Tool Idea for splitting wood

shdybrady · #1 04/08/12, 09:05 AM

I have a ton of wood to split this spring/summer and I plant to do it by hand. I know getting a log splitter would make it go faster and easier, But Ill enjoy the work out and dont feel up to footing the bill up front.

I was thinking about taking a piece of metal round stock and cutting a cross into the end about 6 inches deep. Then I was planning on taking some metal plate and building a 4 way wedge. In theory I would like to build something that would split the log into 4 pieces in a hit or two.

I saw someone has something online he sells something like I am describing but it looks to only be about 6-8 inches long. Versus the one I wan to build, the wedge will be close to a foot long and then there will be a pole maybe 6 inches sticking out the top. The one I saw only looks like it will get stuck way to easy.

It sounds really good on paper and in my head but how do ya'll think it will play out?

willowworker · #2 04/08/12, 09:15 AM

All I had ever used for the 30 years I split wood by hand was an axe called the Chopper 1. They have a sight on line. It is either Chopper.com or ChopperI.com.....cant remember. It is an awesome splitting axe.

I am not sure about your idea....as I would have to use something like that after it was made so I could see if it would work. good luck with it.

tinknal · #3 04/08/12, 10:00 AM

Your idea might work for pine or poplar, but nothing else. I've found a regular splitting maul to be best.

dlmcafee · #4 04/08/12, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willowworker

All I had ever used for the 30 years I split wood by hand was an axe called the Chopper 1. They have a sight on line. It is either Chopper.com or ChopperI.com.....cant remember. It is an awesome splitting axe.

I am not sure about your idea....as I would have to use something like that after it was made so I could see if it would work. good luck with it.

https://www.chopper1axe.com/index.php

Nomad · #5 04/08/12, 10:23 AM

I used to use something called a Monster Maul about 30 years ago. It weighed a ton and the angle of the wedge was wider than most mauls. The wood just exploded when you hit it especially if it was really cold out. I got tired of axes, wedges and other mauls getting stuck. I was young then, I probably couldn't use it now. If I was making a tool, I'd make sure to get some weight as well as the wide angle.

Nomad

plowjockey · #6 04/08/12, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nomad

I used to use something called a Monster Maul about 30 years ago. It weighed a ton and the angle of the wedge was wider than most mauls. The wood just exploded when you hit it especially if it was really cold out. I got tired of axes, wedges and other mauls getting stuck. I was young then, I probably couldn't use it now. If I was making a tool, I'd make sure to get some weight as well as the wide angle.

Nomad

I don't burn wood, but have also used a monster maul before and it does a good job, but is heavy.

A four way would work, but would need to be solid, not plates (not heavy enough), IMO.

Copperhead · #7 04/08/12, 03:07 PM

I make sure I have 10 truckloads of wood (about 9 or 10 cords, if you've seen my truck

). Like ShdyBrady, I like the exercise of splitting by hand. However, I use an 8lb splitting maul and a 10lb sledge hammer to finish driving the maul when it gets stuck. Yes, I know, if you do that too often, it will eventually shatter the epoxy holding the maul to the handle, but JB Weld will set overnight

I also have a 6lb splitting maul with an extra long handle. Takes some getting used to, but eventually you can swing it a lot FASTER and get more energy than you would believe. We're in the process of clear cutting an acre for goat, pig, and cow pasture so we cut and split everything from poplar and maple to oak and black gum.