eribrav

I'm sure this question will seem stupid to some, but I need to ask.

What would you all recommend as the best tool for splitting wood by hand? I'm talking medium sized hardwood logs, already cut in to 18 to 24 inch lengths. I don't have so much to do that I need a mechanical splitter.

Bossnass

It just so happens that I spent the last three evenings chopping wood. A couple cords worth. Despite my sore lower back and shoulders, something seems right about chopping wood by hand.
I have a limbing type axe, an 8lb splitting maul, and a large wedge with 12lb sledge hammer.

Unless you're working with large logs that aren't as dry as they should be, just get a regular axe, not just for felling and just for spiltting. A slimmer profile from above, smooth taper, round profile for the cutting edge. Mine was designed for felling and limbing, not splitting, although it is still somewhat wide. It is light enough that swinging it up doesn't tire me out too quick and it allows for that satisfying downstroke while maintaining accuracy.
On the downside, with a slim profile, it can sometimes wedge itself into the log handle deep and be a pain in the ass to get out.

The splitting maul is great; it's just a fatter model. If you're splitting anything bigger (18-24"+ diameter) it would come in handy. The weight of it is the best part, because gravity does the work for you. It is also the worst part, because you have to do more work against gravity.

A hammer and wedge is excessive, unless you're splitting giant green logs. I speak from personal experience that it is an exercise in idiocy.

Check out www.leevalley.com and search for axes. (currency check prevents a direct link). I was at one of their locations the other day and found myself drooling over some of thier selections, they sell all the hand tools you'd need to build a log home starting with living trees. Under the "Iltis Oxhead" line, I would go for something halfway between the "A" splitting axe and the "B" felling axe.

(I do have a modern splitter too. The "mechanical" splitter is out of commision because the plate where the hydraulic jack mounts has sheared off, I don't have a welder, and my farmer friend who will fix it (and who has the tractor to power the hydraulics) is out of the province.)

Boo

I use an ax and it is easy because I cut my lengths down to 12-14 inches. The more knots the shorter they get.

Works for me.

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clavus

Use a maul

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eribrav

Thanks all. I've used the maul before. Did OK with it, but the mechanics really aren't in my favor as I only weigh about 145 lbs. I think I'm going to go for an axe...........

wheelbuilder

If you're using wedges, make sure you have 2. If you bury one in a knot, you have the second one to bail you out. (if it's really knotty, get 3 or 4)
Also, don't smack a stuck axe with the sledge, you can easily distort the eye. The sides on an axe are much thinner than on a maul.
I don't weigh much more than you (165) and I use the maul as well as the wedge and sledge.

Wheelbuilder - also upstate NY

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Peryn

Normally when im cutting up Eucalyptus, its just a wedge or two and an 9lb sledge.

Now my uncle picked up a really badass axe that i used once, but i have no idea what its called. Basically it was somewhere between a maul and a regular axe. But when you got so far into the wood, it forced to little arms out about 1" or so on each side. So when you really power into a log, with the nice sharp blade it sinks right in, then the arms spread the log apart like a wedge at the same time. With a really good swing i would make 16" long 12"wide or so eucalyptus logs explode. It was way more fun than one should be allowed to have when your splitting wood manually. And at 145, im not exactly a heavy hitter.

heres a picture, though the detail is kinda hard to make out. The little spring loaded are also makes it almost impossible for the axe to get stuck too.

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agball

I would go with the Maul. I have been chopping for years & found it to split the best.

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onetime2

I vote for the maul as well. Once you get the mechanics down it can't be beat (well, unless you get a logsplitter).

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edmos1

Bossnass a couple cords, I am not jealous, I would recommend the splitting Maul. however given the size, maybe the wedge and sledge is a better choice, the axe may not get enough behind it, and you would work harder.

Modo

<b><font color=FFFF00 face="comic sans ms">I've used all of the above. Sometimes my 16lb "Monster Maul" is preferable depending on the type of wood and it's seasoning. I took a splitting maul and had a friend at the foundry fit and press a steel pipe into the head. I split a rubber hosr and put it on the handle. When the going got tough I had my wife hold the spliting maul, after I set it, then beat it through with a 12lb maul. Whatever works.</font></b>

gar1976

Go maul. I grew up splitting cords and cords of wood every summer.

Axes are good for cutting down trees, but mauls are nice for actually splitting on contact.

Few pointers:

Split on something solid. If it helps, try setting the piece to be split on another, large solid round piece (no, do NOT try and balance two small pieces on top of one another).

Avoid knots like the plague. They suck. Hard.

Gloves to avoid blisters.

Swing slow and accurately, don't try to hit home runs every time. Swing placement is important.

merkdr

i grew up at home with a wood burning stove ,lots of practice.an axe a sledge and a couple wedges is all you need. you`ll learn .its easier to split if its dry ,if not and you have time ,let it freeze makes your job easier.

gar1976

Splitting frozen wood is easy, but in Oregon, it gets cold enough to freeze wood about 1-2 a year in where I live....and if it's that cold, you better be burning wood to warm up, and that means already having it split!

mxyzptlk

I, well we, use a 4-way wedge similar to the one on this page:

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...ategoryId=1466

Ours has 4 sharp angles that splits a log 4ways but has the same flat head for the sledge as this one...and its pretty cheap. Hell if an old gal like me can do it this way, anyone can. Good luck!

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ForgottenKnight

I grew up splitting wood with an axe. Sometimes my dad and I would use a maul when the going got tough, but normally all we needed was a good old fassioned axe. Seems to me that Bossnass has said all the information you need.

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floydthebarber

An axe, maybe a wedge or two for the tough stuff, but that's all I ever use. My maul is dusty and rusty.
It's important to "read" the wood, avoid knots and you're good to go.
Always sink the axe near the outer edge rather than the middle of larger pieces. A wedge set on the opposite side will make easy work out of wood 2 feet in diameter.
If you fail to split on the first swing and the axe is in the wood, flip the two over and drop the wood onto your chopping block axe first. The weight of the wood will drive the axe up into your piece...splitting it quite easily.

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