OT: How do you split logs?

[veggieburger]

This is a question for the wood burners.

I have a small electric 5 ton wood splitter that does a decent job with most logs. On the bigger pieces of wood I like to use a maul, but the one I have been using is dull, generic, and the handle is starting to split up the back. Time to replace!

My brother in law is pushing me towards the beautiful (but expensive) Gransfors Bruk maul. A coworker uses a wedge. Online reviews have me considering the Fiskars 8lb ISO.

What do you swing?

[OtayBW]

8-lb maul and wedges if needed, but I think half the battle is technique (if I do say so myself...;))

[saf-t]

OK, for starts, I do know this is the PL, where esthetics often are valued over economical function. ;-) That said, I replaced my cracking wooden maul handle with something like this over 10 years ago and haven't looked back.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/True-Temper-36-in-Replacement-Fiberglass-Handle-2036100/202057450

And a little work with a file should deal with the edge- I've been sharpening axes that way since I was a kid.

[Ozz]

split wood? I flip a switch on the wall to turn on a gas fireplace. ;)

Back in the day, when burning logs was OK (lots of burn bans in the city), I had an assortment of wedges, mauls and sledge hammers...nothing fancy, but they seemed to work just fine.

Proper eye protection, gloves and footwear are essential.

[Bruce K]

You can usually rent a log splitting machine from a local tool rental company if you are not confident in your technique.

Otherwise, maul/sledgehammer and wedges as stated above.

BK

[verticaldoug]

If the wood is properly dried, it splits easy. The only issue are those pesky knots.

[veggieburger]

If the wood is properly dried, it splits easy. The only issue are those pesky knots.

I'm rarely splitting dried wood. I'm splitting the logs, then stacking to dry.

[William]

Mauls and wedges....how quaint...


https://media.giphy.com/media/xTiTnxqtQsFbhrfGZW/giphy.gif





:)

W.

[veggieburger]

Mauls and wedges....how quaint...


https://media.giphy.com/media/xTiTnxqtQsFbhrfGZW/giphy.gif





:)

W.

NICE!! I'll try this tonight.

[Rpoole8537]

I have a wood stove in my basement that I use on very cold weeks. Four years ago, I purchased a Fiskar axe on the recommendation of the guy at the local hardware. I used a lot of axes growing up on a farm in my youth. We never had anything that split wood like a Fiskar. Plus, I’m old now and I don’t have the strength and stamina to swing an axe for a long period of time. I need quick results!

[bronk]

I'd consider replacing the handle or go with the Fiskar. I think the shorter handle of the G-B would steer me away from that.

[William]

BTW, when you get the big stuff done and you need to piece it...


http://www.likecool.com/Gear/Gadget/Kindling%20Cracker%20Split%20Those%20Logs%20No%20A xe/Kindling-Cracker-Split-Those-Logs-No-Axe-1.gif


Maybe this and an Engineer's hammer (four pound sledge).





W.

[nortx-Dave]

Easy.

I burn probably a cord a season in a fireplace insert that effectively heats my house all winter long. (Not that hard to do in Texas) I've gone through numerous wooden handled axes - both expensive and cheap, I've used sledges and mauls.....but nothing compares to this....

[Straz]

Anything over 18" diameter, I use a steel wedge and maul. Depends on the wood species, but sometimes have to use the wedge on smaller rounds of beech. It is inevitable that you will crack the maul handle. Usually about $16.00 gets you a new one.

Kindling Cracker that William references is an awesome tool! Safest way to make kindling. I love mine.

[hoonjr]

Fiskars by a mile. While it won't get through everything, it'll get through about 90%. I like the lightness and the efficiency. It's also virtually indestructible.

[C40_guy]

Fiskars by a mile. While it won't get through everything, it'll get through about 90%. I like the lightness and the efficiency. It's also virtually indestructible.

My Fiskars has gotten through everything but pine. Pine sucks!

It goes through oak and other hardwoods like they're butter.

Remember eye and ear protection...

[HenryA]

One more for Fiskars.
Way ahead of anything else manually operated for splitting firewood.

[jcs7282]

Another vote for Fiskars. They are so good. You have to try one to believe it. Even with knotted wood you can usually succeed with some muscle and determination. Have a sledge and wedge for when things get really, really hairy...

I used to have a gas-powered splitter that received only occassional use and sold it to free up room in the garage after getting the Fiskars.

If you want something a little more exotic look up Granfors Bruks, which I have also tried. They are beautifully made and obscenely sharp (as is the Fiskars), but for splitting productivity I will take the Fiskars 10/10 times.

[veggieburger]

If you want something a little more exotic look up Granfors Bruks, which I have also tried. They are beautifully made and obscenely sharp (as is the Fiskars), but for splitting productivity I will take the Fiskars 10/10 times.

Yes, that's what my brother in law recommends. I will probably go Fiskars. Lifetime warranty too!

[paredown]

we burn a lot of wood--and my big splash-out this year was picking up a used Dirty Hands splitter--Lowes sold them, but DH is in receivership...

Bought it non-running, towed it home, replaced the pull cord, cleaned out old gas and muck, changed hydraulic filter and it had been a godsend.

This is the first year that I'm fully engaged on other projects and not worrying about getting my wood done!:banana:

And my wrecked shoulder is very happy not to be swinging a sledge or maul

Oh, and plus one on the Fiskars; their hatchet is great too.

Here's a pile I split a couple of years ago--wood was courtesy of the local utility company:

[OtayBW]

If the wood is properly dried, it splits easy. The only issue are those pesky knots.Turn the wood butt side up - e.g., knot facing down toward the ground. And choose your battles wisely. Don't waste your time on the occasional 'loser'.

[oliver1850]

I use all the methods mentioned (including 4" x 24" hydraulic splitter with Oliver 1850 power) as I burn a ton of wood a week when it's cold. Best bang for the buck is this 8 lb maul from WalMart. I bought two of them on closeout at the local store for about $18 each. Been using one for over a year now. It works as well as any I've tried and the joint between the handle and head is still tight and the handle undamaged despite plenty of contact. Made in India, at least mine were.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-Tough-Fiberglass-34-Maul-8-Lb/55502963

[C40_guy]

This site is starting to look like hearth.com :)

Which reminds me...I need to get a couple of cords of wood delivered and stacked.

I'm just not up to scavenging...I could find a fair amount of downed wood, but I don't have a trailer, pickup or chain saw. Easier to have split wood delivered.

I'll go through 3-4 cords a year in our Kodiak Enviro 1200. Keeps the den, kitchen and most of the first floor toasty. Also gets a surprising amount of heat upstairs to the bedrooms, even though the stove is at the far end of the house. I guess we have some great air flow. We are *mostly* cooling the entire house with three window AC units upstairs...most of the first floor is comfortable, even on 90 degree days...

[gbcoupe]

8 lb sledge and various wedges (all but one older than me). Sledge handle replaced at least twice in my lifetime. One wedge bought in the early 80's, other are well over 50 years.

My Great Grandfather, Great Uncle and Grandfather built this place by hand (and I mean no electric) in the 30's. I grew up vacationing and spending weekends at our cabin. Wood was cut and split by hand. Drinking water came from an underground spring about a half mile away. Cistern well for washing. Heat is from a grand fireplace and kitchen wood burning stove. I always enjoyed being there, but as a kid the maintenance felt like torture. I grew to appreciate it.

Later in life, we do use a chain saw instead of the bastard or two man saw. I've still to use a pneumatic splitter.

Blood pressure drops as soon as I set foot on the property. I love it.

[choke]

When I used to split wood I used a Monster Maul....it would go through anything. The original company doesn't exist any longer but there are copies out there, like this - https://www.amazon.com/Truper-32415-12-Pound-Splitting-27-Inch/dp/B000KL4V04/ref=asc_df_B000KL4V04/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167133658256&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17584790502882190726&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032619&hvtargid=pla-307376694646&psc=1

Since it's so heavy, the key to using it is not to really swing it, just lift it up and let gravity bring it down.

[veggieburger]

8 lb sledge and various wedges (all but one older than me). Sledge handle replaced at least twice in my lifetime. One wedge bought in the early 80's, other are well over 50 years.

My Great Grandfather, Great Uncle and Grandfather built this place by hand (and I mean no electric) in the 30's. I grew up vacationing and spending weekends at our cabin. Wood was cut and split by hand. Drinking water came from an underground spring about a half mile away. Cistern well for washing. Heat is from a grand fireplace and kitchen wood burning stove. I always enjoyed being there, but as a kid the maintenance felt like torture. I grew to appreciate it.

Later in life, we do use a chain saw instead of the bastard or two man saw. I've still to use a pneumatic splitter.

Blood pressure drops as soon as I set foot on the property. I love it.

Zowie, this is really beautiful. I’m envious!

[Louis]

Why this, of course:

https://krisdedecker.typepad.com/.a/6a00e0099229e88833014e87da608b970d-700wi

[veggieburger]

Why this, of course:

https://krisdedecker.typepad.com/.a/6a00e0099229e88833014e87da608b970d-700wi

Did you just create that diagram?? Awesome!

[OtayBW]

Did you just create that diagram?? Awesome!Saddle height too low and tilted! :D

[Hardlyrob]

If you are using metal wedges and the tops have started to "mushroom" - grind that s*** off! Those little bits of tool steel can come off and do some serious damage to you.

Fiskars!

[kingpin75s]

This is a question for the wood burners.

I have a small electric 5 ton wood splitter that does a decent job with most logs. On the bigger pieces of wood I like to use a maul, but the one I have been using is dull, generic, and the handle is starting to split up the back. Time to replace!

My brother in law is pushing me towards the beautiful (but expensive) Gransfors Bruk maul. A coworker uses a wedge. Online reviews have me considering the Fiskars 8lb ISO.

What do you swing?

LOL. I do not do a ton of wood splitting, but when I do, I do it with style ;)

I swing a Gransfors Bruk maul. My maul and my Scandinavian Forest Axe go with me on every long camping trip. That said, the Fiskars look like a very nice maul and a great value.

2020 maul review:

https://shedheads.net/splitting-maul-reviews/

[SlowPokePete]

We're about to take down a few large trees...red oak, an ash, and a maple.

I'm looking it splitters...my father (80 years old) has one of those smaller 5 ton-ish electric ones and he has split well over a dozen cords with it. But I borrowed it from him once and found it pretty disappointing in terms of stuff that would need to be split smaller to get it to work, as well as dealing with it when it got stuck with something it couldn't handle. It's also difficult to load the wood all onto it in the horizontal position...I like how the more powerful ones will also split in the vertical position.

We've got a fireplace as well as a wood stove in this house. The wood stove is positioned to pretty much be able to heat the entire house by original design back when it was built and only had electric heat. I plan to use it...

Anyway, I'm gonna have a lot of wood to split, so I'm keeping my eyes on thoughts and ideas in here, and snooping around the internet about the splitters. Most of what I read says what my father has is insufficient. yet that old guy disagrees.

SPP

[SlowPokePete]

Trees are down, bought a Fiskars maul, and in the market for, I think, a 25 ton splitter.

And of course I have some olderwedges, a sledge, etc...

I'll split the Ash for this year and let the Red Oak sit a while.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50236873101_012be7ce49_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jxg79v)August 17, 2020 (tree work) (https://flic.kr/p/2jxg79v) by SPP™ SlowPokePete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50237089497_df12d7c8cc_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jxhdtt)August 17, 2020 (tree work) (https://flic.kr/p/2jxhdtt) by SPP™ SlowPokePete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2jxhdtd]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50237089482_d965f7885b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jxhdtt)August 17, 2020 (tree work) (https://flic.kr/p/2jxhdtd) by SPP™ SlowPokePete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50232665588_1614e8b973_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jwTxpb)August 16, 2020 (https://flic.kr/p/2jwTxpb) by SPP™ SlowPokePete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50233536987_a019decfb6_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jwY1ri)August 16, 2020 (https://flic.kr/p/2jwY1ri) by SPP™ SlowPokePete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

SPP

[C40_guy]

Anyway, I'm gonna have a lot of wood to split, so I'm keeping my eyes on thoughts and ideas in here, and snooping around the internet about the splitters.

Hearth.com is my go-to source for all things wood-heat related. Garagejournal.com may be helpful regarding mechanical splitters too...

[572cv]

Just a few observations after four decades of log splitting, for home heat and for the sugarhouse....
- Hydraulics are your friend. Really. My current set up is a vertical splitter that plugs into the hydraulics of the Kubota L2800. I don't even have to pick up the logs, just kind of roll them into position and start at it.
- a peavy really can save your chainsaw chain.
- The curve of a splitting maul's face can be a huge deal. I have one that works really well, and another that has trouble with dry popple. They look about the same.
- the same is true of splitting wedges, the steel ones, and the steel pointed ones with the replaceable wooden insert.
- electric chainsaws have come light years in the last decade. Quiet, strong enough and the battery lasts about as long as you want to work.
- a few hard plastic wedges can keep a split open if you dont have hydraulics handy.

and as Pink Floyd noted, Be Careful with that Ax, Eugene.:)

[SlowPokePete]

Excellent and appreciate all of that...

SPP

[Peter B]

Why this, of course:

https://krisdedecker.typepad.com/.a/6a00e0099229e88833014e87da608b970d-700wi


Your stem's too short.

[Peter B]

20 ton Iron & Oak splitter. Tackles whatever round I offer and will outlast me.

But wood is my sole source of heat. If you're only splitting occasionally then rent or get some exercise with a good maul and wedge. For the endless small stuff I like the kindling cracker posted by William.

[54ny77]

I'm waiting for the SRAM Red wireless log splitter that's set to release in fall 2021, that way I can craft exquisite firewood using sustainably harvested plywood whilst lounging in the comfort of Earth First-endorsed Rapha athleisure gear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElJFYwRtrH4

[SlowPokePete]

Got this in the mail yesterday.

Splitting maul arrives in a bout a week...

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50426448738_9d3d683107_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jQ1JnY)October 5, 2020 (https://flic.kr/p/2jQ1JnY) by SPP™ SlowPokePete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50427321287_d171bf84f7_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jQ6cKV)October 5, 2020 (https://flic.kr/p/2jQ6cKV) by SPP™ SlowPokePete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50426448703_0bfacc2f6f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jQ1Jnn)October 5, 2020 (https://flic.kr/p/2jQ1Jnn) by SPP™ SlowPokePete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

SPP

[gdw]

Small hatchet or wildlife?

[Weneed]

It goes through oak and other hardwoods like they're butter.

[SlowPokePete]

Small hatchet or wildlife?

Went with the small (mini) hatchet...really debated, but wanted to be able to take it more easily on bike pack trips (none of which have happened this year lol).

SPP

[kiwisimon]

sphincter



sorry my inner 12 yr old made me do it.....

[peanutgallery]

A big bottle of liquor, no deodorant and a flannel shirt

Splitting it... that's nothing. Now stacking it correctly, that's pro right there

[mt2u77]

Turn the wood butt side up - e.g., knot facing down toward the ground. And choose your battles wisely. Don't waste your time on the occasional 'loser'.

This is good life advice. :)

[oliver1850]

Friend sent me this link yesterday, some really interesting mechanical firewood processors. I really like the big wedge with the coil spring. Most of the wood in this video looks really easy to split but the machines work well for the material involved.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LdChUbCUcQ

[oliver1850]

20 ton Iron & Oak splitter. Tackles whatever round I offer and will outlast me.

But wood is my sole source of heat. If you're only splitting occasionally then rent or get some exercise with a good maul and wedge. For the endless small stuff I like the kindling cracker posted by William.


Was hoping you would chime in. What species are your main sources of firewood?

[SlowPokePete]

Friend of mine uses this on his farm.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CSsPwrqgjKx/

He just installed an outdoor wood fired boiler to heat hi house a couple of weeks ago.

SPP

[sand fungus]

As a kid in the 80's I split a ton of wood. The go to was the "Big Orange Monster Maul" it had a 20lb head and it would go through the wood. Best part is that it would never get stuck and it went through the big logs like butter. solid steel handle never had to worry about a cracked handle. But it was a real work out. Here is an image that I snagged off the web. Unfortunately the company that made them went out of business.

[oliver1850]

I didn't have much luck with the Monster Maul. It didn't split tough stuff very well and I eventually broke the handle. Could have repaired it but I decided it wasn't worth the effort. Head is still laying around here somewhere.

[RFC]

The bushcrafting way -- Batoning. It also works with large logs.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50839086992_543540300a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kstBmC)IMG_6724 (https://flic.kr/p/2kstBmC) by Robert Copple (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161536771@N04/), on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50842310892_03ba9054ee_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ksL8H7)IMG_6728 (https://flic.kr/p/2ksL8H7) by Robert Copple (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161536771@N04/), on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50841500203_f298c76455_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ksFYHH)IMG_6729 (https://flic.kr/p/2ksFYHH) by Robert Copple (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161536771@N04/), on Flickr

[Rpoole8537]

Easy.

I burn probably a cord a season in a fireplace insert that effectively heats my house all winter long. (Not that hard to do in Texas) I've gone through numerous wooden handled axes - both expensive and cheap, I've used sledges and mauls.....but nothing compares to this....

I have the smaller model of this axe. If the wood is dry, it cuts like butter. And I am an aging senior citizen.

[oliver1850]

I have the smaller model of this axe. If the wood is dry, it cuts like butter. And I am an aging senior citizen.

Me too. I worked on splitting a round of ash tonight for 15 minutes with an 8 lb splitting maul. Eventually gave up on splitting it and sawed it into pieces that would fit in the furnace. Might have been able to split it if I'd had a wedge but after beating on it with the maul for 15 minutes, I don't think any other hand powered tool would have split it.

[fmradio516]

Me too. I worked on splitting a round of ash tonight for 15 minutes with an 8 lb splitting maul. Eventually gave up on splitting it and sawed it into pieces that would fit in the furnace. Might have been able to split it if I'd had a wedge but after beating on it with the maul for 15 minutes, I don't think any other hand powered tool would have split it.

Ash is the best! I have about 4 pallets full of split ash at the moment. They are stacked high and will get me through the rest of the winter!

[oliver1850]

Ash is the best! I have about 4 pallets full of split ash at the moment. They are stacked high and will get me through the rest of the winter!

Every ash tree around here is dead from the emerald ash borer. Do you have them in the east? There are two dead trees in my neighbor's yard in town. I would cut them if they weren't so close to the power lines. Hoping that the power company will see fit to drop them.

[Louis]

Ash is the best!

Not for much longer.

http://tncfirewood.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/AR%20EAB%20wanted%20poster.jpg

[Peter B]

Was hoping you would chime in. What species are your main sources of firewood?

Old thread come to life!

Primarily oak and manzanita w/ a bit of pine for kindling.

[fmradio516]

Not for much longer.


Every ash tree around here is dead from the emerald ash borer. Do you have them in the east? There are two dead trees in my neighbor's yard in town. I would cut them if they weren't so close to the power lines. Hoping that the power company will see fit to drop them.

Yep all the ash are dead here from beetle kill as well. Really unfortunate. Its nice that you dont really need to season ash before you burn it. Split it up and a couple months later, its ready to burn!

[oliver1850]

Old thread come to life!

Primarily oak and manzanita w/ a bit of pine for kindling.

Yeah, I searched "maul" and thought I had the most recent firewood thread but must have overlooked one.

Surprised that you have a lot of oak. What type? Burr and white are the most common natives here, but I also have pin, red, and black on my place. Not sure if any of those are native.

[oliver1850]

Yep all the ash are dead here from beetle kill as well. Really unfortunate. Its nice that you dont really need to season ash before you burn it. Split it up and a couple months later, its ready to burn!

I wasn't even aware of them until I visited a college friend's farm about 20 years ago. He had green ash growing all around the place. It wasn't until they started to die that I noticed how common they were around here. They do seem to dry down pretty well while standing dead. I cut a 2' diameter dead black cherry today. When I sawed it there was liquid running from the center of the cut pieces. Tree had been dead for several years.

[Peter B]

Yeah, I searched "maul" and thought I had the most recent firewood thread but must have overlooked one.

Surprised that you have a lot of oak. What type? Burr and white are the most common natives here, but I also have pin, red, and black on my place. Not sure if any of those are native.

I'm at about 2200' elevation so Black Oak, Blue Oak, Canyon Live Oak mostly, mixed with Ponderosa and Sugarpine, some Cedar and lots of Manzanita. The Pines, Cedar and Madrone dominate more as you continue upslope.

We had a wet, heavy snow last Christmas that took out about a dozen of my big black oaks and lots of "old growth" manzanita. I'll be back out soon to finish bucking and then splitting the last of the mess.

[windsurfer]

Have a froe, several axes, and a couple mauls along with a pile of wedges. However, now that I am old, I split rounds using a chainsaw. Really saves the shoulders.