Hand splitting cherry

This came up in another thread so I thought it would be better to not clutter it up. Some of you more experienced horders will likely already know this but cherry is soopa easy to split once its dried out a bit.

This one is ready for splitting. Note the branch knot on the side. No problem:



Notice the checking and light end grain color:


1st stroke

2nd stroke

And 2 strokes later ready for the stacks



This one was not so ready. Notice the end grain color:

2nd stroke


4th and 5th stroke



Nearly there now

And ready for the stacks


As I'm sure you can tell the larger round being a bit greener required a bit more effort but nothing herculean. Both rounds have been bucked about 8 weeks and laying out in the field waiting to be split.

Hopefully those who are willing to listen will find this info useful. Cheers

 

Yes sir, cherry has always been plentiful around here and when I did everything by hand it was mostly fairly easy. I always used my monster maul.

 

Never tried splitting cherry by hand. I have some 30” chunks next on my list if it’s not 90 degrees next weekend here in Delaware.


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I guess im used to splitting mostly in the cold weather and was expecting my cherry to split easily Barcroftb ...in response to your response in the other thread. Once i had it in half it was easier, but a red or white oak round the same diameter i wouldve halved with 2 whacks with the X27. Ill have to remember to keep it dryer next time and see. Although if the ends dry too much ive had trouble with other species...red maple recently. Thanks for the info!

 

When you understand your wood, grasshopper, then you will know true horder enlightenment.

 

do you hand split all your wood Barcroftb?

 

Looks enjoyable

 

Thanks Dennis. buZZsaw BRAD tale of woe with sledge and wedges prompted it. No one should have to suffer sledge and wedges on 16" green cherry. Hopefully the info will save some poor future horder the trouble.

Hey now! Don't I wish, but alas it's just me to do it. Good thing I enjoy the work.

I split the little stuff like in the pictures as much as I can by hand. Maybe 2-3 full cord a year. Unfortunately I don't get a lot of time to devote to it so lots gets processed with the hydro spliter.

 

For those that don't know, I consider Dennis to be like an aged surrogate grandfather. He's poking fun at me because he knows I'm just a glorified paid mover.

Maybe some future cherry for the stacks. Gotta "move" it out of someone's back yard first.



Something tells me this section here isn't sound

 

That will pose a problem when felling for sure Barcroftb ?

 

Not a problem at all. I'll just put on my magic fairy wings and lay it down gentle as you please.

All kidding aside great care will have to be exercised and it will cost the homeowner dearly. It's not your average "you cut down the tree and keep the wood for freeeeeeee" score.

 

Yes for sure, but slowly to better cultivate a long term love of the work.

 

That's an ugly azz tree there Barcroftb . Good news is it shouldn't be too hard to judge the lean/balance. That thing looks like it's just waiting to slap ya right in the face.