Axe or maul, what's your weapon of choice?

[sawmonkey]

1 thing I have found when splitting larger rounds (15+") is not to try and split in the middle, instead go slightly to the side so you'd be taking about a third. Splits much easier :-)

 

 

http://www.facebook.com/coppicecrafts

[teepeeat]

1 thing I have found when splitting larger rounds (15+") is not to try and split in the middle, instead go slightly to the side so you'd be taking about a third. Splits much easier :-)

 

 

http://www.facebook.com/coppicecrafts

 

I tend to take smaller pieces off toward the edge which then split into two or three logs and work my way round the ring

[csservices]

You also need to use the right swing and remember to let your forward hand slide up and down to allow the full momentum to be transferred to the log, same as swinging a sledgehammer

[openspaceman]

always a blunt 4,half lb felling axe,never a fan of mauls,too sharp an axe will bite into the wood instead popping it open.I use the log splitting as a bit of training for stamina in timbersports.

 

That's my view, the slightly blunt edge crushes a few fibres so the wood doen't spring back and grip the axe.

 

I use a 5lb felling axe and discard any piece that needs more than 3 hits.

 

I swore by a maul half my life earlier but far too wearing now.

[peatff]

That's my view, the slightly blunt edge crushes a few fibres so the wood doen't spring back and grip the axe.

 

I use a 5lb felling axe and discard any piece that needs more than 3 hits.

 

I swore by a maul half my life earlier but far too wearing now.

 

My maul only weighs 6lb, probably less now I broke a piece out and re-profiled it. I use it with a sharp edge and only swing it once then beat it through with a 4lb sledge or use wedges when the wood cracks. I've not found a piece that will defeat the setup yet if I cut my wood to about 10" which fits the stove best.