recommendation for an axe (man!)

[Sputter]

A couple of cheap steel splitting wedges and a sledge hammer are also handy for splitting any timber that is reluctant to yield to a maul. Even with a hydraulic log splitter, wedges are still my preferred way to save lifting any big heavy rings.

Some mauls have steel shaft protectors underneath, to save them getting dinged if/when you overshoot. If the one you get doesn't have this, then a good alternative is to put a length of bicycle inner tube onto the shaft and then roll it up to the head.

 

[ajlelectronics]

I have order a basic set from Screwfix so that I can get them in time for moving. I trust they are suitable? https://www.screwfix.com/p/roughneck-log-splitter-set-3-pieces/48279

 

[bigegg]

Looks like the one my neighbour had.
He seemed happy with them.

 

[Mick Annick]

They should be fine, our local arb supply place sells them and he's very picky about what he stocks; as with most industries the guys who use this kit for a living will soon let him know if something's not up to scratch, my youngest son for one,
professional tree bashing chap...

 

[addjunkie]

My advice......a good axe, great, the splitting mail great. But for your back and other joints at every impact a log splitter is far better for you.

A chain saw too, but learn how to sharpen it. Make sure any wood you burn is dry enough or youll end up with a blocked flue. A moisture meter is worth the few quid. Some wood drys quicker than others, obviously youll need undercover storage for the logs to season.

Multifuel stoves are the way forward, for days when you run out of logs you can burn ovaloids. They also put out more energy than wood if its really cold.

 

[Dieselman 63]

I bought a Bahco 4kg splitter, hickory handled. Last year we had wet pine rings about a foot thick, first go was just wump, wedged in. But I persisted, using two logs to make a bridge to hold another, and eventually I cut all that wood up. I was doing 180 degree axe swings though! I worked with some Germans who said it works better to split at a height of about a meter but I don't like that, too much weird stuff can happen if the axe hits a knot or glances the log etc. I like the axe to be as close to the ground as possible if it slips.

For felling I can't recommend a good quality old axe enough. They're much better balanced than the modern heads. I'm using this old plumb at the moment (this was when I picked it up, for $15 - bargain ahoy!).

 

[GW8IZR]

Multifuel stoves are the way forward, for days when you run out of logs you can burn ovaloids. They also put out more energy than wood if its really cold.

Absolutely right! muti fuel is definitely the key to resilience, I keep half a ton of smokeless in the plastic bags and when I can't be running outside for logs I run that. Its more convenient - apart from having to pay for it.

With a multifuel on logs its worth cutting a piece of 10mm plate to fit over the grate as its cheaper than replacing riddle bars every so often. reduces the heat even through the ash bed.

I've lined mine with an extra four firebricks as it makes the fire smaller - even on the coldest days I can still end up too warm :-)

 

[Migmac]

I have order a basic set from Screwfix so that I can get them in time for moving. I trust they are suitable? https://www.screwfix.com/p/roughneck-log-splitter-set-3-pieces/48279

We have the grenade and small axe, both do the job well. My mauls came from Tool station I think, head fell off and they replaced it and didn’t want the broken one back. Welded it onto a length of hydraulic pipe, did it to the new one too. Split tons of wood with the with no issue, 5 or 6 tons a year. Never use it all but you can’t have enough wood

 

[Kent]

Splitting maul, old car tyre and a hard flat surface required for splitting
Fill the tyre as full as you can with fairly even length logs (square as you can on the ends) and go at it.
Chainsaw and some proper safety gear and training to cut.. Chainsaws take no prisoners so make sure you know what you should and should not do..
To be fair unless you have a great deal. Of trees on a good area of proper woodland then your far better off going to smokeless coal.
In one winter I burnt a pile 6x6x2 mtr

 

[Dieselman 63]

There's always this bad boy

https://chopper1axe.com/

 

[spudmini]

I have a chopper one, bit of a gimmick in my opinion. Check out buckin billy Ray Smith on YouTube if you like axes.