Splitting wood for firewood is not very difficult. However, there are a few tricks to help you get the job done more effectively and safely. Always wear safety goggles while splitting wood, as falling wood chips can cause eye injuries
Wood Splitting Tools
There are various tools used to split wood such as axes, mauls, splitting axs, and wedges.
- Ax: Ax is one of the oldest splitting tools. The head of the ax has a wedge-shaped metal tip which makes it easy to break apart wood fibers when hit against the edge of a chopping block/log. The handle should be strong and sturdy enough to withstand heavy blows and at least 4 feet long to keep the user at a safe distance while splitting wood. It is usually used for cutting but can be improvised
- Maul: Maul is slightly larger and heavier than an ax used for splitting medium-sized pieces of firewood. It weighs about 7 pounds with a head of 5 to 7 inches wide and 18 inches long. The handle is usually made of wood and it too should be strong and sturdy enough to withstand heavy blows. It is used for splitting wood along the grain instead of across as an ax does.
Maul can split larger pieces faster than an Axe, but with greater effort. The head of the maul has a wedge-shaped metal tip which makes it easy to break apart wood fibers when hit against the edge of a chopping block/log.
- Splitting Ax: The splitting ax splits apart pieces of wood using downward blows. The head is wedge-shaped and the handle is curved to prevent the user from getting injured while splitting wood. Ax and Maul both have a long handle for safety purposes, whereas a splitting ax has a short handle so it can be swung with more force.
- Wedges: Wedges are a great tool for splitting apart large chunks of firewood. They help to split hardwoods with minimal effort, but you need something sturdy enough to force the wedge into the wood. For example, a splitting maul needs to be able to hammer the wedge deep enough to split apart larger pieces of firewood. Different types of wedges can be used for this purpose.
Steps in Splitting Wood
Below are steps to splitting wood;
Step One: Make sure you have the right tool for splitting wood before you start. A lot of people will recommend using an ax, splitting wood with an ax works well and is less tedious, splitting mauls tends to be a little bit too heavy for splitting small pieces of firewood.
Step Two: Set up a chopping block or log where you can place the splitting wood. Make sure to select a chopping block or log that is thicker than the width of your splitting ax or splitting maul. Place it at a height that does not strain your back when splitting wood.
Step Three: The splitting ax should be held with one hand on the end of the handle and one at the splitting ax head. The splitting maul should be held with two hands: one hand on top of the handle and the other at the splitting maul head. Keep your arms and legs away from splitting wood as it may fly off in different directions when splitting firewood by using splitting tools.
Step Four: Make sure that the splitting ax or splitting maul is perpendicular to the wood before splitting firewood. Using a splitting tool as an ax may cause the splitting wood to fly off in different directions and possibly hit you or damage some other objects.
Step Five: Cut the largest logs first as they will provide you with the most stability and leverage when splitting them into smaller chunks. Place one end of the log on a chopping block or directly on the ground.
Step Six: Do not try splitting too much at once remember to keep your arms and legs away from splitting wood as it may fly off in different directions when splitting firewood by using splitting tools.
Step Seven: Keep splitting wood until it is split apart completely. Once you have split apart all the pieces of wood, then collect them and stack them in a safe place.
Step Eight: Stack splitting wood in a dry area to prevent rotting or infestation from bugs or rodents. If splitting wood is too wet, splitting wood may cause splitting ax or splitting maul to warp.
Splitting Small to Medium-Sized Logs
Place a splitting maul or splitting ax head first on the wood. Make sure that the splitting tool is perpendicular to the ground and does not slide down as you hit it. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and take a secure stance with one foot slightly in front of the other for balance before hitting the wood.
How to Swing an Axe to Split Wood
- First, you should use both your arms and legs to generate power when splitting wood. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and place the end of the split wood on a chopping block or the ground.
- Next, start by holding the ax handle tightly with one hand about halfway up and pointing down at a 45-degree angle.
- Also, be sure to keep the ax head down and pointing at the ground as you make an overhanded swing when splitting wood above your feet.
- When the ax is in the right position, you should be able to see the sharp edge of the head as you split wood. You should also be able to see your nose.
- Repeat as many times as needed until the split wood is completely broken apart. When done properly, splitting wood can easily become a meditative and relaxing pastime for some people.
How to Split Wood with a Machine
You can also split wood with an electric log splitter. It can be dangerous and needs to be operated carefully. Make sure that the wood is placed securely before operating a log splitter.
Place the log on the track against the wedge carefully. Grip the log on its two sides. Never place your hand near the splitter. Stand on the side of the splitter. Pull down on the safety bar. After pushing for roughly two seconds, a piston will activate to push the log against the wedge, splitting it in half.
Splitting wood is a great exercise and can help you get rid of excess stress on weekends. However, always remember to have the right tool for splitting firewood as it may fly off in different directions when splitting by using splitting tools. Once you’ve gotten a hang of it, be sure to check out how to properly store your firewood.
