Why Learning Proper Log Splitting Techniques Can Help You Stay Safe and Warm

Many people are beginning to consider using wood to heat their homes. They may decide to make a total switch to wood or they may want to augment other types of fuel with wood. Whatever the reason, if you are one of these people, learning proper log splitting technique can be the key to getting a necessary task done quickly and efficiently.

There are a few different ways to split logs and the amount of wood, as well as your physical capacity, can determine which shape you will use. If you are splitting a large amount of wood, it can be overwhelming to do it by hand. In this case, a hydraulic log splitter can allow you to have your winter wood supply ready in a short period of time.

If you are interested in a hydraulic log splitter, it is usually possible to rent one. Construction or industrial equipment rental companies often have machines that you can rent for a day or more. You may also want to consider pre-dividing the lumber into manageable sections. You may still need to divide or cut a certain amount on your own. However, the amount of work you will do will be much less overall.

You need the right equipment if you are going to cut wood safely and efficiently. The good news is that the equipment you need is usually fairly basic and fairly inexpensive. The two main things you will need are a deck to split the logs and a shaft to split the lumber.

The deck you choose should be large enough that the wood can settle without worrying about it tipping over easily. It should be a good height so that the wood is not so high that it is difficult to hit it. The surface should be fairly flat and even. This is also so that the wood doesn’t fall off just as you are about to hit it with the ax. Many people often choose to use a tree stump as they are durable and can usually be the right height for their needs. You need to make sure that the area you are cutting firewood in does not have anything that could be hit by the ax while swinging it.

The ax should be heavy enough that the weight can help with the split. The head of an ax is wedge-shaped and has a sharp edge. The sharp edge cuts through the wood and the wedge helps to separate the wood. The back of the ax head is usually flat and square, so the ax can be tipped over if it gets partially stuck in the wood.

Cut the pieces so that they are the proper length and the ends appear. This will give the piece stability and make cutting easier. Aim for areas of the wood that already have cracks and avoid knots. You must stand with your feet far enough apart to be well balanced and are unlikely to fall. The ax must be placed back on the shoulder of the hand that is used for writing. This is your dominant hand. Lower it onto the wood and hit as hard as you can. It can get stuck. If this happens, flip it over and hit it on the back of the ax head. You may need to hit it more than once. After the first split has occurred, continue the same process with the pieces until they are the size you need.

Don’t worry if you find it difficult at first. It will get better with time. You can expect that with practice you will develop better aim and strong muscles that are less likely to hurt. Of course, this is a much easier task when using a hydraulic log splitter. However, as you settle in and watch the fire roar, you can take pride in the work you’ve done.