Fireside Friend Splitter ?

Maybe, but I prefer this for all my splitting needs. http://www.troybilt.com/equipment/troybilt/ls-27-tb-hydraulic-log-splitter

Tenn Dave said:

Maybe, but I prefer this for all my splitting needs. http://www.troybilt.com/equipment/troybilt/ls-27-tb-hydraulic-log-splitter

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I am guessing that would have an edge.

To OP, that has way to short a handle to be effective.

i would think it might be useful fireside, making little splits out of bigger splits for kindling or for light fast loads. don't think i'd want to use it at the woodpile.

CenterTree said:

Not sure, a hatchet has a fairly short handle too, but it has it's place for firewood.


It seems to me that the product is a hybrid idea. (hatchet/maul)

I am assuming the non cutting side is meant to strike on, not certain though.



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I am not so sure, it weighs 4#s and that is a mighty heavy hatchet. The small Fiskars hatchets are nice and extremely sharp I have one.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Homelite-5-Ton-Electric-Log-Splitter-UT49103/202019865#.UsvqWzAo4v4

Here's my splitter recommendation. You can bring it inside and use it!

I saw that Esting a few weeks ago and have been thinking about it as well. I keep an X7 next to the furnace for those times I didn't bring in enough kindling, but every now and then all I have is logs that are too big for the X7 to split up and I'm feeling too lazy to get warm clothes and go out to the shed and split some up. Figured that guy and a 4lb sledge would hold me over until the next day.

I have looked at those before as well & found some testimonials on here from folks that love them. I almost bought one when the hickory handle on my ancient hatchet broke (it was my grandfathers). I decided against because of the thin steel shaft typical to Estwing hammers. Sometimes when making kindling I like to choke-up on the handle & just push the head down with my body weight to finish a split. Can't do that with the Fireside friend. It sure looks like the ticket for making kindling out of tough wood though.

My feeling is that this will be a little heavy to swing a bunch and split wood. I have used a 5lb and 3lb hammer for various projects and they sure tire my wrist and arm out quickly. I can use my fiskars hatchet all day without much fatigue. Even as an occasional use item, i would favor a standard hatchet.

I have an abundance of heart pine stumps really hard to split with ax or hatchet. Bought one similar to yours. It works great on them.

I've had that same Estwing Fireside Friend for several years. Since it's all one piece I figured even I could never break it (I suppose I could lose it though). Anyway, I use mine for making kindling. I also use it (the flat side) for pounding on a wrench to knock freewheels off of bicycle wheels.