In early American times, structural beams needed to be formed from logs using whatever means available. Hand-hewn means the timber was etched-out of the log with cutting blows made by hand using a heavy, sharp instrument. To "hew" specifically means to cut using heavy blows. The most common tools used were a broad axe, a score axe and a dog to hold the beam in place; less common was an adze. A farmer would hew his beams a year or so before he built his structure to allow the beam to dry out and season. Hand-hewing was a long, arduous task, but it was the only means used in areas that were not located near water. Why water?

Because if lakes or rivers were close by, water was used to generate power. With power, they could run a saw. Rough-sawn is much smoother than hand-hewn, but not as clean cut as today's saws. The saw blades back then made a relatively clean cut but with noticeable skips, or kerf marks, and also produced the finished product much quicker. Through time the grains tend to surface as well, adding to the roughness.

Hand-hewn and rough-sawn beams are easily distinguishable: Hand-hewn will have noticeable etch marks, and will look more rustic. You cannot run your hands across without getting splinters! Rough-sawn is a much cleaner cut, although not as clean as the saws of our decade can make.

Hand-hewn:

Rough-sawn:

 



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