Many people are starting to look at using wood to heat their homes.
They may decide to make a total switch to wood or they may want to augment other fuel types with wood.
Whatever the reason, if you are one of these people, learning the proper log splitting technique can be the key to accomplishing a necessary task quickly and efficiently.
There are a few different ways that you can split logs and the amount of wood as well as your physical ability may determine which way you will use.
If you will be splitting a large amount of wood you may find it overwhelming to do it by hand.
In this case, a hydraulic log splitting machine may enable you to get your winter's supply of wood ready in a short period of time.
If you are interested in a hydraulic log splitter, it is usually possible to rent one.
Industrial or construction equipment rental companies will often have machines that you can rent for a day or more.
You may also want to look at getting your wood pre-split into manageable sections.
You may still need to split or trim a certain amount on your own.
However, the amount of work you will be doing will be much less over all.
You need the right equipment if you are going to split wood safely and efficiently.
The good news is that the equipment you need is usually quite basic and fairly inexpensive.
The two main things that you will need are a platform to split the logs on and an axe to split the wood with.
The platform that you choose needs to be large enough that the wood can sit without worrying about it tipping off easily.
It needs to be a good height so that the wood is not sitting so high it will be hard to hit.
The surface needs to be fairly flat and even.
This is also so that the wood will not tip off just as you are about to hit it with the axe.
Often, many people choose to utilize a tree stump since they are durable and can usually be the right height for your needs.
You need to make sure that the area you are chopping wood in is clear of anything that may be hit by the axe as you swing it.
The axe needs to be heavy enough that the weight can help with the splitting.
The head of an axe is wedge shaped and has one sharp edge.
The sharp edge cuts into the wood and the wedge helps force the wood apart.
The back of the axe head is often flat and square so that the axe can be flipped around if it becomes lodged partway into the wood.
Cut pieces so that they are the right length and so that the ends are even.
This will give the piece stability and make it easier to cut.
Aim for areas in the wood that already show cracks and avoid knots.
You should stand with your feet wide enough apart that you are well-balanced and unlikely to fall over.
The axe should be brought back over the shoulder of the hand you use to write with.
This is your dominant hand.
Bring it down onto the wood and hit as hard as you can.
It may get stuck.
If this happens, turn it over and bang it on the back of the axe head.
You may need to hit it more than once.
Once the first split has happened, continue the same process with the pieces until they are the size you need.
Don't worry if you find it difficult at first.
It will get better in time.
You can expect that with practice you will develop better aim and strong muscles that are less likely to get sore.
Of course this is a much simpler task when you use a hydraulic log splitter.
However, as you settle in and watch your roaring fire you can feel proud of the work that you have done.