Stop in for a cup of coffee
Your ancestors may have also used a holzaxe - I'm not sure on the history of those but IIRC Henry Mercer has one he collected in Ancient Carperters' Tools.
For splitting rails like Willie Chris mentioned thats almost easier with two axes, especially if the grain is twisted like we find with locust. Begin the split, then do the same in line with the first, then cut across the grain to join them.
this oak is going to become 4 foot rough shingles
Iron wedge, a maul, and some gluts.
Your ancestors may have also used a holzaxe - I'm not sure on the history of those but IIRC Henry Mercer has one he collected in Ancient Carperters' Tools.
For splitting rails like Willie Chris mentioned thats almost easier with two axes, especially if the grain is twisted like we find with locust. Begin the split, then do the same in line with the first, then cut across the grain to join them.
this oak is going to become 4 foot rough shingles