splitting logs....

[NikNak]

Hi guys....

Quick question.... as i've never had to do it before.... whats the best way to split logs.? Cut them to a manageable (to suit the fire) length and then spilt.... but best to do it 'green' (just felled) or let it season..? And are these log splitters i've seen any good/value for money..?


Nick

 

[Beau]

Always split green. Its easier and helps the logs dry faster. For splitting set them up on a log 24" diameter if you can get your paws on one. Then put an old tyre on top and place your logs inside it to stop them flying everywhere with each strike. Not watched the whole video but this looks about right https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRuk_jd1f8M If the wood is not too bad an axe is the fastest way. Can thoroughly recommend the Fiskers X27 as the tool of choice.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

After you've tried a few dozen rings you'll get wise to what'll split and what won't, then when you ring your own you'll know how long or short to cut them. As above, split green it's much easier and of course the logs will dry more quickly. I can't speak for splitters, but a maul is much easier than an axe. Wood grenades can be useful as well.

 

[porker]

+1 for the Fiskars X27. Nice and light and splits easily. Agree with all the other advice too. I don't have a hydraulic splitter as I reckon I can split fairly quickly and need the exercise! Use a chopping block about 18" high which will save your back and stop you dulling your maul on the ground. Tyre trick is good too. I usually persuade the kids to put the logs on the block and pick up the bits!

 

[dickm]

and pick up the bits!

...of their fingers????

But having recently acquired a wood grenade/bomb they are amazing. Thought they were just a gimmick, but definitely not.

 

[adidat]

I hired a splitter from Brandon tool hire (I think) for 30 quid for a weekend managed to split a lot of timber but you have to press 2 buttons to activate the pump so it's tricky to hold the log if it won't sit properly, maybe if you had a helper this would be ok.

Adidat

 

[Fat ferret]

I never found the wood grenades to be much use. Too slow but depends on wood. Yes green if you can.

 

[Zeddedhed]

I used one of these

and these two

to split this lot

on a saturday afternoon

 

[StevieB]

A word of caution on using a tyre - rubber is bouncy - miss the log with your axe and it is going to come straight back at you, possibly faster than it left!

Steve

 

[NikNak]

so..... try a wood 'grenade' at about a tenner first..... (hammer) and if i dont get on with that, and if funds permit, then a fangled hydromolontic thingy :lol: (i can feel a birthday pressie coming on :wink: )

 

[gregmcateer]

Maul for me (plus a teenager who wants to be (and soon will be), tougher than his dad, so is more than happy to split them all day long).

Got my maul from Toostation for about a tenner IIRC

Oh and yes, cut them to fire-sized length first - splitting easier and much easier than cutting through all the split lengths.

 

[NikNak]

so..... just having a look around.....

how about one of these for cutting logs to length first..?

http://www.screwfix.com/p/stanley-fatma ... tid=320770

or is that a tad on the coarse side :wink:

 

[Phil Pascoe]

No. It is what it says it is - a concrete panel saw. It won't cut wood. You need a log saw.

 

[porker]

I had a mate who was a bit of an eco warrior and he bought a place with an open fire but told me he was going to cut all his wood with a bow saw as a chainsaw was bad for the environment. That was until the next weekend when I saw he had bought a chainsaw. His wife said he tried cutting for around a full 30 minutes before he gave up on the hand saw.

 

[Robbo3]

If you are cutting logs by hand then a bow saw with a green wood blade which has deeper gullets & a wider set, is the tool for the job.

A pair of hard wearing work gloves will help prevent blisters on the saw hand & cuts from when the saw bounces onto the steadying hand. Ask me how I know.

 

[Beau]

Or don't bother with it and get me in to process it all for you :lol:

This what I do when not in the workshop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtmZ0J7HH30

 

[Sheffield Tony]

If you are cutting logs by hand then a bow saw with a green wood blade which has deeper gullets & a wider set, is the tool for the job.

A pair of hard wearing work gloves will help prevent blisters on the saw hand & cuts from when the saw bounces onto the steadying hand. Ask me how I know.

A couple of comments: Beware cheap bow saws. Inadequate blade holding and tension means they will never saw straight. Much pain lies that way. Better a one man or 2 man crosscut saw, either an old one or a new one from Thomas Flinn. Either way, you'll need to buy a suitable saw file because it is unlikely either will come properly sharpened. You might find making something like this helps too:

If you must use a bow saw, you can avoid a grated hand by holding the log by reaching through the frame of the saw and holding the bit you are cutting off at the other side of the cut. Can't possibly cut yourself that way.

There's not a lot you can't split with a grenade and a big sledgehammer. DON'T forget that it will smash the patio/driveway or whatever lies below your block though

 

[woodfarmer]

I cut and split a lot of firewood each year. It splits easier when wet but to be honest nothing seems to bother my 5.5 hp log splitter. Be aware though sometimes instead of a controlled split a dry log will explode apart so ensure no one is standing at the sides.

I cut them to length by hand, but in my hand I use a chainsaw

 

[scotty38]

Another vote for a Fiskars X27, my tool of choice here.....

 

[Steve Maskery]

My mate Stuart built a log splitter. It consists of a a spiral cone powered by an electric motor. I think he gotthe cone from Bulgaria (EDIT - It was Hungary, apparently) or somewhere like that.

It is the scariest machine I have ever seen. He shoves a log onto the revolving cone, which screws into it and then the log explodes. It's terrifying. Very simple technology, pretty quick, but absolutely terrifying.

He just laughs, but I wouldn't use one.