Err... can logs 'explode'?

[Mettlemickey]

Ok, so I have a real gnarly piece of a log ive been trying to split. 12 inches long or so and just where another branch 'branched' off.

Got my Fiskars wedge stuck in it and its creaking and groaning when i hit it with my lump hammer.

Im sort of worried its going to literally explode next time i hit it....

Can this happen or am I just being a big sissy?

I have it on a chopping block inside a tyre, but i dont know if that will contain it if it 'goes off'.

Since my wedge is stuck in it i guess i have to keep going.

Any advice?

Thanks

JC

 

[CTFIRE]

I've had logs in the spliter shoot out 20 feet. Some just dont want to split. havent had one do that manually

 

[Shawn Curry]

If you're using a wedge it isn't going anywhere. It will probably still be attached at the bottom once it finally does crack, and you'll be trying to pull it apart by hand. You can usually free the wedge by tapping it from the side, if that's possible. If the wedge is hopelessly stuck, you can try flipping it over and splitting from the other side. If you still can't get it, or you can't get it to stand on end, just remember: no knot is too big or gnarly for the chainsaw. Just cut ('noodle') it into firewood size pieces. Of course you don't want to hit your wedge, so you'll just want to 'start' it with the chainsaw. Make a kerf as far as you can safely without hitting the wedge, then try to split it with the maul right in that kerf.

 

[Shawn Curry]

Have a look at the grain when it finally does split. Where the grain gets "curly" is where you run into trouble. Whenever possible, you want to split it with the end with the straightest grain facing up. This gives you more leverage to get through the knots. Over time you'll get better at identifying which end this is.

 

[PA. Woodsman]

Give it a try, if you're not on here for awhile we'll know what happened

I would try what Shawn suggested, and be safe! Good luck!

 

[bassJAM]

It won't "explode" from a maul and hammer. Like CTFIRE said though, I have seen a hydraulic splitter shoot pieces out pretty far.

 

[Mettlemickey]

Thanks guys, sounds like its ok to keep pounding away at it then!

My wedge is stuck in the side as having not got far at either end, i tried wedging into a split i saw at the side (in desperation).

Given the creaking and groaning i think its on the verge so will have another go on it tonight. I'll be happy just to get my gear out of it now!

 

[bassJAM]

Good luck! I've had a piece or two of wood where I was on the verge of getting an 8lb maul and 2 wedges stuck in! I always know beforehand I should just noodle those gnarly pieces, but I think my ego takes over and I try to whack them apart anyway!!

 

[Got Wood]

Get your gear and friskars out and toss that beast aside. Why spent that much effort on a single piece.

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

That's what is say too, got wood, let this be a learning experience..... Toss that sucker in the woods......

 

[Fifelaker]

It isn't going anywhere. Noodle it next time. Those pieces are the best wood in the whole tree as far as heat is concerned. I let nothing lay in the woods.

 

[Mettlemickey]

Im only expending the effort to get my wedge back. I don't have a chainsaw so unfortunately that's not an option for me. I might end up noodling it by hand at this rate!

A few good whacks should see it out though i think. Should find time over the weekend to have a go at it.

 

[zzr7ky]

That's what nearly shot chain loops are for Free your gear and more on. An old timer I know soaw mw struggling with a crotch once. He said he figured there where some pieces he just wasn't ment to know what was inside. He leaves them in the woods. My son burns the worst stuff in tthe firepit. I don't struggle and get plenty done.
Mike

 

[mass_burner]

Get a second wedge and follow the opening of the first wedge across the face, if necessary do a third. I had to use 2 wedges recently on a tough load of spuce.

 

[Mettlemickey]

Ironically, its my second wedge that's stuck. I got a second wedge to free my first wedge, which it did. Only it got stuck in the process

Next time i get a piece like that where another branch was separating off (what do you call those bits?) im gonna leave it in a corner to dry out as it is and split it years later!

 

[Mettlemickey]

Success!

Well i've liberated both my wedges anyway....

 

[Shawn Curry]

Now stand 'er back up, and whack it with the axe again. You got it started, should go in one shot.