Nice video Chris. No loud motor, no extra safety equipment. Just a man and an axe/maul. Very satisfying work that clears your mind, tires your body,and is good for your soul. GNI
@@InTheWoodyard That would drive me even crazier, lol. Like being surrounded by those "helpful" old guys that have all the time in the world to critique what you do, but none to actually HELP you. "you're doing it wrong!"
Excellent tutorial video! The Fiskars X25/X27 is also my favorite tool. I use the parallel stance overhead swing. In my swing, I focus on acceleration from overhead to the target area on the round. Isaac Newton said that force = mass x acceleration. The mass of the X25/27 is fixed, so that leaves one variable! Interestingly, splitting wood is much like martial arts: focus on thru the target, breathing techniques, great core exercise & explosion of power. Thanks!
Great vid 👍. I just visited to see you using the Mauls but I feel I have thank you for explaining your technique as I’ve been doing it the first way with legs apart, straight above head etc. The way you show seems to give more arc and speed!. I can’t wait to try it out. Thanks again from over in old Wales 🏴 🙌
I did break the handle on a Fiskars once. Then again backing over your hand tools with a bulldozer usually has that effect on them. Guess what? Fiskars replaced it with no questions asked. Great video.
I just picked up the X25 as my carry axe in the woods when I am bucking firewood. Muscle memory brings accuracy, momentum brings faster and easier splitting. Find the weight axe or maul that works for you and practice. Another great video Chris. Good Night Irene
Thanks to you and Tony of the previous review of the fiskars at his place, I bought the x24 (smaller version of the x27) and I just love it!! A lot lighter for this old body to use it compare to my 6lb maul. Thanks for the review.
I’ve done splitting for my heating of my house. Regular 8 lber and regular ax. I used to put some of the harder wood to split on top of another log so it won’t bounce. Makes it split easier. I really like those fiskars might have to get one 6 pounder. Very nice video.
I’ve been using a hydraulic splitter for 25 years due to bad shoulders. But recently bought the Husky copy of the Fiskars splitting axe. It’s a wonderful tool. Yes the hype is real. I can’t swing like I did in my 20’s. But love doing it.
I gave my son an x27 and he loves it! I don’t split much by hand anymore but I have the skill to with my favorite axe. Everyone should know how to do this.
I’m still a youngin’ so to speak, but man this brought back memories of hand splitting with my ole man. I miss him but not the mauls, axes and wedges all that much. Haha Great job Chris..I may have to pick up a X27 !! 👍👍
Good morning Chris!!😀😀 You made me tired just watching you. LOL!! 90% of the firewood I made over the years I split by hand. It isn't how hard you hit it. It how and were you hit it. Also makes a difference in how it's cut in relation to the knots. Take care my friend!!😀😀💚💚 Logger Al
Yup you are right ..reading the wood is something that most do not know about...knots, edges, clear grain, cracks, punky stuff, fresh cut vs a dry old cut...lots to look at before you wack it.
I have grandkids for doing wood. It only costs food. They love Grandpa burgers and homemade french fries or chili. Anything Grandma makes always works.
8:49 I have a small 800g axe... perfect for splitting the bigger logs in half or kindling if I want to... we buy our firewood... don't have Splitting mauls... our axe works just fine... I also love it to split but we don't have endless firewood. So sometimes there is not always firewood to split.🪓🪓🪵🪵
Clearly you know your stuff about splitting wood, would there be any advantage to you having the round your splitting up on a bigger round? Or is it just likely to use up any advantages you might get in the lifting of the rounds onto another one for splitting? Thanks
7:12 With the heavier maul, you don't have to put as much force into the swing, the mass and shape of the head does a lot of the splitting compared to the speed you need to swing the x27 to get the same results. Either one will wear you out one way or the other. If you don't mind hefting the extra weight, give the maul a try... they work wonders. Accuracy is something to work on with a maul for sure
I started splitting wood when I was about 8 years old with an axe and then a maul at 10-11ish and used 6-8-10 pound mauls for decades and once I tried an x27 about 5 years ago I rarely touch a maul any more. I can get more done faster and am less tired with it...I have 3 so when my boys or friends want to help we don't fight over them. No one wants to use the mauls for very long. My brother has x27s also but I think he has 4 of them (more boys).
@@InTheWoodyard The design of the Fiskars splitting axes is amazing. As a teenager at my grandmothers house... if we had that for an axe I think it would have taken half the time. No wonder the axe comes with a warning to be mindful of flying wood.
Enjoyed your video and your 17:18 attitude. If the wood is clean straight grain hand spltting is faster than hydraulic. I prefer the heavier 8lb than 6 haven't even considered an x27 ax. Swinging that thing multiple times on single round wears me out. One good wack with a 8 lbr works best for me. The x25 might work for pounding trees over with a falling wedge. Funny Star Trek episode had Capt. Kirk in "Heaven" he was splitting wood. I'm 68 and I still enjoy it but more like work and it doesn't help me on the throne. 😂
Feel your growing up pain, one of 5 growing up on a dirt farm heated by wood and somehow I got designated in charge of Firewood. 5 cord a year. Still using the same 6lb. maul, I am 64 now you can do the math. Did find a similar maul with a longer handle. The geometry of a longer handle adds to the splitting force.
Hi Chris, I have both but I like the 3.6kg/8 pounder the most but I only split 40 or 50 meters a year. Its all down to personal preference in my opinion. A good video as usual.
i came here to see if the maul is a worthy purchase, i love my x27. i swear by it. now i need to buy the maul for the big stuff. thankyou for your honest review and opinion
I love your speed. Like you're in fast forward lol. Based on recommendation the X27 be here Wednesday. Still on the wire about the 8 lb. Repaired back and all but I'm definitely thinking about it
Chris...Great video. You are the epitome of Newton's first law of physics...a body in motion tends to stay in motion. My splitting maul of choice which my middle son inherited was my Sotz 18# Monster Maul. At 6'7" and 245 (at the time) I can assure you that you did not swing that beast like an axe. It was the overhead and the goal was to get as much momentum as you could. Rounds the size you were splitting would literally explode when hit. Would handle up to about 24" red oak and after that it was sledge and wedge. Keep the great content coming...really enjoy it!
Thanks I currently have the X36 ( just bougfht it but yet to use) but looking at you splitting the big pieces with the maul makes me want to maybe return it the X36 and get the maul.
I used the 15 lb. monster maul until I was 55. I also enjoyed it. You can work off a lot of stress with one of those. Sometimes I would go 6 hrs. at a time. I could do about a cord an hour in my prime. It will wear you out faster, but you only have to hit the wood once if you really smack it. There were few I ever had to hit twice. I miss my maul, but I am 12 years older than you and had to give it up in my late 50's when I finally got a hydraulic splitter.
I take a eight pound fiskars with me wood cutting to work big rounds down so I can lift them in my truck. I love it. Just bought the fiskars six pound version and I'm looking forward to using it.
Red and white oak and ash were my favorite woods to split. You have great form. So many people try to split with just their arms and shoulders. The secret is to do what you do, pitch it up into the air, when it is at its apex, slide the hand down and squat as you pull it down. You get the power from the largest muscles in the body, the thighs. Those Fiskars do a nice job.
You mention that you only should split fresh cuts. Why is that? I have a few bucked logs that have been sitting in my yard for about a year and I'm thinking about splitting them soon so I'm wondering if there's some knowledge I'm missing there
Fresh cuts split easier especially for an axe or maul...as the end dries up it shrinks and tightens up too...making it harder to split...also less moisture for lubrication on the wedge of the axe/maul.
I bought the X27 after one of your prior vids. Considered the maul when I was at the shop, but I wanted something I could swing for hours on end so I went w/ the X27. Now, I'm eying up their hatchets. Getting ready for the summer camping season, a good hatchet is a must for me.
I have had an X27 for around 12 years. Still going strong. Would love to get a new one, but like everything, they’ve doubled in price. Well worth the cost though.
Chris the man the myth the legend. Wood fears him. You're absoulety right about the round house, but between having two bad shoulders and being over weight it's hard on this 70 yr old. I enjoy splitting with my x27. Haven't found too many I can't split with it. I get all shapes of wood.
I own both of them vertical splitters as well , have u ever tried the golf swing method? I like it on large rounds and u dont need to futz with setting the round back up on end .
Love splitting wood with a spitting axe/maul. I have a 6 pounder. But don’t seem to get to split to often. Your pros and cons of putting the wood to split up on a stump/round. I see you don’t use a stump/round. Have a great day. 👍🏻👍🏻👋👋
@@InTheWoodyardAgreed. I feel the same way about the tire thing. Now I have to lift it up and in and then back out to clear the tire. I’d rather just get the rounds where they need to be with the skid loader bucket, stand up any that need it and get to it. I have two splitters in the property as I run about 15 cord through in a cold year, so the least amount of handling I can do the better. But for monster rounds like I’m processing this summer, even when the splitter is being run vertically they are a huge amount to position, so hand splitting makes a lot of sense, even problem pieces can often get worked down to a much more reasonable size and then left to sit around so they get even lighter drying out. I enjoy your common sense approach; you turned me on to Dremel chain sharpening as well, it’s my go to now for keeping 8 saws going. Thank you and good luck with your venture.
I hear you about your body not letting you split with an axe or a maul long .I enjoy using anKeep up the hard work Chris. Great video axe and a maul, but I can't do it long.
I'm 70; and I still enjoy splitting with an axe and maul. I own almost all the Fiskars splitting tools. For a maul; I prefer my SIX pound Fiskars. I DO own the eight pound one; but I hardly ever use it. Also; when I need a big axe; I usually pick up my X25 instead of the X27. When I'm splitting Locust; I go for the X27. I think it's great fun; and I know the exercise is good for me.
i sttled on x25 & 6lb backup . love an x27 , but bein' 5'8" tall , i overstrike too often , when in right attitude , 27 is sweet . my maul is STIHL 6lb . used 14 , 12 , 8 ... 6 nice on my 64yr shoulders . 😊😊
I have a X27. It’s my favorite. After swinging one I put my mauls away never to be brought out again. If the X27 won’t do it than the Allwood splitter will.
Chop, chop, chop, smack, smack, smack. I did not know that Fiskars had a replacement policy. I started out with wedges, maul and axe. Loved the high speed splitting.
@InTheWoodyard I have a modified swing. I learned how to swing while kneeling on roofs. What ever works. I have seen people learn to chop like woodpeckers. Tap Tap Tap.
Hey! I'm watching your channel for a while and really enjoying it ! Good quality content with honest and authentic opinions from your side. Got a Dremel for sharpening because of your videos. Works great for me. Now my question: What's that hookeron thingy in the background? Saw it a couple of times in your videos and love the idea how it works to keep the wood off the ground for cutting! Can you provide a link or the name of the company ? Keep up the good work ! Greetings from Germany
I got an x27 earlier this year about half way through my wood spiting for the year and wow what a difference. Night and day from a cheap harbor freight Axe and maul.
After using 4 other mauls and not being satisfied I forked out a handful of cash again and got the Fiskars maul - my search was over. It's handle transmits less shock It's head and geometry does hard to split wood better than any other I have tried. Cheers sincerely d
I just wanted to give you props for splitting all that, I was doing it today and I know how much energy it consumes and I am way younger than you. Cheers
I broke my x27 (video on my shorts haha) but exactly as you said, I walked in, traded it in for a new one, no questions asked. I like wood handles too but I break them all the damn time. I actually feel vibrations less in my wrists with the non wood bars. Especially some wood bars (possibly where oiling didn't penetrate deep enough?) have wrecked my wrists specifically
Okay old man, we are about the same age and you give me so much motivation to keep moving but I have to know, what do you do for the pain??? After a day of cutting and splitting (moving) I can definitely feel it. I try not to take anything but some days are rough. I know, I know...keep moving. 🙂 All the best to you.
Based on yours and several others on UA-cam I got an X27 aka Greased Lightning,. Great tool and it's generally faster than the hydraulic splitters from the big box stores.
Never used a fiskars, I like the looks of them though. When my brothers and I were young, we split 8-10 full cord a year by hand, because dad didn't believe in hydraulic splitters either 🤣 Large rounds (30" or bigger) we would quarter by cutting shallow X's in the cut face, then use wedges and an 18 lb maul to split. From there we finish them down with splitting axes. We made contests out of it to keep it fun.
I have both and find I find I'm actually more accurate with the maul because it doesn't have to be swung anywhere near as fast. I can sling that maul for several hours no problem. Working in stringy sticky ponderosa there's no comparison, the maul splits and separates all that bound knotty twisted stuff so much easier. Blasts through most knotty pieces without to much trouble. I find I have to swing that X27 about 3X more and harder/faster to get the same work done.
Forget that. I spent good money on a standard log splitter from Tractor Supply for a reason. I get enough exercise from cutting, lifting, splitting, and stacking firewood.
Good timing Chris!!! I split 4 rounds of red oak and 6 rounds of Osage last night with my old ax... Good feeling for sure.... Slowly getting my strength back!!
I normally use a 3 inch thick Steel Plate as a platform base to split wood on it with my splitting mauls and it’s awesome it’s better than splitting wood on the dirt or on a wooden block
@@InTheWoodyard the only thing to keep in mind that when the splitter splits through the wood and it hits the Steel Plate it does blunt the edges of your splitters and I’m only just using regular grade Steel as the base to split wood on
You do know how to swing an AXE!!!!!! (years of practice) I am like you now, my body won't let me do only so much, I get tired after only about 10 minutes!!!!! (I got about 8-10 years more on my tired beat up carcass)
I have that maul, but I think it's met its match with the huge, nasty, twisted hard maple rounds I have left. No matter where I hit them it just bounces off.
i have the big loggs on the ground also, i get way more swing on them by doing so.. And yes i hit the ground with my axe alot, no one else is going to use it so :)
You have to realize some people can break ANYTHING! I haven't used a wood handle in 25 years. I bought the 8#er this year to replace the old 8 standard and yeah it's good, heavy and at 77 y/o I too prefer a 6#.
Splitting straight grain wood no knots is faster than a splitter. As soon as you get a knot or twist to the wood move it to the splitter. My rule, take 3 swings is the round does not split save it for the splitter or the younger people.
You must have a slow splitter. I can easily split 1 full cord an hour by myself and if I have help we can easily do more that 2 full cords an hour. My splitter is a Eastonmade Ultra with a 4 second cycle time...feeding it fast enough is the only bottle neck. And it can go for hour after hour after hour after hour all day every day with out resting. But I do still enjoy using a axe/maul to split wood too, it is good exercise but much slower.
lol, I have the 8lb fiskars. The head says 8lbs but the scale said 10.6lbs. Use it about 1 1/2 hours a day in winter for exercise and of course firewood. Split about 19 face this last winter. 66 years old and people think I’m crazy, buy a splitter they say. Then the look on their face when told it’s in the garage! It’s only used in the spring for the last 3-4% of crotch wood. I just don’t like the idea of exercising without accomplishing anything, therefore my “gym” is just out the front door. By the way I have to chime in on the frozen splitting. For me woods splits way better below 32 degrees. I even split at -32 once and really did not split better than +20. So in my opinion, froze is froze.
I wish we had straight grain wood like this, unfortunately our wood is stringy. split by hand until i was 60 than i moved over to hydraulics. keep em comming
Great Video!. I really like my Fiskars 8lb maul. I did grind down the cheeks on the Fiskars 8 pounder and I noticed that the maul penetrates the wood a lot easier with one swing. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🪓🌲🪵💚💚💚🪵🌲🪓🌲🪵💚💚💚
Imo, the Fiskars- all day long. Because you CAN swing it all day long, lol. My old 8# maul wore me down too quickly. It was also kind of crappy- too blunt, and the "cheeks" were too wide too quickly, making it bounce off way too often. Not to mention it mostly just left a dent without starting any cracks... I used it primarily on stubborn, semi splits. When the handle cracked and the head flew off one day, I didn't bother repairing or replacing it. If my Fiskars or my double bit can't do it, I have a sledge and wedges. Or I'll just use the saw, lol. Screw beating myself up trying to split gnarly, stringy, knotty crotchy stuff! Just rip it into slabs, or slice it into cookies or chunks and be done with it! It burns just the same. (what can I say- I get ornery when a chunk of wood tries to tell me NO!) The X27 is just a well designed, and very effective tool. I'm glad I spent the money to buy one.
@@InTheWoodyard ahh Thanks I thought it was the opposite I got given a whole bunch of very dry eucalyptus logs About 2 cubic meters worth Even when I cut them with the chainsaw it produces fine saw dust I bought the Isocore Maul to split them
Nice video Chris. No loud motor, no extra safety equipment. Just a man and an axe/maul. Very satisfying work that clears your mind, tires your body,and is good for your soul. GNI
Yup, I agree!
I so love that you don’t give a darn what other people think about the way you get your job done. You just get it done.
I have 60,000 people that tell me every day what to do ...you grow some thick skin.
Yeah, it's refreshing! Drives me nuts, when guys feel the need to justify themselves constantly to the yt comment section crowd.
@@InTheWoodyard That would drive me even crazier, lol. Like being surrounded by those "helpful" old guys that have all the time in the world to critique what you do, but none to actually HELP you. "you're doing it wrong!"
Excellent tutorial video! The Fiskars X25/X27 is also my favorite tool. I use the parallel stance overhead swing. In my swing, I focus on acceleration from overhead to the target area on the round. Isaac Newton said that force = mass x acceleration. The mass of the X25/27 is fixed, so that leaves one variable! Interestingly, splitting wood is much like martial arts: focus on thru the target, breathing techniques, great core exercise & explosion of power. Thanks!
Yup, technique matter. Thanks for watching!
Found your channel while looking for a review on the splitting maul. Great content, I've always enjoyed splitting wood by hand. Subscribed.
Awesome, thank you! There's 1600 more videos waiting for you to watch here and a new one every morning!
Great vid 👍. I just visited to see you using the Mauls but I feel I have thank you for explaining your technique as I’ve been doing it the first way with legs apart, straight above head etc. The way you show seems to give more arc and speed!. I can’t wait to try it out. Thanks again from over in old Wales 🏴 🙌
Good luck...the round house IS MORE dangerous...be careful not to split your leg!
I did break the handle on a Fiskars once. Then again backing over your hand tools with a bulldozer usually has that effect on them. Guess what? Fiskars replaced it with no questions asked. Great video.
Ouch... good to hear!
I just picked up the X25 as my carry axe in the woods when I am bucking firewood. Muscle memory brings accuracy, momentum brings faster and easier splitting. Find the weight axe or maul that works for you and practice. Another great video Chris. Good Night Irene
Very nice! Keep cuttin'!
Thanks to you and Tony of the previous review of the fiskars at his place, I bought the x24 (smaller version of the x27) and I just love it!! A lot lighter for this old body to use it compare to my 6lb maul. Thanks for the review.
Great to hear!
we have a x27 and the 6lb maul from fisker a great combo! did 7 cords by hand with it last year with them!
nice!
Yup, the 8 gets heavy!
Love the edited splitting! ❤
thank you!
I’ve done splitting for my heating of my house. Regular 8 lber and regular ax. I used to put some of the harder wood to split on top of another log so it won’t bounce. Makes it split easier.
I really like those fiskars might have to get one 6 pounder.
Very nice video.
Thanks for watching...keep cuttin'!
I’ve been using a hydraulic splitter for 25 years due to bad shoulders. But recently bought the Husky copy of the Fiskars splitting axe. It’s a wonderful tool. Yes the hype is real. I can’t swing like I did in my 20’s. But love doing it.
Yup, it is good exercise!
I gave my son an x27 and he loves it! I don’t split much by hand anymore but I have the skill to with my favorite axe. Everyone should know how to do this.
Yup, it is a fun thing to do.
Just found your channel looking for reviews on Fiskars. Excellent, I subscribed.
Glad you found my channel and thanks for subscribing! There are over 1600 videos waiting for you to watch here and a new one every morning!
I’m still a youngin’ so to speak, but man this brought back memories of hand splitting with my ole man. I miss him but not the mauls, axes and wedges all that much. Haha
Great job Chris..I may have to pick up a X27 !! 👍👍
Yup, splitting reminds me of working with my dad too!
Good morning Chris!!😀😀
You made me tired just watching you. LOL!!
90% of the firewood I made over the years I split by hand. It isn't how hard you hit it. It how and were you hit it. Also makes a difference in how it's cut in relation to the knots.
Take care my friend!!😀😀💚💚
Logger Al
Yup you are right ..reading the wood is something that most do not know about...knots, edges, clear grain, cracks, punky stuff, fresh cut vs a dry old cut...lots to look at before you wack it.
I have grandkids for doing wood. It only costs food. They love Grandpa burgers and homemade french fries or chili. Anything Grandma makes always works.
For now, once they get grown they leave!
@@InTheWoodyard I got 7 more coming up. Should be good for a while.
I have the Fiskars 8 pound and love it, but I did have wood that stopped it, like cherry and a knotty maple.
Yup, knotty wood is hard to split no matter what you use.
8:49 I have a small 800g axe... perfect for splitting the bigger logs in half or kindling if I want to... we buy our firewood... don't have Splitting mauls... our axe works just fine... I also love it to split but we don't have endless firewood. So sometimes there is not always firewood to split.🪓🪓🪵🪵
Thanks for watching!
Clearly you know your stuff about splitting wood, would there be any advantage to you having the round your splitting up on a bigger round? Or is it just likely to use up any advantages you might get in the lifting of the rounds onto another one for splitting? Thanks
Yes it helps BUT then there is all the lifting and re lifting as it falls off during the striking!
@InTheWoodyard makes complete sense, thanks
7:12 With the heavier maul, you don't have to put as much force into the swing, the mass and shape of the head does a lot of the splitting compared to the speed you need to swing the x27 to get the same results. Either one will wear you out one way or the other. If you don't mind hefting the extra weight, give the maul a try... they work wonders. Accuracy is something to work on with a maul for sure
I started splitting wood when I was about 8 years old with an axe and then a maul at 10-11ish and used 6-8-10 pound mauls for decades and once I tried an x27 about 5 years ago I rarely touch a maul any more. I can get more done faster and am less tired with it...I have 3 so when my boys or friends want to help we don't fight over them. No one wants to use the mauls for very long. My brother has x27s also but I think he has 4 of them (more boys).
@@InTheWoodyard The design of the Fiskars splitting axes is amazing. As a teenager at my grandmothers house... if we had that for an axe I think it would have taken half the time. No wonder the axe comes with a warning to be mindful of flying wood.
That montage of swings/splits was cool and like music to my ears! 👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
Enjoyed your video and your 17:18 attitude. If the wood is clean straight grain hand spltting is faster than hydraulic. I prefer the heavier 8lb than 6 haven't even considered an x27 ax. Swinging that thing multiple times on single round wears me out. One good wack with a 8 lbr works best for me. The x25 might work for pounding trees over with a falling wedge. Funny Star Trek episode had Capt. Kirk in "Heaven" he was splitting wood. I'm 68 and I still enjoy it but more like work and it doesn't help me on the throne. 😂
Thanks for watching!
Feel your growing up pain, one of 5 growing up on a dirt farm heated by wood and somehow I got designated in charge of Firewood. 5 cord a year. Still using the same 6lb. maul, I am 64 now you can do the math. Did find a similar maul with a longer handle. The geometry of a longer handle adds to the splitting force.
Right on! I like it...keep cuttin'!
Hi Chris, I have both but I like the 3.6kg/8 pounder the most but I only split 40 or 50 meters a year. Its all down to personal preference in my opinion. A good video as usual.
Thanks!
i came here to see if the maul is a worthy purchase, i love my x27. i swear by it. now i need to buy the maul for the big stuff. thankyou for your honest review and opinion
Yup, for big stuff the maul is nice!
I love your speed. Like you're in fast forward lol. Based on recommendation the X27 be here Wednesday. Still on the wire about the 8 lb. Repaired back and all but I'm definitely thinking about it
Thanks, nice stuff!
Chris...Great video. You are the epitome of Newton's first law of physics...a body in motion tends to stay in motion. My splitting maul of choice which my middle son inherited was my Sotz 18# Monster Maul. At 6'7" and 245 (at the time) I can assure you that you did not swing that beast like an axe. It was the overhead and the goal was to get as much momentum as you could. Rounds the size you were splitting would literally explode when hit. Would handle up to about 24" red oak and after that it was sledge and wedge. Keep the great content coming...really enjoy it!
Wow a 18 pound tool is something unreal!
Thanks I currently have the X36 ( just bougfht it but yet to use) but looking at you splitting the big pieces with the maul makes me want to maybe return it the X36 and get the maul.
Both are nice to have!
I used the 15 lb. monster maul until I was 55. I also enjoyed it. You can work off a lot of stress with one of those. Sometimes I would go 6 hrs. at a time. I could do about a cord an hour in my prime. It will wear you out faster, but you only have to hit the wood once if you really smack it. There were few I ever had to hit twice. I miss my maul, but I am 12 years older than you and had to give it up in my late 50's when I finally got a hydraulic splitter.
Yup, hydraulics are awesome!
I take a eight pound fiskars with me wood cutting to work big rounds down so I can lift them in my truck. I love it. Just bought the fiskars six pound version and I'm looking forward to using it.
Nice...I need (want) a 6 pounder too!
Red and white oak and ash were my favorite woods to split. You have great form. So many people try to split with just their arms and shoulders. The secret is to do what you do, pitch it up into the air, when it is at its apex, slide the hand down and squat as you pull it down. You get the power from the largest muscles in the body, the thighs. Those Fiskars do a nice job.
Yup, it works ...accuracy is what most don't have.
You mention that you only should split fresh cuts. Why is that? I have a few bucked logs that have been sitting in my yard for about a year and I'm thinking about splitting them soon so I'm wondering if there's some knowledge I'm missing there
Fresh cuts split easier especially for an axe or maul...as the end dries up it shrinks and tightens up too...making it harder to split...also less moisture for lubrication on the wedge of the axe/maul.
@@InTheWoodyard oh very interesting! What would be the best tool to use to split dry logs then?
The best work out is splitting fire 🔥 wood outside in my opinion,, thanks for sharing this type of video Chris and have great weekend...
Thanks 👍
Love my X27. Almost bought the maul, but was a bit heavy. The X27 is easy to swing for hours.
Yup!
I bought the X27 after one of your prior vids. Considered the maul when I was at the shop, but I wanted something I could swing for hours on end so I went w/ the X27. Now, I'm eying up their hatchets. Getting ready for the summer camping season, a good hatchet is a must for me.
Yup, they do make great stuff that just works!
I have had an X27 for around 12 years. Still going strong. Would love to get a new one, but like everything, they’ve doubled in price. Well worth the cost though.
They do work well!
amazing. great splitting skills. thank you for explaining your roundhous move. 💪🏻💪🏻👍🏻
Thanks for watching!
Chris the man the myth the legend. Wood fears him. You're absoulety right about the round house, but between having two bad shoulders and being over weight it's hard on this 70 yr old. I enjoy splitting with my x27. Haven't found too many I can't split with it. I get all shapes of wood.
Yup, it is hard on the old carcass!
Chris,excellent splitting of the oaks and video 😮😊❤
Thanks !
I own both of them vertical splitters as well , have u ever tried the golf swing method? I like it on large rounds and u dont need to futz with setting the round back up on end .
Yup, on easy splitting wood like pine, fir, aspen or cherry it works...never on elm or some other stringy wood.
Love splitting wood with a spitting axe/maul. I have a 6 pounder. But don’t seem to get to split to often.
Your pros and cons of putting the wood to split up on a stump/round. I see you don’t use a stump/round.
Have a great day. 👍🏻👍🏻👋👋
Yup, to me it is just extra work.
@@InTheWoodyardAgreed. I feel the same way about the tire thing. Now I have to lift it up and in and then back out to clear the tire.
I’d rather just get the rounds where they need to be with the skid loader bucket, stand up any that need it and get to it.
I have two splitters in the property as I run about 15 cord through in a cold year, so the least amount of handling I can do the better.
But for monster rounds like I’m processing this summer, even when the splitter is being run vertically they are a huge amount to position, so hand splitting makes a lot of sense, even problem pieces can often get worked down to a much more reasonable size and then left to sit around so they get even lighter drying out.
I enjoy your common sense approach; you turned me on to Dremel chain sharpening as well, it’s my go to now for keeping 8 saws going.
Thank you and good luck with your venture.
I hear you about your body not letting you split with an axe or a maul long .I enjoy using anKeep up the hard work Chris. Great video axe and a maul, but I can't do it long.
Yup, I do not last as long doing anything anymore!
I'm 70; and I still enjoy splitting with an axe and maul. I own almost all the Fiskars splitting tools. For a maul; I prefer my SIX pound Fiskars. I DO own the eight pound one; but I hardly ever use it.
Also; when I need a big axe; I usually pick up my X25 instead of the X27.
When I'm splitting Locust; I go for the X27.
I think it's great fun; and I know the exercise is good for me.
Well said! It is fun and good for you..keep wackin'!
What's REALLY fun; is my 24" battery operated chainsaw!
Chris iiii iiii grew up forty iiii iiiii alway had a splitting block keep sharp edge out off the ground. 😊😊
yup
i sttled on x25 & 6lb backup . love an x27 , but bein' 5'8" tall , i overstrike too often , when in right attitude , 27 is sweet . my maul is STIHL 6lb . used 14 , 12 , 8 ... 6 nice on my 64yr shoulders . 😊😊
unkle taught "roundhouse" , shoulders wont let me anymore 😅😅
Thanks for sharing! Keep cuttin'!
Yup, shoulders do wear out...better than rusting or rotting though!
I have a X27. It’s my favorite. After swinging one I put my mauls away never to be brought out again. If the X27 won’t do it than the Allwood splitter will.
Yup, it does work well!
Chop, chop, chop, smack, smack, smack.
I did not know that Fiskars had a replacement policy.
I started out with wedges, maul and axe.
Loved the high speed splitting.
I too like the fast splitting...it ain't like that in real time!
@InTheWoodyard I have a modified swing. I learned how to swing while kneeling on roofs. What ever works. I have seen people learn to chop like woodpeckers. Tap Tap Tap.
Impressive Chris, that is all I can say, impressive!
Thanks for watching!
Hey! I'm watching your channel for a while and really enjoying it ! Good quality content with honest and authentic opinions from your side. Got a Dremel for sharpening because of your videos. Works great for me.
Now my question:
What's that hookeron thingy in the background? Saw it a couple of times in your videos and love the idea how it works to keep the wood off the ground for cutting!
Can you provide a link or the name of the company ?
Keep up the good work !
Greetings from Germany
Hey, thanks! Yes, it is a WOODCHUCK ..cant hook, log lift...it was about$150
@@InTheWoodyard thanks a lot !
I got an x27 earlier this year about half way through my wood spiting for the year and wow what a difference. Night and day from a cheap harbor freight Axe and maul.
Yup, they work great!
After using 4 other mauls and not being satisfied I forked out a handful of cash again and got the Fiskars maul - my search was over.
It's handle transmits less shock
It's head and geometry does hard to split wood better than any other I have tried.
Cheers
sincerely
d
Yup, they make tools for work that....work.
I just wanted to give you props for splitting all that, I was doing it today and I know how much energy it consumes and I am way younger than you. Cheers
It is good exercise!
I broke my x27 (video on my shorts haha) but exactly as you said, I walked in, traded it in for a new one, no questions asked. I like wood handles too but I break them all the damn time. I actually feel vibrations less in my wrists with the non wood bars. Especially some wood bars (possibly where oiling didn't penetrate deep enough?) have wrecked my wrists specifically
Yup, the guarantee is REAL!
Okay old man, we are about the same age and you give me so much motivation to keep moving but I have to know, what do you do for the pain??? After a day of cutting and splitting (moving) I can definitely feel it. I try not to take anything but some days are rough. I know, I know...keep moving. 🙂 All the best to you.
I don't take anything I just stretch out more and stop sooner than I used to! Yes pain happens!
@@InTheWoodyard The pain just letting us know we are above ground. Love your content and appreciate what you do.
Based on yours and several others on UA-cam I got an X27 aka Greased Lightning,. Great tool and it's generally faster than the hydraulic splitters from the big box stores.
Great to hear!
New scriber here sir. What length ( in general) should logs be cut for splitting??
You can make them what ever size you want but in most places 16" is the standard! Thanks!
When splitting big blocks in half, i dont aim for the center. I try to hit it about a quarter or a third of the way in. Seems to work better for me.
Yup, it is easier to work the edges.
They make a 6lb splitting maul as well. That being said, on the smaller dry stuff, the x27 shines. Bigger knottier stuff, you want the maul.
Yup...spot on!
The sound of an axe splitting wood is my ASMR.
Yup, me too!
Love my fiskars x25 amd x27 .
I don't split wood with it sitting on the ground. I split on a 5 inch thick white oak round. Amazing difference.
That's a good way to do it, It just adds some time and effort to lift each round up there!
@InTheWoodyard i pile it around . It's great exercise for this 💪 old man. Just something about splitting 🪵 🪓
Never used a fiskars, I like the looks of them though. When my brothers and I were young, we split 8-10 full cord a year by hand, because dad didn't believe in hydraulic splitters either 🤣 Large rounds (30" or bigger) we would quarter by cutting shallow X's in the cut face, then use wedges and an 18 lb maul to split. From there we finish them down with splitting axes. We made contests out of it to keep it fun.
That sounds very familiar!
I will be 62 in December and have never used a hydraulic splitter love splitting by hand.
Awesome!
I have both and find I find I'm actually more accurate with the maul because it doesn't have to be swung anywhere near as fast. I can sling that maul for several hours no problem. Working in stringy sticky ponderosa there's no comparison, the maul splits and separates all that bound knotty twisted stuff so much easier. Blasts through most knotty pieces without to much trouble. I find I have to swing that X27 about 3X more and harder/faster to get the same work done.
not me ..for a long time swinging the x27 is much easier.
That side chop with the maul was clean bruh. You can handle your tools.
I have split a few cords of wood in the last 55 years.... maybe a few thousand. Thanks.
Forget that. I spent good money on a standard log splitter from Tractor Supply for a reason. I get enough exercise from cutting, lifting, splitting, and stacking firewood.
Good timing Chris!!! I split 4 rounds of red oak and 6 rounds of Osage last night with my old ax... Good feeling for sure.... Slowly getting my strength back!!
Awesome keep wackin!
Love the hand splitting videos!!!
Glad you like them!
I normally use a 3 inch thick Steel Plate as a platform base to split wood on it with my splitting mauls and it’s awesome it’s better than splitting wood on the dirt or on a wooden block
Good idea!
@@InTheWoodyard the only thing to keep in mind that when the splitter splits through the wood and it hits the Steel Plate it does blunt the edges of your splitters and I’m only just using regular grade Steel as the base to split wood on
Great info as always. Love my x27
Thanks!
You do know how to swing an AXE!!!!!! (years of practice) I am like you now, my body won't let me do only so much, I get tired after only about 10 minutes!!!!! (I got about 8-10 years more on my tired beat up carcass)
Haa! My carcass is catching up to your carcass!
I have a hydrolic splitter, or whatever ist is called, and now I want to get physical! Thanks for that video with your experience!
Go for it!
@@InTheWoodyard Will do!
Nice! I do like getting the axe out every once in a while! Makes ya feel good! 👍🏻👍🏻GNI
Yup, splitting by hand is good work!
I have that maul, but I think it's met its match with the huge, nasty, twisted hard maple rounds I have left. No matter where I hit them it just bounces off.
I’ve got a BIG splitting maul. It weighs 15#, all steel. A 12# head. It’s called Monster Maul. I’ve had it for more than 40 years.
Nice. I have used one of those ONCE and that was too much.
i have the big loggs on the ground also, i get way more swing on them by doing so..
And yes i hit the ground with my axe alot, no one else is going to use it so :)
I like it! Yup, it is my awe/maul and if I want to hit the ground with it...I will!
You have to realize some people can break ANYTHING! I haven't used a wood handle in 25 years. I bought the 8#er this year to replace the old 8 standard and yeah it's good, heavy and at 77 y/o I too prefer a 6#.
They do work well!
Excellent, thank you!
Thank you for watching ...there are 1600 more for you to watch on my channel!
I liked the 1st time lapse
thanks Ed!
Splitting straight grain wood no knots is faster than a splitter. As soon as you get a knot or twist to the wood move it to the splitter. My rule, take 3 swings is the round does not split save it for the splitter or the younger people.
You must have a slow splitter. I can easily split 1 full cord an hour by myself and if I have help we can easily do more that 2 full cords an hour. My splitter is a Eastonmade Ultra with a 4 second cycle time...feeding it fast enough is the only bottle neck. And it can go for hour after hour after hour after hour all day every day with out resting. But I do still enjoy using a axe/maul to split wood too, it is good exercise but much slower.
I have both the X27 and the 8 pound splitting maul. The maul is better at splitting harder to split wood, like elm.
Nice tools!
OK Chris - Now I ache! I remember when - - - - - Stay safe - Dud
Yup, splitting wood is good work but hard work!
lol, I have the 8lb fiskars. The head says 8lbs but the scale said 10.6lbs. Use it about 1 1/2 hours a day in winter for exercise and of course firewood. Split about 19 face this last winter. 66 years old and people think I’m crazy, buy a splitter they say. Then the look on their face when told it’s in the garage! It’s only used in the spring for the last 3-4% of crotch wood. I just don’t like the idea of exercising without accomplishing anything, therefore my “gym” is just out the front door. By the way I have to chime in on the frozen splitting. For me woods splits way better below 32 degrees. I even split at -32 once and really did not split better than +20. So in my opinion, froze is froze.
Yup, exercise with tangible useful stuff!
I love that concept. Workout with a purpose.
Am I the only one who has bruised shins afterwards? Seems a few splits always manage to ricochet on me.🤦♂️
No, it can happen...I guess my catlike reflexes must help! Ha!
Hi Chris love them Fiskars I have 2 of them the big one and x27 now that is better then your gas splitter lol ( Ty Ron
Yup, but I run out of gas wackin before any splitter does!
I wish we had straight grain wood like this, unfortunately our wood is stringy. split by hand until i was 60 than i moved over to hydraulics. keep em comming
Thanks for watching!
Great Video!. I really like my Fiskars 8lb maul. I did grind down the cheeks on the Fiskars 8 pounder and I noticed that the maul penetrates the wood a lot easier with one swing. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🪓🌲🪵💚💚💚🪵🌲🪓🌲🪵💚💚💚
Very interesting!
I have both and use both. He echoes my thoughts.
Thanks for watching!
finally someone who doesnt put them on another log!
Nope, just extra work!
Must have taken you twice as long to edit this video as it did to split the wood. Thanks for taking all that time.
Ha! Pretty close! You are not wrong! Thanks for watching!
Good video, x27 is tough to beat!
Thanks! It sure is!
I learned a lot from this video, thx.
Glad to hear it!
Darn good with them hacks Chris! Nice just watching ha
Thanks for watching!
G’morning Chris. Wacking and cracking. Nice swingin out dare. You should get a hydraulic splitter ;)
GoodNightIrene
Yup, sometimes the old ways remind you that you are not what you used to be and that the new machines are WAY better!
Cottonwood does not split that good even dry; cold helps a lot though. (subzero)
Cotton wood produces similar heat splitting as burning it.😁
More splitting than burning! HAAA!
Yup!
Best hand splitting video!
Glad you liked it!
Imo, the Fiskars- all day long. Because you CAN swing it all day long, lol. My old 8# maul wore me down too quickly. It was also kind of crappy- too blunt, and the "cheeks" were too wide too quickly, making it bounce off way too often. Not to mention it mostly just left a dent without starting any cracks... I used it primarily on stubborn, semi splits. When the handle cracked and the head flew off one day, I didn't bother repairing or replacing it.
If my Fiskars or my double bit can't do it, I have a sledge and wedges. Or I'll just use the saw, lol. Screw beating myself up trying to split gnarly, stringy, knotty crotchy stuff! Just rip it into slabs, or slice it into cookies or chunks and be done with it! It burns just the same. (what can I say- I get ornery when a chunk of wood tries to tell me NO!)
The X27 is just a well designed, and very effective tool. I'm glad I spent the money to buy one.
Yup, some times you have to just rip it!
I only have a Fisk 27 it does everything and it’s 13 years old at least
Awesome!
also why do you want to only split fresh cut
Because it splits easier. The dry ends shrink up and the grain, it gets tighter so it splits much harder.
@@InTheWoodyard ahh
Thanks I thought it was the opposite
I got given a whole bunch of very dry eucalyptus logs
About 2 cubic meters worth
Even when I cut them with the chainsaw it produces fine saw dust
I bought the Isocore Maul to split them
friggin good shot
Thanks for watching!