Manual log splitter

[ametcalf]

I know that my 12 lb sledge hammer and splitting wedge are not a tractor attachment but because I do not have a hydraulic log splitter I have a question. Is it easier to split wood when it is green or should I let it dry for a year or so first?

 

[tungularafishcamp]

It depends on the kind of wood

 

[ametcalf]

It depends on the kind of wood

Osage orange. (Hedge apple), locust and some beech>
Thank you

 

[rabidracin]

Don't know if what we call locust up north is the same as what you are calling it. But good luck splitting locust or apple with a maul. As far as beech goes some will split easily and some not quite so easy. Never noticed alot of difference green or dry.

Think Ill stick to my splitter now, though. Don't think my back could take the maul anymore. LOL

 

[tungularafishcamp]

Locust splits easier green, never been around Osage og and beech was the same either way if I remember right, it has only been 40 yrs since I was around those kind of trees. I never was too fond of a sledge and wedge, I always prefered a maul and especially one of those monster mauls(never gets stuck) just be sure to rubber wrap the handle as it is steel and gives quite a bit of shock.
Rick

 

[crash325]

Splitting wood by hand was relaxing. I liked to use a heavy hammer (single jack) an old hatchet & a couple of wedges. Able to sit down, enjoy a cool beverage :thumbsup:. Since Author Itis moved in I had to give it up and built a log splitter.

Splitting mesquite is best done dry, after it starts to split on its own. Same for eucalyptus and most other wood. Took down a big old China Berry last year, unless hit very hard with a sharp axe or hatchet, things (Maul) just bounce off it.:laughing:

 

[North Country]

Beech is easier green, apple & locust are never easy.

I do about 4 cords a year by hand even with a gas splitter available at the neighbor's 1/2 mile away. My grandfather split all his own wood with sledge & wedge until he was 92. He always said if he stopped splitting he'd stiffen up and stop moving.

 

[ametcalf]

Thank you all for your insight. We have geo-thermal for heat but we have a nice out door fire pit about 50 feet from the house and my friend has a fireplace in his den that we burn while watching basket ball. Not enough wood to justify a splitter but enough to warm me twice as a famous person once said.

 

[tungularafishcamp]

I think wood warms much more than that, once when you cut/find the tree, twice when you haul it in, another when you buck it, another when you split it, and stack it, and again when you haul it into the house, Heck with all heat being produced who needs to bother burning it:laughing:
Rick

 

[Gordon Gould]

The northern hardwoods I deal with all split easier green. Mostly maple, yellow birch, ash, and beech. Beech can be a bear. I cut some apple once in a while and don't even attemp to split it usually. I use a 6 lb maul for stuff up to about 12" and go to 8 lbs after that. Then wedges and an 8 lb sledge if it won't crack. I can split a lot of wood with a high speed 6 lb maul. I think a 12 pounder would wear me out in a hurry. Frozen wood splits easier. If I have some tough blocks I'll save them for when it is below zero.