Log splitting tools

[waltman]

Fiskars makes one of the nicest axes around, does the job in a smart way instead of using brute force with an 8 lb maul.

[Fisherman]

Sledge and a steel wedge along with safety glasses. Very little effort with a sledgehammer.

[patvetzal]

Sledge and a steel wedge along with safety glasses. Very little effort with a sledgehammer.

Your not working on my maple and oak.....

[Fisherman]

I beg to differ, just did about a 12 maple logs yesterday anywhere from 8 inches to 14 inches in diameter, 3-4 wacks with the sledge and they pop apart. I follow the check lines in the wood, and never on the same line as a knot. Knots face down to follow the grain of the wood.

[df0010]

I heat the family cottage with wood, and after having worked many years as an arborist, I'll offer the following thought. If you're splitting wood by hand because you enjoy it, and it only costs you time, that's one thing... but what else could you be doing with that time?

A dual stroke splitter can split an impressive amount of wood with 2 or 3 people on it for a day. I think it comes down to how much wood you need to split vs how much you value your time for other activities. If you have a small amount of wood, plug away at it by all means, but for large amounts do you want to spend all your time splitting and stacking wood when that time could be used for working/hunting/playing etc.

If you ARE going to split by hand, I'll offer the following thought - on larger rounds (12" diameter or larger) your first hit should be parallel to the direction of the tree rings about 2-3" in from the side. this will usually spall off a flat peice making it easier to work your way around the round rather than trying to halve/quarter it.

[sawbill]

.......and keep the knots on the bottom so your axe has a chance to penetrate.

[sawbill]

Our next lesson in this series will be given by Greatwhite. The topic will be, "How to Pile your Firewood"

[df0010]

Our next lesson in this series will be given by Greatwhite. The topic will be, "How to Pile your Firewood"

thats what the kids (yours/neighbors/whoevers) are for :P

[johnjyb]

Our next lesson in this series will be given by Greatwhite. The topic will be, "How to Pile your Firewood"

Awesome!!!! I knew the topic would live again!
John

[patvetzal]

Followed by Bodywork 101.....