I'm new here, so maybe somebody can point me to the tool shed, but this is to kick around the question of what splitting utensil is best for what job. I primarily like a 8 pound mawl to split logs to "almost too big to handle with one hand" (about 8 inch dia.) by 18 inches long to go in my Wonderwood. I want to find a honkin' 20 pound mawl. I can see a hatchet for kindling, though I currently don't have one. What all is each axe best at?
All about splitting hammers
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This is about the biggest sucker I've seen at 12lb and 34 inches in length http://www.amazon.com/Ironton-Heavy-Duty-Splitting-Maul-12-Lb/dp/B00HKGCMVC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1415069718&sr=8-2&keywords=monster maul
I used to use a vintage 8lb maul that belonged to my grandfather for most everything other than kindling that is similar to this (broken link removed to http://www.counciltool.com/product.asp?pg=product&item=80MA) (made in USA to the best of my knowledge) and loved it, up until the x27 was made and I started using that. http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-7884-..._1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415069872&sr=8-1&keywords=x27
The only time I bring the 8lb maul out anymore is if I'm mad at the world and just need to pound the poo out of something, or I have big rounds I want to split in half before I go at them with the x27.
In all though, rather than going bigger than an 8lb maul, I prefer a 10lb sledge and wedges http://www.amazon.com/Estwing-E-5-8-Inch-Cutting-9-Inch/dp/B00DT0PEUY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415069966&sr=8-1&keywords=estwing wedge this is made in USA (at least last I knew it was)
Other folks like wedges that have a twist to them like these, but they are pricey http://www.amazon.com/Gransfors-Bruks-Splitting-Forged-460/dp/B000X1DJN6/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1415070139&sr=8-18&keywords=splitting wedge
In all, by changing my habits a little and attacking bigger rounds by taking "squares" off the outsides rather than going for "triangle" splits, then working my way into the round, I really don't find the need to go to the heavy artillery much anymore now that I have the idea I don't have to split everything right down the middle. That said, I find I wind up using the x27 for the vast majority of my splitting. At a mere 4.5 lb, it's amazing what it can do,,,, speed in this case really makes a difference.
pen
I used to use a vintage 8lb maul that belonged to my grandfather for most everything other than kindling that is similar to this (broken link removed to http://www.counciltool.com/product.asp?pg=product&item=80MA) (made in USA to the best of my knowledge) and loved it, up until the x27 was made and I started using that. http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-7884-..._1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415069872&sr=8-1&keywords=x27
The only time I bring the 8lb maul out anymore is if I'm mad at the world and just need to pound the poo out of something, or I have big rounds I want to split in half before I go at them with the x27.
In all though, rather than going bigger than an 8lb maul, I prefer a 10lb sledge and wedges http://www.amazon.com/Estwing-E-5-8-Inch-Cutting-9-Inch/dp/B00DT0PEUY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415069966&sr=8-1&keywords=estwing wedge this is made in USA (at least last I knew it was)
Other folks like wedges that have a twist to them like these, but they are pricey http://www.amazon.com/Gransfors-Bruks-Splitting-Forged-460/dp/B000X1DJN6/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1415070139&sr=8-18&keywords=splitting wedge
In all, by changing my habits a little and attacking bigger rounds by taking "squares" off the outsides rather than going for "triangle" splits, then working my way into the round, I really don't find the need to go to the heavy artillery much anymore now that I have the idea I don't have to split everything right down the middle. That said, I find I wind up using the x27 for the vast majority of my splitting. At a mere 4.5 lb, it's amazing what it can do,,,, speed in this case really makes a difference.
pen
I've seen the all metal handle Monster Maul in hardware stores, and looked hard at them, but the cutting edge looks like a baseball bat. Is this design or does it make a difference?
...and yes, a grinder is on my shopping list...
...and yes, a grinder is on my shopping list...
Most mauls are not worth the shipping charge. Some are purely instruments of torture.
There are good ones, and some are pretty pricy to various extents.
The mauls by Mueller/Gransfors, Wetterlings, Husqvarna (Hultafors) and Council Tools (USA) are good tools, in descending order of price. Their metallurgy is way better than fiskars'. The ones listed range from 3 kg (6.6 lb) to 3.5 kg (5.5 lb) all of which all happen to work well for me.
With a few minutes' work with Dremel & sanding drum, The Council 6-pounder is a real "sleeper" and a best buy. Nice smithy work. Costs about same as a POS.
Lots of luck with a 12 lb bludgeon.
There are good ones, and some are pretty pricy to various extents.
The mauls by Mueller/Gransfors, Wetterlings, Husqvarna (Hultafors) and Council Tools (USA) are good tools, in descending order of price. Their metallurgy is way better than fiskars'. The ones listed range from 3 kg (6.6 lb) to 3.5 kg (5.5 lb) all of which all happen to work well for me.
With a few minutes' work with Dremel & sanding drum, The Council 6-pounder is a real "sleeper" and a best buy. Nice smithy work. Costs about same as a POS.
Lots of luck with a 12 lb bludgeon.
I have two of these. http://www.truevalue.com/product/6-Lb-Axe-Eye-Splitting-Maul-36-In-Fiberglass-Handle/41995.uts
I split between 3 and 5 cords per year by hand. I like that they are light enough to swing without difficulty and do not have a sharp edge. For whatever reason I don't think I'm comfortable swinging a sharp axe if I don't have to. Everyone has a different comfort level and preference. I know guys who love the Monster Maul. Some guys like a splitting block others split on the ground.
A really helpful trick that I do when splitting wood is use a tire. I place the logs I'm splitting inside a tire and whack away. The tire keeps everything together and speeds up the process for me.
I split between 3 and 5 cords per year by hand. I like that they are light enough to swing without difficulty and do not have a sharp edge. For whatever reason I don't think I'm comfortable swinging a sharp axe if I don't have to. Everyone has a different comfort level and preference. I know guys who love the Monster Maul. Some guys like a splitting block others split on the ground.
A really helpful trick that I do when splitting wood is use a tire. I place the logs I'm splitting inside a tire and whack away. The tire keeps everything together and speeds up the process for me.
Perhaps not so surprisingly . . . I have attempted to do so . . . and yup . . . massive over-kill. You end up getting more water on you than in your mouth.
Maul4life
New Member
I use the Husqvarna maul with good results. Mostly for the bigger stuff. However, I bought one of these: http://www.husqvarna.com/us/accessories/axes-pruning-saws/splitting-axe-small/
Now I am use this for most stuff that is smaller diameter. A lot of folks are Fiskars fans...I just don't like the aesthetic of them. I am sure they are fine tools.
I split 7 cords last year, by hand, and I am up to almost 8 this year with just another couple months. May hit 10 this year. However, at 5 degrees today, stuff splits amazingly well...so almost anything will work well.
Now I am use this for most stuff that is smaller diameter. A lot of folks are Fiskars fans...I just don't like the aesthetic of them. I am sure they are fine tools.
I split 7 cords last year, by hand, and I am up to almost 8 this year with just another couple months. May hit 10 this year. However, at 5 degrees today, stuff splits amazingly well...so almost anything will work well.
8lb maul. 4-way wedge, couple 2 way wedges, then an X27 to bust them up smaller.
I have a ton of 30" rounds and this is doing the job.
I have a ton of 30" rounds and this is doing the job.
That is sorta similar to what I am using now, though I am using the Chan*nel*lok brand. Paid about that. It works (sometimes after a few whacks) but I still want something bigger for those larger logs.
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smokedragon
Minister of Fire
I still own an original (and WELL used) monster maul. It weighs in at 15 lbs, and it has a place. But it gets swung much less than every other tool I own for splitting. I find that it wears me out so quickly that I am better off taking multiple swings with an 8 pounder.
I highly suggest a fiskars splitting axe. The handles are nearly indestructible (good for a newbie), they are light so you can work much longer, and they split 70 - 80% of what I can split with a larger maul. There are a few things that a larger maul (6 - 8lbs) are good for though.
I highly suggest a fiskars splitting axe. The handles are nearly indestructible (good for a newbie), they are light so you can work much longer, and they split 70 - 80% of what I can split with a larger maul. There are a few things that a larger maul (6 - 8lbs) are good for though.
I have a mega-maul clone. It's too much for this old dude most of the time. I get it out when I have a round that won't succumb to a wedge and (6#) sledgehammer, or when I want to torture myself. Sometimes both.
claydogg84
Minister of Fire
I have the all metal maul, I think mine was either 12 or 14 lbs. I rarely use it now that I have the hydraulic splitter. But once in a while if I have a bunch of rounds with no knots I'll bring it out for a little exercise
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