Log splitter?

[Mortimer Firewood]

I assume he's talking about a small domestic splitter!

 

Even so a machine does not get tired. Splitting firewood with an axe or maul is strenuous work no matter how fit you are do a couple of hours and you will not keep up with a splitter. At first you will be quicker but as time passes you will soon slow up. Plus it's hard on the body.

[TheHungrySquirrel]

Even so a machine does not get tired. Splitting firewood with an axe or maul is strenuous work no matter how fit you are do a couple of hours and you will not keep up with a splitter. At first you will be quicker but as time passes you will soon slow up. Plus it's hard on the body.

 

 

I have spent days axe splitting and can match a corkscrew splitter all day, technique and control help to not get tired.

[skyhuck]

Nice clean straight timber can be almost a pleasure to split by hand, but it does not take many twisty, knotty or stringy bits to really sap your strength, IME.

[TheHungrySquirrel]

Nice clean straight timber can be almost a pleasure to split by hand, but it does not take many twisty, knotty or stringy bits to really sap your strength, IME.

 

 

Agreed they can be difficult but choosing decent timber helps as well

[muldonach]

Even so a machine does not get tired. Splitting firewood with an axe or maul is strenuous work no matter how fit you are do a couple of hours and you will not keep up with a splitter. At first you will be quicker but as time passes you will soon slow up. Plus it's hard on the body.

 

Bit of a broad brushstroke that - if you are splitting straight grained timber it is not difficult for an axe to beat a splitter although there are a number of variables either way.

 

A good axe is a must, a tyre helps considerably and most important is having the sense to throw the tough stuff into a separate pile. We regularly chose an axe or maul over a tractor driven splitter, I've never used a domestic type splitter but have seen them used and they are not quick.

 

 

Cheers

mac

[eldon]

looks very low down so not great working height

who makes engine - spares etc

what is pump capacity/oil amount? - could boil the oil easily and be painfully slow etc

 

 

A friend has this unit and I must say it was neither slow or under powered. It impressed me with its ability and even my mate said "pick anything around here and it will sort it?"

I chose a butt that was around 20" diameter and it did it no problem. The levers offer two positions, first part of travel its on quick traverse/low power, 2nd part its on main power/so slower travel.

Easy starter.

Horizontal is better than vertical as both hands can be free.

 

Bad points;

Yes working height struck me as low especially if you were a tall chap.

The levers come loose and rattle.

Spares maybe an issue so ask Machine mart before purchase.

[eldon]

and yes I did give it some knots to play with and like I say I was impressed.

 

Longevity; now that could be the issue as let's be honest its not the most expensive unit out there.

[Mick Dempsey]

A good lad on an axe can keep up with a splitter easily.

 

Maybe for 15 minutes then watch what happens.

[cornish wood burner]

Agreed they can be difficult but choosing decent timber helps as well

 

So what would you do with all the difficult timber?

[Mortimer Firewood]

Bit of a broad brushstroke that - if you are splitting straight grained timber it is not difficult for an axe to beat a splitter although there are a number of variables either way.

 

A good axe is a must, a tyre helps considerably and most important is having the sense to throw the tough stuff into a separate pile. We regularly chose an axe or maul over a tractor driven splitter, I've never used a domestic type splitter but have seen them used and they are not quick.

 

 

Cheers

mac

 

Its like saying a micro digger can be beaten by a ma and shovel or a pair of sheers will be quicker than a hedge cutter. All though i put hundreds of tons through the splitter/ processor every month i still break down some with an axe and theres no way i could keep up with a splitter for anything over an hour