Splitting wood by hand

[Dr_Zinj]

I split all mine by hand using something that looks just like this True Temper 8 lbs Forged Steel Wood Chopper's Maul http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/049206/049206042131lg.jpg
Usually do about 3 to 4 cords of wood for each winter.
Touch it up with a file about once a year is all it needs for sharpening. All it needs is enough bite to get into the wood, the wedge behind the cutting edge does the rest.

 

[dmccarty]

When I wore out my fiberglass handled splitting maul, I bought a Fiskar. I like the Fiskar but I wish it had a bit more weight to it.

Make sure you get a maul with the handle that is long enough. The last fiberglass maul I had was too short but it was the only size in the big box store. If the handle is too short the maul can swing back at you while a handle that is long enough will bury itself into the stump or ground. I would think the handle needs to be pretty close if not longer than your leg length.

I prefer to split by hand since it is faster than my hydraulic splitter for easy to split pieces. It is quieter than running the tractor to run the splitter.

Later,
Dan

 

[eddie48]

MOnster Maul. I've had one for 40 years. Heavy triangular head and a metal pipe handle. I still split 5-6 cords a year, down from the 15 or so I used to split. I like it because it won't hardly ever get stuck.

 

[Jstpssng]

I like to split by hand, but used my 3pth splitter to tame the bigger pieces before putting in the shed. Then I split to size when I'm filling the woodbox.

I've never been able to make the technique of raising the maul directly over one's head before swinging downwards work for me. I find it hard to accelerate the maul from a dead stop to "ramming speed" in that short period of time. I always do a swing around from behind, through the 12-o-clock position, so that the maul is already moving as it crosses over my head, and then I continue to accelerate it to the moment of impact.

I can see how that can help keep up the momentum.... but my back hurts just THINKING about it.

 

[Illini22]

How to chop wood without messing around - YouTube

 

[sherpa]

OK, I got me a Fiskars X27 on the way.
Actually it is ready to be picked up at Sears.
I ordered it on line and got a deal at $35.
I got a order confirmation as soon as I ordered it and 5 mins later I got my pickup order.
They are giving me one out of the store stock, I will pick it up tomorrow!
sherpa

 

[MacLawn]

MOnster Maul. I've had one for 40 years. Heavy triangular head and a metal pipe handle. I still split 5-6 cords a year, down from the 15 or so I used to split. I like it because it won't hardly ever get stuck.

I was wondering if any of y'all boys remembered the Monster Maul. I've had mine for about 40 years too, used to be advertised in outdoor, etc., magazines, and I finally bought one. Love that thing!! I ain't getting nary gas engine wood splitter. Now, I also have been reading great things about that Fiskars axe. I just looked at one, 27", at Sears last Saturday, they had it for $55, so I thought I could do better online. Sherp, man you got a deal! I'm going online right now to see if they still have it for $35... be back.

 

[MacLawn]

Well, boys, Sears still has Fiskars X27 splitting axe for $35.49, so I ordered it for in store pick up. Cheaper than Amazon since don't have to pay shipping. A man can never have too many axes.

 

[jerrybob]

I may have to buy the wife one of those Fiskars and show her the budgie trick......we do have an anniversary coming up! She likes presents and this would definitely increase her productivity!!:thumbsup:

 

[MacLawn]

I may have to buy the wife one of those Fiskars and show her the budgie trick......we do have an anniversary coming up! She likes presents and this would definitely increase her productivity!!:thumbsup:

Yep Jerry, you done forgot how to get ye wife to work. Ye memory ain't right.