Splitting wood by hand

[grnspot110]

I have a splitter for my JD 790, but use the Fiskars X27 most of the time! I enjoy the work & the Fiskars does better (for me) than any maul I've used, including a "Monster Maul". ~~ grnspot

 

[sherpa]

I assume you folks are saying that the Fiskars has a metal handle, is this correct?
sherpa

 

[mudcat47537]

I use an old axe eye maul that I have had for probably 25 years. I have tried the fiberglass and steel handled tools but they just kill my elbows.
During a really bad case of tendinitis last year I bought a hydraulic wood splitter. I wish I would have done it years ago lol.

 

[Mike_Kanzer]

I split by hand also. I have a splitting maul with a fiberglass handle.
I saw a neat trick on a this old house show - they wrapped a bunge around the log before splitting it. It keeps the wood together and lets you turn it and spilt it a second or third time without rhe pieces flying all over the place. I tried it and it works! It is good exercise particularly in the winter. - Mike :cool2:

 

[forgeblast]

I have both that you linked. The 12lb'er I though would make the work fly by. It doesn't I am 6'2 and the handle on it is about 6'' too short. I cannot get a full swing on it. So I use the other 8lb'er and keep a sledge hammer near by in case I get caught up in stringy wood.
just to show the top of the line splitter, Gransfors Bruks Splitting Maul w/ Collar Guard 450
Gransfors Bruks makes amazing axes I have 3 different types.

 

[bdeboer]

I have both a Truper and a Fiskars, Fiskars works better.

 

[riptides]

I still split by hand. I usually do three cords a year. Right now it's hazy,hot and humid where I live, perfect for splitting.

I have a nice maul. Great paper weight. Yeah, never used it, I think the wife got it at TS some three years ago. Something about metal on metal that just scares me....

 

[mikehaugen]

I know a guy that swears by a "chopper" axe. I have never used one, or heard anyone else praise it so I don't know how effective it really is. It looks like a neat idea though.

https://www.chopper1axe.com/

 

[s219]

I assume you folks are saying that the Fiskars has a metal handle, is this correct?
sherpa

Nope, it's some kind of unbreakable synthetic material:

X27 Splitting Axe (36") / Products - Buy Online (Price $58.99) | Fiskars

You can normally find the X27 for $40-45 online or on sale. The X25 is a bit less, but I'd go X27 unless you're really short.

Get rid of whatever notion of a maul is in your head. A traditional maul works based on brute force mass which is why you might need that metal handle. The X27 works from a different angle to accomplish the same goal. The long handle and super light weight give you increased swing speed and momentum in the strike compared to a slower heavier maul. The X27 is light, fast, and surgical.

 

[MH8675309]

I've split by hand for the last twenty years. I usually do close to 20 cords a year. I had one of the trupers and in time wore it out but bought another one. For the money it's hard to beat but there's a technique for swinging it. I also have the 8 pounder with the fiberglass handle. The older I get the more I like it,,