As I said yesterday, a machine is used cut about a foot into the ice and then the rest of the cutting is done with hand saws; big hand saws. Once the “professionals” have everything set up, they let the spectators have at it. We all took turns using saws as long as I am tall to cut the last five or six inches along the bottom of the block. I freed three blocks of ice and have to say it was a workout. The saw only cuts on the down-stroke, which is good because it’s heavy and takes a lot of muscle just to get it back into position. It’s great exercise for the thighs.
Milford Street 
we saw such saws in the antique shops, seldom ever see them now.. I remember seeing one being sharpened, had no idea what it was tho’ now I know.. Thanks
My pleasure. Thes saws are really interesting. It is amazing to think of their history and who else may have used them.
The handsaws look beautifully shaped. A workout yes, but it looks like a fun workout which is the best kind anyway. 😊 Cheers!
They are beautiful tools. It was awesome to think of how old they are and their history as I used them.
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AMAZING! When I was in Washington Island this past summer I saw those saws and tong like picks. They were stored in an ice house. They collected ice from Lake Michigan to keep the fish cold!
It looks like fun but what a workout!
It was fun to watch and try but I can’t imagine cutting ice all day long. I’m glad you enjoyed the images. Cheers
Great images indeed and very important to share espicially with people who live in countries that have no snow ..
Cheers !!
i’ve never seen an ice harvesting…such a wonderful event…and nice community…very cool Chris ~ ciao hedy 😀
It was awesome fun, Hedy. It really is a community event with some visitors like us. There is another one coming up but it’s way up in the mountains. Cheers !!!
I would be too leery of even trying to stand on the ice let alone take a saw to it.
It’s pretty thick ice. They drove cars and trucks on it. You’d be fine. Just don’t step in the hole.
Oh my goodness that would be good exercise – but looks brrrrr cold 😉
Yes, but the exercise warms you up. 😉
Haha true 😉
Interesting. I’ll have to look at your previous post to get the backstory.
Thank you. Cheers
You’re welcome.