Does anyone still split old school? Maul and Wedge style?

Fiskar brothers for me (splitting axe and ISO core) only noodle if I absolutely have to. I don't like the extra time required for wedge and sledge.

I like hearing from the 60+ crowd that are still hand splitting! Hope I can make it that long!

 

61 here and still splitting by hand. Fiskars x27. For really big rounds, I'll saw a groove into it, then have it wedging and sledging.

 

A few years ago, I started using my hydraulic splitter less and split by hand more and more - X27 for most, but sledge and wedge when necessary. At this point, I split 95% by hand - saving the real nasty rounds for the splitter. I just enjoy hand splitting and it's a great way to get exercise - turning 45 this year - helps keep me in decent shape, can listen to nature instead of an engine, and it's just a plain ole man thing to do! Cheers!

 

All hand splitting for me. A lot of what I take down is sweet gum and elm, so I'm glad I have a well insulated house.

 

Man, I've learned sweet gum is a bioch to split. Not a straight grain in even a straight log! They're a nuisance around here and cut down a 5"er or so last weekend. Most of it I threw in the rounds pile, but decided to split the somewhat larger ones and can't imagine what a full size sweet gum would take to split by hand! I can tell after a few swings if a stubborn round goes into the renter pile. I got a Fiskars Isocore last year and it's pretty effective for what I mostly split.

 

I have a Fiske X27 and an Isocore, along with a handful of wedges. I had picked up an 8lb sledge on CL, amd realized it was fairly soft. So I've been occasionally using the Isocore as the wedge. Works MUCH better! One swing and it's buried in a giant round, then one or two more swings with the sledge and it pops.

 

Until today I had been using this.

I had to run into town tonight anyway so I picked up its replacement.

 

I hate using wedges and never use them. I manage to work my way in from the edges on the rare big stuff I get.
Until today I had been using this. When I was in town tonight I picked up its replacement.

 

How much does your log lift pick up where you have to use a maul and wedge? I just recently bought a splitter that is rated to lift a 500lb log so I don't have to wedge and sledge anymore.

 

6 lb. Splitting Maul with straight handle. A little bit at a time, don't want to upset my L5 S1 joint

 

I still use wedges on big rounds of oak and pine.

 

....and I've heard that splitting by hand helps you "develop" earlier. I found this old photo of Backwoods Savage when he was 12 years old!




Yeah, I used to split all by hand up until my mid 50's or so. No wedges, just a maul. Things change and wear out. I still split occasionally with the maul, but sure do love that hydraulic!!!

If you're really concerened about the exercise, theres always these to be had!

 

Some more motivation...

 

I don't know exactly since it's home made. I know it will either pick up what I put on it or it will try to flip the entire splitter over!!

 

I use a 12 pound maul to split 8 cord a year. I will till I physically cant. Hell thats half the fun!!

 

Split my 3 cords each year with maul, wedge, sledge and axe. Great exercise. Now the evenings are getting a little lighter I'll start to get out for half an hour after work a couple of days a week. I Love it and the children keep me company in their scooters on the lane next to my splitting spot.

 

Midwinter, who's the motivation for. It must be for you. Lol

 

Well, yes... But I'll never have abs like that!