You lose, red maple.

Yeah, I got some bigguns in this log load. Looked like it would go easy but boy was I wrong. Finally got it figured out though. It will never split in the preferred half,half, half method. Needs to be worked around or what I call guild the lily.

Still not easy work but the split pile is growing. With how light theses splits are now, I have to wonder if this species is even worth the trouble.

 

Good shoulder wood, for sure.

 

Red maple can be that way. Especially the yard birds. Sometimes you just need to peel back the onions.

 

For how light red maple is, it does coal surprisingly well so I’m a believer that it’s worth the labor in processing it.

 

Red maple is the most abundant tree here in Connecticut. It an old reliable for firewood. Splits easy for the most part and dries fast. Some can be denser than others. Not a favorite of mine, but ill take if straight and decent. Im a half, half, half splitter myself.

I hate when i have to resort to my log blaster. Usually the Isocore works. If not ill noodle it.

 

Looks like a real round buster. What’s that maul weigh?

 

I believe it’s a 12 pounder. It wS my father’s and I’m glad it’s still around for the ornery ones. I’ll rub some wax on the sides and will blast through your big oak no problem but I find these softer woods just absorb energy and it sure doesn’t help when the grain is like this!

 

This is the kind of wood that retires died in the wool hand splitters like us! I always say no hydros for me, but if this was all I had I may reconsider,

 

Could be a Sotz monster maul. Believe it or not, the 12 lb’er was advertised as the lady’s maul

 

Alright now I gotta weigh it. My ol lady swings an 8 pounder just fine but not this thing

 

Manhood confirmed! Dad didn’t mess around. He had among others a poulan bow saw I wish Was still around.

 

Men were tougher back then. Too many people complain about a little physical labor these days. Like it’s gonna ruin your body for life. Lol

 

Red maple is a fair wood, in my experience. A mid-range workhorse that can do the job when you're still in double digits, but best only to pack the gaps in the stove when it dips into <10.

Yardbirds sure do get twisty, as mentioned above!

 

Thanks for weighing the maul. I have one and been thinking it was a 10 -12 pounder. No wonder I about pass out using it. LOL

 

Soft maple is always nice to have for shoulder season.

 

Soft maple is great it usually splits easy, dries fast, lights easy, and burns hot. I prefer it to cherry.

 

Good to know. I’ve burnt tons of silver and cherry and they usually split easy but this is tree service wood and it’s littered with branches. Still, progress is being made! Hot stuff on the right, shoulder wood to the left.