Splitting wood with hydraulics

[Backwoods Savage]

I've promised some in the past about trying to make a video while I am splitting wood and today I made that attempt. It is short but took lots of space and then youtube changed the video and it seems a bit jerky in spots. Still it does show some of how I work while splitting.

This was mostly red oak that someone cut for a neighbor and I was asked to split it for him. It turned out to be more of a task than I thought. Most of the wood had not been cut squarely so the logs would not sit flat on the splitter. Some were at ungodly angles. They seemed to be all at different lengths. Some even still had small branches that were not cut off. And there were many that were cut so the log looked like a V. Now imagine that V with a long tail at the end and you can then imagine what it looked like. Those were easy to split but a pain in the backside handling them. Most of the wood was just thrown into a pile helter-skelter and I even had to sort out the small stuff that did not need splitting.

So anyway, here is a short video of today's work:

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Here is a picture when I finished:

 

[NW Walker]

Thanks so much for posting this. Having never used a hydraulic splitter, I really appreciate seeing exactly how it goes in experienced hands. You did a great job of illustrating how to do it.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Thanks NW. I was a bit worried that it was a poor video. I would also like to do one showing how I make kindling. Not sure when it will get done though.

 

[Coal Reaper]

How does your technique change when rounds are to heavy to move with one hand? What do you do when no more rounds are in reach?

 

[Shadow&Flame]

Sure beats the axe we used as kids doesn't it... Thanks for the vid....

 

[Gary_602z]

Video turned out good Dennis. Now that we have seen the ornery guy, how about a picture of your good looking stacker?

Gary

 

[JOHN BOY]

you did a great job backwoods ! as always .

 

[NortheastAl]

Dennis, good job on the video. I like your control with the valve in not letting the head go back too far up the rail before the next round was in position. You move pretty quick from that position on the milk crate. You make it look easy.

 

[Seanm]

Thanks NW. I was a bit worried that it was a poor video. I would also like to do one showing how I make kindling. Not sure when it will get done though.

That was cool to see. I know you've been an advocate for vertical splitting so its good to see you in action. I would like to see how you do it for kindling as I was thinking I need to do that for myself over the next week or so. The vibration of the axe is hard on an injury I have, (one of the reasons for my splitter purchase). Im sure it would differ though as mine is a horizontal electric splitter. Thanks.

 

[Mr A]

Good show! I see you are trying to split square? Paying attention to splits and considering how you are going to stack it. Took me a few cords but I figured it out, uniform splits make for easy stacking.

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

Looking good, you have a great setup there...

 

[PapaDave]

Vid came out fine Dennis.
I now have a milk crate, so that method may get put to use soon.
BC (before crate), I would kneel. With my knees, that's a bad method.

 

[bryan]

That video would make a wonderful advertisement for a wood splitter company.

 

[Paulywalnut]

Nice video Dennis. I zoomed it up and it looked like I was looking out my back window watching you split wood for me. Thanks! Very clear.

 

[velvetfoot]

Nice video. It reminded me that my valve dribble a drop of oil every once in a while, and my right boot now has a lovely oil patina on the toe.

 

[Lumber-Jack]

Nice video Dennis, but next time be sure to wave and smile at the camera.
A little happy dance at the end wouldn't hurt either.

Keep up the good work.

 

[Hickorynut]

Great video Backwoods, thanks. That "shows" all the good you have said about vertical splitting very well

 

[weatherguy]

How does your technique change when rounds are to heavy to move with one hand? What do you do when no more rounds are in reach?

We'll have to wait for the sequel for that

 

[osagebow]

Well done - cookin' through that pile!

 

[red oak]

Awesome Dennis! Could you also make a video of the wood seasoning for 3 years?

 

[MarkinNC]

Nice job! you looked efficient and not fatigued as well as productive. I would like to see a video and how you do kindling. I bet you start with a nice straight round and ...

 

[lazeedan]

Your video makes me want to try vertical splitting. My splitter is horizontal and I feel like that is cheating. I could only imagine sitting down on the job.
Nice video Dennis.

 

[CMAG]

Nice video. It reminded me that my valve dribble a drop of oil every once in a while, and my right boot now has a lovely oil patina on the toe.

Your feet are to close to the round then, I have had rounds explode I keep my legs behind log

 

[CMAG]

Dennis A#1 video as are all your posts in the art of CSS

 

[Freeheat]

Looks good Dennis , you might have done that a time or 2 or 30