Erik Lane <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > --- Darryl McMahon <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > <snip> > > > Thanks again to all. For starters though, I'm going > > to get a new handle for the > > old double-edged axe. Always had a nice heft, and > > although originally made for > > felling, has always done a nice job of splitting > > hardwood. > > If you have never used a maul, I would definitely > suggest you trying one. They are designed to split > wood - that's their main job. When you keep it nice > and sharp it will make your splitting chores SO much > easier. I use an 8 pounder, and there's very little it > won't do. I only have to get out the wedge for rounds > that are at least 3-4 ft diameter or soppy wet or full > of knots. It will take care of about anything else.
I have a maul (probably 5 or 6 pounds), and use it more for softwood. I find the narrower blade binds more in softwood. I have also used a splitting axe (with the spreading levers built into it), but didn't care for it so much. The narrower blade is lighter, so I find I didn't tire so quickly with it. I think it becomes a matter of taste to some extent, and probably technique. With big hardwood, I tend to work in from the sides with the felling axe. > If you've used a good maul and still prefer your axe, > then you can ignore me, of course. :) But using the > right tool for the job is a huge labor saver. No question. > Have fun! (I really enjoy splitting wood. It's almost > a shame that we have a full pile for this winter. > Almost.) I won't claim to enjoy splitting wood with an axe, but it is a great stress reliever. There are days I imagine the wood before me is a current problem or source of stress, and there are times the split pieces simply fly from the chopping block. However, I do enjoy getting outside in the autumn, and splitting wood is a good excuse for that, and the potential for labour tends to discourage unwanted company. > Erik -- Darryl McMahon http://www.econogics.com/ It's your planet. If you won't look after it, who will? _______________________________________________ Biofuel mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://wwia.org/mailman/listinfo.cgi/biofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Biofuel archives at Infoarchive.net (searchable): http://infoarchive.net/sgroup/biofuel/
