While I don't believe I can match the power of a motorized wood chipper, I'm interested in building something that can be used to chop softer wooded biomass and brush into smaller pieces. I've done some cursory research and believe that a fodder cutter design might be useful.
The issue that I am having is that I'm not a great engineer/fabber so I'm going to have to really try and think this out. I'm very familiar with paper guillotines so I'm going to try and figure out a hinged blade design.
Do you want completely manual, or just not an engine?
The cordless pruning shears available these days are terrifyingly good. They will easily cut inch thick branches. And probably fingers (the terrifying part).
My grandpa used one like your picture 50 years ago. It was just a super duty paper cutter. You can find manual made in India versions today, but they are the rotary version made for grass and reeds-just google “chaff cutter”.
Another option is an axe or heavy brush knife (WAY thicker than a machete)
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