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-Tem...6100/202057450

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]

Originally Posted by verticaldoug

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...










W.

[veggieburger]

Originally Posted by William

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










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...





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.