Splitting wood Q's.

[Half-cocked]

What's the best way to split wood? Axe? Splitting Maul? Does wood split better when it's first cut, or after it's seasoned?

I have a Sears axe, with a springy fiberglass handle that vibrates and hurts my hand when I hit anything with it. Trying yesterday to split some well seasoned Bradford Pear (from a storm 2 years ago) was a royal PITA. I thought, as fragile as Bradford Pears are, it would split easily. Not.

I have rarely ever done any wood splitting (just on the occasional camping trip), so what do you guys who do it regularly use? Is it worth getting a splitting maul? I expect I'll be doing a 1/4 to 1/2 cord per year, no more - so no point buying a gas or electric log splitter.

 

[dist1646]

A splitting maul is far better than an axe!

 

[BRONZ]

Unless your 19 or something.....a wood spliter is the best.

At least a 22 -ton.

 

[dist1646]

I'm 55 and it is great exercise.

 

[HarCo2ANewb]

I have always used a maul and a wedge, at least 2 in case you get one stuck

 

[Wiley]

I use a sledge hammer and 2 or 3 wedges. Some woods have a more twisted grain than others. I will never try to split sycamore or pin oak again! I think fresh-cut or frozen wood splits the best.

 

[HarCo.45]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000WIOE7A

http://youtu.be/S2pBF3fTLxY

/thread

 

[mitchugh]

seasoned wood is harder to split, but rent a splitter and that takes care of that. Definitely worth it

 

[Fishguy]

I use a maul, wedge, & a heavy heavy hammer that is one handed.

 

[wt71]

What's the best way to split wood? Axe? Splitting Maul? Does wood split better when it's first cut, or after it's seasoned?

I have a Sears axe, with a springy fiberglass handle that vibrates and hurts my hand when I hit anything with it. Trying yesterday to split some well seasoned Bradford Pear (from a storm 2 years ago) was a royal PITA. I thought, as fragile as Bradford Pears are, it would split easily. Not.

I have rarely ever done any wood splitting (just on the occasional camping trip), so what do you guys who do it regularly use? Is it worth getting a splitting maul? I expect I'll be doing a 1/4 to 1/2 cord per year, no more - so no point buying a gas or electric log splitter.

I use a phone and the guy brings it already split.

 

[dist1646]

Some wood is easier to split when green, others are easier when seasoned.

 

[K31]

I've used a splitting maul. It's a good way to get out your frustrations.

Make sure you have a good base like a tree stump.

I've seen hydraulic pump-type splitters in addition to the gas-powered ones but I've never used one.

 

[Copper]

I use both an axe and a maul. I just bought an electric log spitter and that sucker is amazing! It states that it splits 10" logs but I have rolled 36" logs on it and split them like butter.

 

[lx1x]

I use a phone and the guy brings it already split.

Sadly same here.. I've tried splitting wood.. let's say its not fun for me at least.

 

[redhawk_hj]

you can rent a splitter from your local hardware store-- hardware city for me.. and then if you want it in smaller pieces we use a regular axe. just don't try and half ass your hits, that is when you get the vibrations and it kills your hands.. gotta swing all the way through and HARD

 

[CrazySanMan]

 

[Skins_Brew]

I use a fiskars splitting axe. It's pretty legit and does a good job. ALso, I use a grenade wedge, which is 10x than a standard wedge. Avoid the cheap splitting maul from HD with the fiberglass handle. The head comes off easily.

 

[HarCo2ANewb]

you can rent a splitter from your local hardware store-- hardware city for me.. and then if you want it in smaller pieces we use a regular axe. just don't try and half ass your hits, that is when you get the vibrations and it kills your hands.. gotta swing all the way through and HARD

Always been told to aim for the worms.

 

[BlackBart]

I lost my Monster Maul or loaned it out.... that worked best as far as the Emanuel Laborer types. I now use a Chopper 1 axe... OK on smaller stuff but over 12 inches in diameter it's more of a chipper. Wood grenades are OK but the go flying. Don't even bother splitting gum trees.... cut them to size.

GREAT exercise but hard on the shoulders, probably why both of mine have been rebuilt..... 4 -5 cords a year by hand is a lot of wood.

 

[Franklin]

Keep a tall whole one to sit your peice you plan to cut on. It is easier to split if you have a hard surface so the the victim doesnt pad against the ground and also easier on your back to keep it a little tall. Keep a two foot round one for that. Some times on difficult ones, try hitting out closer to the edge and walk around to pie it off so you get a split. A axe is ok for pine but you want a maul for your harder woods and a good wedge. I keep two wedges on hand, just a regular split wedge and a four sided star wedge. A wedge can take alot of agravation out of it but can hurt you too if you are not carful. Locust wood and gum wood ar a pain in the ass to split and if you run into osage, save it and sell it online to a carver.