At first glance, splitting firewood seems simple: take a piece of wood, place it on a chopping block, and strike it with an axe. In our minds, it all seems easy and effortless, and it works perfectly on the first try. However, the reality is quite different: if you’ve decided to work with just any axe, success may be elusive. The blade may embed deeply into the wood, making it challenging to pull it out again. So, what’s the issue? The answer is straightforward: you chop down trees with an axe, but for splitting firewood, you need a splitting wood axe. They are distinct from one another, and choosing the right tool requires careful consideration.
For instance, let’s say you’ve chosen a splitting wood axe. However, when it comes time to split the wood, you realize that the handle is not long enough for a powerful swing. This means that the splitting axe is suitable only for smaller logs, around 8 to 10 centimeters in diameter. For larger logs, you’ll need a different tool. Let’s explore how to choose the right splitting wood axe to match your needs.
What is a splitting wood axe?
A splitting wood axe differs from a regular axe primarily in its heavy, wedge-shaped head, designed to efficiently split logs. The blade of a splitting axe needs regular sharpening; otherwise, it can become stuck in the wood.
The handle of a splitting wood axe is typically longer than that of a carpenter’s axe. This longer handle allows for wider swings, enabling the blade to penetrate deeper into the wood and making splitting easier.
Firstly, let’s start with the handle. Axes have shorter and often contoured handles, while splitting axes have longer, straight handles for delivering powerful strikes. The optimal handle length for splitting axes is typically around 70 to 80 centimeters.
Secondly, consider the blade. In a splitting axe, the blade takes the form of a triangular prism and is sharpened at an angle of 40 to 60 degrees. When combined with a wide swing and substantial force, it’s the broad blade that effectively splits large logs along their fibers.
Parameters for Choosing a Splitting Axe
There are several nuances to consider when buying a powerful yet comfortable splitting axe.
- Blade Shape: The shape of the blade can be curved or straight, which depends on the wood’s properties such as moisture content and density. A curved blade generally has better cutting characteristics and is suitable for wet and resinous logs. In contrast, a straight blade is better for cutting larger, dry logs, around 15 to 20 centimeters in diameter.
- Sharpening Angle: The angle at which the blade is sharpened should match your intended tasks. A common angle is 40 degrees, as it allows the axe to penetrate deep into the wood and split it effectively. Remember that an excessively sharp blade will dull faster. For logs up to 10 centimeters in diameter, a very sharp edge is unnecessary; the axe can handle them well as is.
- Handle Length: The length of the handle is linked to the diameter of the logs you’ll be splitting. For dry and thin branches up to 8-10 centimeters in diameter, a splitting axe with a handle length of around 40-60 centimeters is suitable. For thicker logs, it’s better to invest in a powerful splitting axe with a longer handle, typically around 915 millimeters.
If you primarily deal with dry and thin branches with a diameter of up to 8-10 centimeters, a splitting axe with a handle length of approximately 40-60 centimeters is suitable for you.
The best choice is Fiskars X7 Hatchet Wood Splitter for Small to Medium Size Kindling with Proprietary Blade-Grinding Technique
For splitting thicker logs, it’s better to invest in a powerful splitting axe with a handle length of 915 millimeters, like the Fiskars X27 model.
(Read Fiskars Splitting Axe Review and Buyer’s Guide)
These considerations will help you select the right splitting axe for your specific wood-splitting needs, whether you’re dealing with thin branches or large, dense logs.
The material of the handle determines the level of comfort when using a particular splitting axe.
Fiberglass Handle: A good choice is to opt for a splitting axe with a fiberglass handle. This material is impact-resistant, meaning that if you miss your target and accidentally strike the handle against the log, it won’t break as easily as traditional wood handles. Additionally, the lifespan of fiberglass handles is longer compared to wooden ones. Fiberglass handles are durable, resistant to mechanical wear, and corrosion-proof. They also reduce vibration during chopping, which results in less hand fatigue. Rubber inserts on these handles improve grip. It’s worth noting that axes with fiberglass handles tend to be more expensive than those with wooden handles.
Wooden Handle: If you prefer a classic wooden-handled tool, consider birch or ash handles. These woods are known for their durability when used in this context. Dense wood types such as oak, ash, and birch are typically used for wooden axe handles. Such handles are lightweight, absorb shock, and are easily replaceable when worn out. Pay attention to the direction of the wood grain on the handle; it should run parallel to the handle itself. Cross-grain indicates poor cutting, and such a handle may break quickly, potentially causing injury.
Expert’s Tip: To extend the lifespan of a wooden handle, it’s recommended to periodically soak the axe head to keep the wood moist and swelling, which improves the handle’s grip on the head.
Expert’s Tip: Avoid splitting axes with handles made of acacia or oak; after striking, the handle tends to vibrate significantly in a plane perpendicular to your palms. Professionals refer to this as “hand shock.”
Metal Handle: Metal-handled axes have the handle integrated with the axe head. These tools are reliable and suitable for frequent use. Due to their all-metal construction, they are the heaviest among axes and can lead to hand fatigue during extended work periods. To prevent the axe from slipping in your hands, the handle is often covered with rubber.
Each handle material has its advantages and considerations, so choosing the right one depends on your preferences, intended use, and budget.
The weight of the tool affects the force of the strike. The heavier the tool, the more powerful the strike, and the thicker the logs you can split. For splitting axes, this parameter holds greater importance than for other types of axes. For example, if you’re dealing with thin logs, it’s more convenient to use a 1 kg axe. You won’t have to exert much effort, and the job will be done easily.
However, if you have thick logs with many knots that are challenging to split, it’s better to opt for a 4 kg axe. With it, you’ll easily handle even the hardest and knottiest logs.
Expert’s Tip: You can determine the durability of the blade by sound. To do this, hold the axe by the handle and lightly tap your fingernail against the axe blade. A head made of dense steel produces a resonant sound. Such axes require less frequent sharpening and are suitable for frequent use. A dull, non-resonant sound indicates low-density steel. The blade will need more frequent sharpening, making such axes more suitable for occasional use.
Useful Tips To Quickly and Blister-free Load Your Firewood Shed with Firewood
Useful Tips To Quickly and Blister-free Load Your Firewood Shed with Firewood- While working, place your feet apart; this stable position will help maintain balance in case you miss and hit the chopping block.
- Position the log closer to the far edge of the chopping block; in case of a miss, the blade will embed itself in the block or the ground, preventing harm to you.
- If you have an older axe with a wooden handle, soak it in water the night before using it for splitting; this will prevent the blade from slipping. However, this won’t extend the life of the axe significantly, so it’s better to invest in a new tool from our online store.
- Grip the axe handle at its lowest point; this provides the most significant swing to the splitting axe. A widened handle at the bottom will prevent the tool from slipping out of your hands.
- If the axe becomes stuck in the wood, strike the back of the head with a mallet; this will help split the log and release the stuck axe.
Safety Measures:
- Ensure the work area is clear of obstacles; no extra objects should hinder your work, as they could cause injury.
- Set the chopping block on a rigid surface, like wood or concrete. Never place it on the ground, as it will absorb some of the force of your strike.
- Make sure no one is in the work area; flying wood chips can cause serious injuries.
A well-selected splitting axe is not just a tool for quickly and neatly splitting firewood; it will serve you for many years with proper care.
