My advice, is to get a 6# maul similar to this one: Ludell 6 lb. Splitting Maul with 34 in. Fiberglass Handle-12306 - The Home Depot I have a Fiskars splitting axe like you listed as well and it works OK, but my 6# maul is tried and true. It definitely works better than the Fiskars and heavier mauls I've tried over the years. Mine has a wooden handle that has a bend to it more like and ax handle. And yes, I've broken it many times over my 40 years of using it. Mostly by continuing to work when I'm tired.
Get a splitting axe from Fiskars - the super splitter, x27, etc. It is lighter and easier on your joints than a heavy maul, but will split most wood pretty well. It is always better to split now, rather than wait.
I don't like fiberglass handles...they don't feel right compared to wood. Can't explain it but they feel wrong. I would get a wooden one...but if you've never used a wooden one you probably wouldn't see anything wrong. 8lb maul is the best size. 6lbers don't have enough grunt for my liking.
I've got about 12 cord, 5 cord is red oak, all split by hand. I use an X27 for most of it and a 10 pound sledgeand 4 pound wedges for the nasty twisted stuff. If its straight grained oak, an axe should do it, except for crotchpeices or knots. If you are only splitting a few pieces and don't plan to make a habit of it, don't spend your hard earned cash on speciality tools. For oak, green is easier splitting.
I second that pl wear gloves then if you don't like the feel lol! With all due respect the Fiskars is the best, you won't need a maul if your technique is decent. After using it for awhile Itwill get through anything I can throw at it, with relatively minimal effort.
I can respect that, Lukem. I guess I'm a bit old school too because I would still rather hand split all of my wood.
My complaint about the Fiskars is I get it stuck in the wood if it soesn't pop a lot easier than a 6# maul. The maul either splits it or tends to bounce out/release easy due to the point angle. The Fiskars axe is more, well, axe-like in point design which if it doesn't pop it open or it doesn't get deep enough to get to the "wings" is sticks. Just my observation. In red oak it won't matter but if the OP gets something harder next time and only buys one tool the maul would serve him better IMHO....
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'm not too worried about buying more than 1 thing. one can never have too many tools.
I know a lot of people speak highly of the fiskars, and I actually thought I would buy one to see if really is the "wonder tool" for hand splitting. Never did though...something about looking at the skinny little head and doubting it's ability
Dave, I felt the same way at first but now I have one of the all black handle versions, not exactly the same as an X-27 but darned close, and I am amazed at how well it does for a $40 splitter. Don't let the first impression fool you. The head actually spreads a lot compared to a cutting axe.
Again, I disagree on the Fiskars. It was a "wonder tool" for me but in this case, I wondered why all the fuss about it. I could not see that it split any better than a cheap $35 axe and perhaps not as well. But, each to their own. I just don't see that it is that good of a tool.
I finally split this wood. I'm the worst FWHC member I just used my regular old ax that I had lying around. First hit got it stuck, used a 3 or 5 lb small sledge to get it through the first split. The rest were all 1 hit wonders
Nearly two years later hope you had it off the ground but according to anyone who knows their wood it hasn't begun to season unless its split and stacked in an optimal area. Hope others chime in seeing this thread has reopened. Maybe some will get a laugh out of it
Got any pictures to prove that you did it? I mean, we all believe you when you say that it's done and all but we'll just believe you more if we see it in photos..
