My nephews share/own a red all metal maul. I think its a knock off of the old orange monster maul, but the handle it just too freakin short. Does any body else out there own one of these red mauls, they got it a TSC and while it serves the purpose for them, I believe it is lacking in the handle area. If it was just 4-6 inches longer it would create that much more leverage/power. Im really contemplating welding on some pipe to extend the handle............... Do any of you guys and gals have the maul in question, and have any of you considered modifying it or have already modified it?
All metal? Makes my joints ache just thinking about it. Give me fiberglass and a good warranty and I'm happy. Hydraulics and I'm happier.
Found it by searching google for "red maul wood splitter" or something like that. they sell them here. http://www.amazon.com/Truper-32415-...&qid=1381118683&sr=8-1&keywords=red+wood+maul
This original patent Sotz monster maul I've had since I was 17.Years ago I loaned it out,& someone backed over the handle,breaking the joint.It was the 12lb model,total weight was 15lbs.Since then its been reinforced with a piece of 1/4" wall galvanized pipe,that fit so snugly I had to drive it down over the original collar & handle with a 12lb sledge.Plus added a nice fat weld bead just for safety's sake,even though the pipe didn't move once driven on.Total weight now is 20lbs,its not used much now that I'm older.Maybe 4-5 times a year I have to bring it out on the extra tough stuff. One thing though - I've NEVER gotten it stuck in anything.Period.And that includes large green American Elm,gnarly White Oak crotches,stubborn Honey Locust,Mulberry or Apple stumps & twisted rounds. If it didn't split or start to,it would bounce off until I finally bludgeoned the log into submission.....
My 1970's vintage 23lb Sotz is still going strong. I'm 58 and still split most of my wood with it, I don't own a log splitter. You don't "swing" it like other mauls. Its more like lift it close to your body, throw it up/out over the target, accelerate its mass through the target. Like Thistle said, it won't get stuck. That's a piece of knotty pig-nut I'm working on. My other 8lb True Temper maul won't even crack it.
I have a 10lb maul (all metal), that I used for ALL my wood until I started doing the tree removal thing.......and the mass of that thing would eventually get you through whatever you bludgeoned with it.... But cutting 25+ cord a year (between my buddy and I), I decided it was time for a splitter.....I still use the maul from time to time for the excersize.......
I still have my old "monster maul" from Sotz, its a beast. and used properly will split things that should be left in the pile to burn!! LOL I also have a conventional 8 pound splitting maul. My Monster was/is my favorite!
I am a little late to the party, but I have a red one as well. Picked it up at an auction, it seems to be a closer clone of the Sotz than the one pictured above. However, though it looks similar I do not like it as well as my Monster Maul. As is evidenced by the paint loss, the Sotz has been well used over the past several decades.
I have one and just consider it ok. With a longer handle it should be better. Going to get around to that one of these days.
There was a fellow selling some lighter NOS Sotz Monster Mauls a while back, I I just couldn't justify spending $100 on one.
Its not that bad for short periods.Though it obviously is tougher the older you get.Mine's pretty much retired now,4-5 times yearly is about it.Actually seems easier to me now to use the 20lb sledge/5lb twisted wedge combo on the few stubborn ones that don't get a big saw.
I'm just getting older & slowing down,not a big guy but always very strong for my size.Basically just drop that sucker,no need for the ''roundhouse swing'' that wastes too much energy.
Yours appears to have much less shoulder than the new ones. Might try grinding mine down some. Rain all week and my wife does not want me to tear into the kitchen until we decide on a floor so i got some time this week.