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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →To make wooden shingles by hand, split a straight-grained log section, or bolt, along the grain with a froe and mallet (an axe is an alternative). Build in a taper by turning the bolt as you split. If you need a flatter, more uniform surface, finish each piece separately on a shaving horse with a drawknife. The wood and dimensions depend on the log and the roof; there is no single species or size that suits every job.
Tools and materials for hand-splitting shingles
The basic tools are a froe and wooden mallet for splitting, or an axe as an alternative. A saw or crosscut saw can be used to cut the log into bolts, but it is needed only for preparing those sections. For a dressed finish, use a shaving horse to hold the shingle and a drawknife or draw-shave to remove uneven material.
- Froe: guides the split along the grain.
- Mallet: drives the froe into the wood.
- Axe: an alternative splitting implement mentioned in historical accounts.
- Shaving horse and drawknife: optional dressing tools for flattening and evening a split piece.
How do I make wooden shingles by hand?
- Prepare a bolt. Cut or obtain a log section about as long as the shingles you intend to make. Look for straight grain. If you are unsure how it will split, try a sample chunk before committing the whole bolt.
- Split the bolt into manageable sections. Use a froe and mallet, or an axe, to open the wood into wedges or smaller sections that are easier to rive.
- Rive thin pieces along the grain. Set the froe with the mallet, then use the froe handle to open and guide the split. Work progressively through the wood rather than trying to remove a finished shingle in one uncontrolled split.
- Turn the bolt if you want a taper. The National Park Service describes flipping the bolt after successive strikes when making tapered shingles. The split itself can create the taper; it is not necessarily a separate sawing operation.
- Dress only if the fit calls for it. A split face can be irregular. To make the piece flatter and more even, secure it on a shaving horse and use a drawknife or draw-shave to remove high spots.
This describes the traditional sequence, not a complete safety manual. Froe, axe, and drawknife work can cause serious injury; use appropriate training and safe tool-handling practices for the specific tools and setup.
What wood is best for hand-split shingles?
Choose for grain and local availability rather than assuming one species is always best. The National Park Service says historical makers used locally available species and usually selected heartwood, noting that softer sapwood deteriorated quickly. A 1973 Mother Earth News how-to lists cedar, sugar pine, redwood, fir, and other straight-grained timber as possibilities, but warns that a straight-looking trunk may still split poorly. Test a sample chunk when the splitting quality is uncertain.
#1 Best Overall
- ★PERFECT SIZE: 15" x 0.25" x 1.9" inch (38.1cm x 0.6cm x 4.8cm) froe-type blade; Handle is graduated in size meaning that it tapers (one end of the handle is larger than the eye of the froe) so the blade jam fits in place and prevents the froe blade from falling off of the handle
- ★EASY TO USE: The froe goes through the log and the wood separates from the rest of the log; To use, simply pound the top of the blade with a wooden mallet or maul into the end of a short log, then pull back on the handle to split off a slice of the wood with the grain; Wooden mallet recommended, not included
- ★GRIP COMFORTABLY: 18-inch (45.7cm) long handle that is constructed from solid hardwood for less user fatigue and more productivity
- ★BUILT TO LAST: Constructed with a hardened steel blade and durable hardwood handle that can easily pry and split cedar and other types of wood
- ★GET PRECISE SPLITS: The Redneck Convent Wood Splitting Froe allows you to be much more precise when splitting lumber, shakes, shingles, and turning blanks; Use for woodworking projects that require riveting such as chair spindles and spoons, split bow staves, or make tinder and kindling for a wood stove
These historical accounts do not establish a universal species ranking or a current service-life comparison. Roof exposure, design, and the particular wood also matter; the sources do not provide a modern specification for choosing among species.
Radial or lateral splitting?
A 2024 Hackaday account describes radial splitting as suitable for larger logs and lateral splitting as an option for smaller ones. It also says laterally split pieces are more prone to warping. Treat that as a general observation from a secondary account, not a controlled comparison or a guarantee for every log. In either layout, the grain and the way a particular bolt opens will affect the result.
Rank #2
- Our case-hardened steel wood splitting froe is ideal for making kindling, shingles, furniture and baskets
- Made by an Amish craftsman, our mallet is extremely durable and is made of birch hardwood for a good shock resistance
- The mallet's ergonomic handle with a ball end keeps the mallet from slipping out of your grasp while in use
- Froe: 15"L sharp steel blade, 16" hickory handle, total wt 4 lb, Mallet: About 9-3/4"H, head 3"Diameter, USA Made
- Note: This wood froe tool is not meant to split large logs. It's designed for already-split lumber or small logs for woodworking, making kindling and more
How thick and long should a shingle be?
The National Park Service records historical shingles as usually about 3/8–3/4 inch thick, 3–8 inches wide, and 14–36 inches long. Those are historical reference dimensions, not a universal modern roof specification. Select dimensions for the intended roof and its detailing rather than treating the ranges as a ready-to-build plan.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What hand-splitting output estimates can—and cannot—tell you
A 1973 Mother Earth News article estimated that 20 feet of good straight timber could yield about 20 “squares,” defining a square as enough shingles to cover 100 square feet when properly laid. The same article estimated one to two squares in two hours. These are old author estimates, not current production guarantees or independently verified rates; actual yield and pace depend on the timber, dimensions, finish, and maker.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- The steel blade is now case hardened, ultimately making it stronger and last longer
- This wood froe tool is not meant to split large logs; it is designed for already-split lumber or small logs for woodworking, making kindling and more
- 16" hickory handle with 15" sharp steel blade, 4 pounds, USA made
- USA Amish made and proven effective in continuous use since the 1800's
- Safer! All other methods put your hand below the cutting edge. Strike back upper edge with mallet (sold separately) to drive blade into wood. Pull on handle to pry splits from block.
Rank #4
- Shingle Froe Tool and Kindling Axe for Splitting Firewood, 15 Inch Premium Forged Blade Shingle Froe with Wooden Handle for Wood Splitting, Shaving, and Scraping
- Heavy-Duty Steel Blade: Features a 15-inch long, 2-inch wide black steel blade for superior strength and durability, ideal for splitting wood and making shingles.
- Comfortable Wooden Handle: Ergonomic wood handle provides a secure, non-slip grip and reduces hand fatigue during extended use.
- Easy to Use & Efficient: Designed for clean, precise splitting with minimal effort, suitable for both professional carpenters and DIY enthusiasts. Durable Black Coating: Rust-resistant black finish protects the blade from corrosion and ensures long-lasting performance indoors and outdoors.
- Versatile Woodworking Tool: Perfect for splitting logs, making wooden shingles, shakes, and various woodworking or carpentry projects.
Rank #3
- HAND-FORGED BLADE: Made from hardened 52100 carbon steel for excellent edge retention and long-lasting durability.
- WOOD SPLITTING TOOL: Designed specifically for splitting wood along the grain safely and efficiently.
- ERGONOMIC HANDLE: Ash wood handle finished with linseed oil provides a comfortable, secure grip for prolonged use.
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL FROE: Ideal for making planks, shingles, kindling, and other woodworking tasks.
- SAFETY AND CONTROL: Blade fixed securely with a round ring allows precise splitting without swinging like an axe.
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