felling wedges

[Andy Collins]

what are the best felling wedges to use? at college we use the stihl high lift wedges which i think are cr@p we have used them for 2 days work and there all knackered only be used for about 15 trees tops but the ends are all spit and broken some even completely broken off. don't seem good value for money if you ask me.

 

Jay

 

thought your instructors would have taught you how to use them!! And using them for tree tops?? Oh I get it, only did 15 trees before you trashed em. Top tip, buy your own Hi-lifts, surprising how much more you'll care for them, and make sure you hit them square, not a glancing strike, as that will snap them.

[Jack-Arb aka Tiago Sinclair-Julio.]

Hi,

 

The wedge with an extra ring added to it just last for so much longer. I used to go through so many wedges most of the time brand new ones, use them for the first felling and they were good to go in the bin. Until the day someone told me, put an extra ring on them and until now I still have the same ones. A bit tricky to insert the second ring but with eventually they go in.

 

jack

[Jay]

cheers for your replies guys. i think the problem is us young college lads and one lady cant yet swing a sledge hammer as well as you experienced lot. and probably the fact that they arent ours so we don't really care how smashed up they get, but we should as we only make it worse for our selves in the long run.

[Mr Ed]

Hi,

 

The wedge with an extra ring added to it just last for so much longer. I used to go through so many wedges most of the time brand new ones, use them for the first felling and they were good to go in the bin. Until the day someone told me, put an extra ring on them and until now I still have the same ones. A bit tricky to insert the second ring but with eventually they go in.

 

jack

They were originally sold with two rings, until someone cottoned on to how many wooden bits theyd sell if they only had one ring on. Mine last years with two rings on:151:

[Peter]

One of my local suppliers doesnt even stock the replacement shafts, they told me they prefer to sell the whole unit each time!

[Quickthorn]

As was said above a wooden Maul is best,the kind I use has two steel rings around the head.I soak it in Diesel,it makes the wood swell and they last alot longer.

Makes the Maul heavier as well.

 

I'm using a 10 lb sledge, but I reckon a wooden maul might be better. Peter, do you know roughly how heavy the head of your maul is? I might have a go at making one.

 

The two rings idea works. Before fitting, I put my rings in the oven for a while, so they just drop on, then quenched them under the tap so they didn't burn the shaft too much.

[Peter]

I'v got some nice lumps of spanish oak out the back, i reckon a piece of that with no knots in would be perfect for a maul.

[Quickthorn]

I'v got some nice lumps of spanish oak out the back, i reckon a piece of that with no knots in would be perfect for a maul.

 

If you ever get any apple or pear, that makes the best maul head.

[Jamie]

We drive them in with a splitting maul, can't mind the weight. i prefer steel wedges, not as aggressive a taper but they make such a nice noise. There aint nowt better than battling with a tree with wedges.

 

Jamie