Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Pond Boss Splitting logs

Not like I have you guys dying for an update - so here's one anyhow:

Went and cut around a half cord Green and Black Ash this weekend. Cut logs in 14" lengths - shorter than usual as per your guidance. Regardless of diameter [up to 24"] I used your collective advice and with a maul got through the entire batch no problems. I'm using a Fiskar Maul which I love but it has a short handle [28"]. I missed a couple of strikes towards the end of the day and am lucky to have my kneecaps - seriously. Anyone have and horror stories on that front?

I have cottonwood logs that have been seasoning for three years I still can't get a crack started. Learned the source of my ongoing frustration has been messing with soft wood like CW. It's like trying to split peanut butter. All hardwoods from here on out for me.

Thanks again guys...time for an advil

TJ:

I don't have any horror stories. I've been able to split Cottonwood in the 4.5t splitter. If you have any laying around and I swing thru, I'll try and show you how I do it.

I have no problem splitting the edges off first. Of course, I'm seldom aiming for the edges.

Control man control. If you can't control the maul then leave it alone. Use an ax or better yet rent a splitter. Of course that would take all the fun and work out of the job.

Eric, axes hang up in post oak. Sometimes I have to use wedge(s) and a hammer to free the axe. Then I have to free the wedges. Splitters take all the fun out of drinking beer.

Beer and maul used together are as dangerous for the user as beer and cars. Same can be said for ax , hammer and wedge. Now beer and chainsaw used together are a real cutting edge experience. Just don't stand near anyone engaging in those activities.

You know, I sometimes think about cutting and/or splitting and remember the danger. So, I just have a beer and forget all about getting sweaty.

Actually I consider chain saws as the most dangerous labor saving device ever invented.

I know one guy who would up with a broken foot when he hit a wedge with a sledge hammer. The wedge went flying and hit his foot.

TJ, a good length for a maul handle is 36", another thing that I do is dig a small 6" hole in sandy soil, put a flat piece of wood in it and split logs on that, it cuts down on the log kicking back towards you if you hit it the wrong way. Don't try to kill the log, just accurate even strokes work best.

I find chain saws get dangerous when you get overconfident and don't give it the respect it deserves.

Things that eat meat have sharp teeth.
Wood cutting tools have sharp teeth.
People are made of meat.

I've got a Sthihl 041AV that i have had for 30 years, and i don't start it up unless i have had a good night's sleep, it is early in the day and i haven't had too much caffeine. A good way to look at it - the saw don't run on beer, neither should the operator.

I am glad I didn't know about that beer deal during my lumber jacking days. I might have gotten hurt!

Great tips...the maul handle is far too short on the Fiskars but have nothing else negative to report. I still am having a helluva time with Cottonwood...it's not worth the time and effort required as it relates to their buring merits.