OT: How do you split logs?

[C40_guy]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by jcs7282

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!

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]

Originally Posted by verticaldoug

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-Tou...-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-...76694646&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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[Louis]

Why this, of course:

[veggieburger]

Originally Posted by Louis

Why this, of course:

Did you just create that diagram?? Awesome!

[OtayBW]

Originally Posted by veggieburger

Did you just create that diagram?? Awesome!

Saddle height too low and tilted!

[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!