Splitting logs
Discussion
We’ve just had a spruce felled and chopped into rounds and will be looking to use it for firewood long term.
What’s the best way for me to cut the rounds into manageable logs? My obvious thinking was buying a splitting axe but are splitting wedges like this below a better or worse option?
Gakago Splitting wedge for wood - Powerful rotary splitting wedge with strong splitting action - Forged splitting wedge made of solid steel in signal colour and large impact surface https://amzn.eu/d/a0x6kza
What’s the best way for me to cut the rounds into manageable logs? My obvious thinking was buying a splitting axe but are splitting wedges like this below a better or worse option?
Gakago Splitting wedge for wood - Powerful rotary splitting wedge with strong splitting action - Forged splitting wedge made of solid steel in signal colour and large impact surface https://amzn.eu/d/a0x6kza
Bonefish Blues said:
Fiskars splitting axe did it for me. When I had a bigger quantity, I hired a vertical bench splitter for a day.
This one?https://amzn.eu/d/hlw0lsn
Fiskars X27 like others said but do be careful. Unlike other axes they are razor sharp will cut your jeans with the merest brush. Spruce can be quite knotty and be hard to split. You'll get a good workout! I quite enjoy splitting logs.
Probably better to mix your spruce with some hardwoods.
Probably better to mix your spruce with some hardwoods.
BoRED S2upid said:
Axe or wedge plus sledgehammer will do it but after you have dried it for a year. It s not a great wood so I m thinking give it a year then split then another 6 months before burning. Minimum.
Don't give it a year then split. Split soon then give it a year or two to season properly. Always split ASAP.
MC Bodge said:
loskie said:
Fiskars X27 like others said but do be careful. Unlike other axes they are razor sharp will cut your jeans with the merest brush.
That's not unique, but many axes have a poor edge & profile from the factory. Another vote for the Fiskars X27.
Before splitting it’s worth doing a bit of research on technique to help you split both safely and effectively.
Split the wood asap after felling and stack somewhere with good airflow.
As above, spruce is not the best firewood, but fine to burn once properly seasoned - though it would be best mixed in with some hardwood to give you a longer burn. It can also be a bit spitty.
Before splitting it’s worth doing a bit of research on technique to help you split both safely and effectively.
Split the wood asap after felling and stack somewhere with good airflow.
As above, spruce is not the best firewood, but fine to burn once properly seasoned - though it would be best mixed in with some hardwood to give you a longer burn. It can also be a bit spitty.
This aid Pistonheads after all so you actually NEED one of these: https://www.diy.com/departments/lazy-log-electric-... Used one for years splitting tons of wood when we had a log burner.
Wedges and grenades are for splitting awkward stuff that you're struggling to get through. A decent splitting maul/axe will get through most stuff, but make sure you get one that's intended for splitting not one intended for cutting, they're different jobs and will have different shaped heads.
Gaumon said:
I thought you already owned an axe...
Yes not sure why we’re advising Patrick on this topic!Fiskers here, think it was the slightly smaller one than the 27 that they sell in b&q. I do have log grenade but hardly ever need it.
The kindling crackers are useful: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kindling-Cracker-Firewood...
WyrleyD said:
This aid Pistonheads after all so you actually NEED one of these: https://www.diy.com/departments/lazy-log-electric-... Used one for years splitting tons of wood when we had a log burner.
Dead link. One of these, I guess. The vertical one is what I've hired.https://www.diy.com/search?term=lazy+log
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