Split the wood in the direction it grows. In others words, sky end up, root end down. The sky end is slightly less dense than the root end. Weight of the tree, and compressionall growth, etc. Just a tip.
@@patrickmcnamara3879 Ha ha well it's easier if your the one bucking up the tree, I'll admit that. Straight grained wood doesn't matter so much. Some pieces are obvious.
Just another tip, of many on here - dedicate 1 round (if you prefer a chopping block) to making a stump, and cut it no taller than 6 inches. Even 4 will do, if you're not using an 8 lb maul. Stacking two 16" rounds atop one another, then splitting the top round will reduce the arc of your swing, and cut the power you can generate on the downward chop drastically. Making you take more swings, tiring you faster, reducing the efficiency of the chop and wasting your power simultaneously. I'd say at best you're working with about 80% of your maximum power with the top of the round 32" off the ground. A shorter chopping block helps immensely.
I see all of the pros in the comments saying "yOu NeEd To Do ThIs..." If you're using a maul on green oak, you dont know what's good for you. 12lb sledge and wedges on a cool morning and you can split a truckload of this stuff in a couple hours. That's all there is to it.
Have done it this way before. Great method if you’re wanting a physical workout. If your goal is quick splitting (with fewer whacks that bounce back), start with a wedge and maul. Then once it’s quartered switch to the splitting maul. Great video!
After watching your videos, I purchased a couple of Fiskars splitting axes including the X27. Love the composite handle and feel. It’s been a great way to exercise and for my boys to expend their energy. And, I find it’s not so hard on the back. 😁
Thats awesome to hear. I remember you had some concerns when you first posted here... glad you found that it's not too hard on you. Thanks for the update!
@@JackofAllTrades1 Haha absolutely! I find the neighbours see me bouncing off wood, thinking I'm stupid, and then they always miss the part where the split happens 😂 The vibe here is "just get a splitter"... but I like the workout with an axe 💪 (I use a wedge for the bigger bits too)
@@JackofAllTrades1 Good man! Keep doing what you love :) I have to get like a defensive child because people with machinery keep offering to process out wood. "Keep away! It's MY wood. I'M doing it!" 🤣😂
Thank god for my wood splitter. I bought one of these the other day though because they were only $25 at Walmart on clearance. I have a couple mauls and a few wedges I use every now and then on stuff so big I can't really pick it up to lay it on the splitter. I figured I would give this a try have a few huge maple chunks or to use on some smaller stuff that I could probably split on one hit instead of running it through the splitter.
JesseLJohnson it is definitely a tool for its specific purpose. I couldn’t imagine relying on this alone to split all the wood I use. Thanks for the comment, hope you enjoyed. 😊
Folks, after receiving so much advice on how to improve my technique and strategy, I decided to upload a new and improved Fiskars Super Splitting Axe video here: ua-cam.com/video/y8Qq75GcATo/v-deo.html If you are interested in seeing what the Fiskars Iso Core Maul will do, check out this video here: ua-cam.com/video/24yPuKV4Yu8/v-deo.html
Yea, I think this got a lot of views several years ago because everybody was laughing. Interesting story though, this was the video that started my channel.
Great video man, I have the same axe and green red oak and I can’t split it. I’m getting very frustrated but I also been starting in the center of logs. I will fry edge and find natural “crack” thank you
I made that mistake too at first. You can get away with splitting in the middle with a 12 inch round but it gets increasingly harder as the size goes up.
Hello, you dont have to wait... some wood species actually split better when they are new and green. I never waited until the logs were seasoned to split them. Enjoy!
@@JackofAllTrades1 Thank you for getting back that’s what I was thinking be easier splitting when they r fresh rather then seasoning them then they would be a lot harder 👍
@@michaelgallagher6572You are welcome... intact the log would take a full year to dry out at the very least. Most people don't have the supply to wait that long for wood to dry either.
Red oak almost splits by just looking hard at it. Just a suggestion, leave the rounds on the ground for maximum force applied to the split. Also safer because a mis hit won't be as likely to hit a shin or foot. Actually this was painful to watch, but I got thru it, just barely!
I have split a many a cord of Red Oak with a double bit axe. Much lighter and easier to handle. I found green wood split easier and not splinter as much as dry. I once used a wedge type mall and it bounced bad. I used it for a boat anchor. I really felt for you in this video. Plus, you didn't have a lot of cracks to work with. 👍👍👍
Thanks Darrell... I appreciate the comment. It's been a while now since I shot this video and I acknowledge that I didn't do everything right... but, this video has been great for my channel... it currently has over 20k views now so something about doing things the wrong way gets attention lol.
I bet the Fiskers Splitting Maul would do even better than the axe. Start on the edge, about 4” in and work your way around the round. It would definitely make short work of those rounds.
I plan to shoot a video here soon of me splitting it "like a pizza" I've had a few commentors suggest that so I'm going to give it a try. Thanks for the comment.
Thanks for sharing sir👍🏻 Couple of things…I’ve never had my x27 bounce off any hardwoods. Was it sharp? You must keep these sharp to be affective IMO. Next, I prefer the iso core maul to break down stubborn rounds. After the pressure is released from the fibers, the x27 does great! Again, thanks…
Hey Doug, yes this was practically new at this point... that log had a super high moisture content though. I suspect that didn't help. Look at my channel for the maul vs axe video... I like the maul too! Thanks for the comment.
Why does Fiskars make 2 different splitter models - one , the XL 27 or 25 , 36 or 28 inch and one NOT XL in the same sizes , just called splitters , but a solid black handle and lighter head weights -?
Charley Folkes they do sell a ton of different axes...in just about any size you can imagine. The different lengths will be for different height/ size ppl. The X27 series vs the one I am using now are exactly the same length and weight, the only difference is the orange non-slip coating on the handle. I’m not sure why they wouldn’t put that coating on them all... might be a marketing gimmick but mine came with a carry sleeve and was about 5 bucks cheaper. Thanks for contributing.
@@JackofAllTrades1 Yeah, my brother in law and his neighbors are dealing with a lot of red oaks that are down or need to be down. He hopes one of them will buy a splitter.
@Pat McBride probably the cheapest way to get it done with minimum effort is an 8lb sledge hammer from lowes ($30) and a 4lb wedge (or two) ...($10). The fiskars axes are nice but they do struggle with the larger stuff just because of how light they are. I have one video on my page of me splitting a red oak round that was 260lbs... check it out. That tree had only been down a week when I split it so was fairly easy.
I bought this fiskars axe today and all it did was bounce. Picked up a stanley axe Ive been using and it went right through. Not sure why the fiskars axe has such good reviews
Is the Stanley heavier? If it's a large round like this one you may need to split off the sides first. I've notices that since the Fiskars is not real heavy, it will sometimes bounce if you hit the m middle of a big one.
With green wood split with the direction of the growth ring and not across it. You will take one to the skull by try to cut across. Start at the edge and work in. Green Red Oak splits very easily if you work with the log instead of against it.
Jayson, that actually makes a lot of sense. So in other words, split on either side of the center and then turn the log or re position to cut the other two sides. Don't I eventually have to cut across the grain when I split the middle? I assume at that point it's no problem since the log is broke down now. Thanks for the input, I appreciate it.
My husband has the same axe...when he tries to split half the size of Live Oak as you, it just acts(lol) like an axe(lol). He gasses out and that is it till next day. it bounces a few times then starts cutting into wood getting stuck. Does he need to just keep going? eventually it will split? Or what? We have no idea. NOW i know why wood splitting is a winter activity...he is drenched with sweat!
So.. if it's half the size of these rounds then he should be able to just split down the middle. Is he looking for any natural cracks first and hitting inline with those? Check out my other splitting video that has 200k+ views... it has more details on how to split the big ones...however a smaller one should just be easily split down the middle. Maybe have him hit more towards the lip on either side instead of dead center. Lmk if that works. Good luck.
@@JackofAllTrades1 Thank you so much..we will check out your other videos...it has taken over 100 hits...its Live oak about a foot across...There are much larger pieces, but we figured this smaller ones would be easier!!! Here in Texas its so hot and humid he gasses out after a few hits...comes back inside and goes at it again. but its not splitting.....The wood is about 4 to 6 months from being felled.....I assume the length of the wood doesnt matter as long as you can get a good whack at it? I even took a few whacks at it....WHAT A WORKOUT!!! We made sure to follow the safety you outlined...hearing and eye plus boots! Maybe you can find a truly stubborn piece of wood, and make a video on those stubborn ones! Thanks again handsome!(Don't tell my hubby) heheh.
@@ShinerBock2007 oak that is 6 months old should split easily. The taller the piece is the harder so if he's splitting something 2 feet tall it will be harder than what I was splitting which was 16 inches tall. Make sure there are not any knots where he is splitting.. try to put the knot on the bottom if there is one.
Late to the video. Correct on having the root end on top. 8lb splitting maul for less swings. Most of our blocks are 24" and bigger.Red oak,post oak,Black Jack and such. Southern Missouri Hardwoods. Best finds are 2-3 year old standing dead wood. Last but sure not least is my 33 ton wood splitter.😁👍😎
I'm glad this video is still getting views after all these years. I know what you are talking about with the Missouri Hardwoods... I grew up n SE MO and that's where I first learned to split. Thanks for the comment!
why do you need to split the oak though? I'm not an expert since I live in an apartment in a city nowadays. used to live in countryside as a kid. So splitting wood is for heating/fuel right? why would u used oak? I liked using dense wood like birch that's not completely dry for sauna for example but using oak for heating seems like a waste.
youluvana oak is pretty abundant here and is preferred because of how dense it is. In comparison, we have white birch here as well and an identical piece of oak... same size... will weigh twice as much and burn for an hour longer. The wood is heavier but I end up using less wood which in the long run means less work for me.
@@JackofAllTrades1 Ah that explains it. I guess oak is not that abundant where I live. I wonder why there is some oak but not more. Most of the oak I have seen is thousands of years old and under protection but even the younger oaks are mostly left alone. In Estonia. Oh and by the way going to sauna can kill viruses in the EARLY stage.
Looks like a lot of work with not much results. My family clears cattle pastures for ranchers. We pick up broken oak branches and clear low hanging ones. Often times the rancher just wants the branches removed so cattle can find shade under the trees. We normally walk away with several full sized trailer loads. We use them for firewood, and they are decent sized logs that don’t need to be split. We just cut them into foot long sections with chainsaws.
Yea, this piece was a real pain... it was real lopsided on one side so I ended up splitting the bottom of the round which made it harder. I occasionally get small trees that I just buck with the chainsaw, no splitting needed... they burn nice and long like that. Thanks for the comment.
Matt Fogarty I’m not sure I understand, I generally do start on the edges and don’t hit the middle until it’s starting to split. Do you mean for me to only work the edges and take out pieces instead of splitting in half each time?
on a big piece of wood don't hit it right down the middle aim to split like 4-5 inches in from the outside of the log by doing this you are trying to split less wood therefore it's easier to split it
no problem Ryan i used to split wood on the farm a lot and we had a weak log splitter and that helped us split it a lot even on a log splitter but it'll definitely be easier with an maul going around the outside as opposed to right down the middle because youre splitting less wood
Ever video I see people slide their hand up the handle on the down swing. Hold the handle with both hands at the end and swing without sliding your hand, way more power.
@@paulkysar6207 holding near the head and sliding just feels more natural and controlled to me. I've not used the method you mention but it seems to me the axe would have a lot of leverage against your hands and be harder to control. I guess if it works for you then it works for you, right? :)
Lol... I swear. I pulled a scale out and weighted it... my wife was ticked because I scratched up the scale... all in the upper 140s. Check out my wood splitting video with the most views.. that one was over 200lbs.
@@JackofAllTrades1 i have both the 8 pound and the x27 and not really any difference, most guys i watch use the same speed swing if they use a 8 pound or the x27 so than the weight does win out. if i could swing the 8 as fast as the x27 than it would split chunks better. i will be posting a video in the next week or so splitting a third of a cord for splitter wars.
Alan, the electric company cut these trees down... I think they are a bit lax with their methods because they have a skidder hold the tree while they make the final cut.
I honestly think different types of splitting mauls and axes work best for wood under different conditions. But you’re never gonna be carrying around 3 or 4 different mauls or axes
Omgitsjoetime T right, I figured I could get the most leverage and speed with this size as it was the longest one at my local store.... and so far, no real complaints. Thanks for the comment.
Omgitsjoetime T hello neighbor...yep, it’s that time of the year... though it seems like I am doing some sort of winter prep year-round. MA always has better deals on firewood it seems, I’m jealous. :)
I ended up getting one later in that season, a Rapid Strike. Since I actually heat my home with wood it gets to be too much work to hand split 3-4 cords a season on top of my already hectic life.... it's all about saving time. Thanks for commenting.
Work your way around the outside. Peel it like an orange.Sapwood first, heart last.Some wood splits best green, others dry.When the axe bounces like that, flip the ring over.Cutting height was spot on.Bend your knees on the power stroke, pulling the axe down. The power comes from legs and core.Why am I such a know it all?.Learn't the hard way.Final tip, enjoy it.
@@kollias1 The "ring" is the trunk of the tree cut into sections or 'rings' as we call them. Study the concentric growth lines (one per year of growth) on each ring and you'll see where to place the axe, cutting between the lines, not across, to get started.
funny how red oak in different areas can look so different, that oak you have has bark like our ash. as for green wood on splitting oak i have found the green splits way easier than dry.
@@d.g6693 whats wrong? the greener and colder the better it splits, if you want to test it find a oak thats black on the end cut it off try splitting the dry end and than try splitting one that is not dry. i have split 14 full cord in the last week with a fiskars ax in 10 below zero weather and its like splitting glass.
@ Wayne Johnson As you already know, wood checks/cracks as it goes through the drying out process. This is because the moisture within is drawn out naturally, thus it becomes less dense & much easier to split. If you notice in this video, the gentleman is using a fiskars splitter and it is bouncing off the wood like it's rubber. If it were completely dried out, this would not be the case near as much as the wood would be more brittle.
@@d.g6693 oak stays green for a long time, also if you know anything about oak it has been cut for a while i can see that by the color of the ends. looks pretty warm out also which is a factor as i said before. i do 100 full cord a winter and i have split oak that has dried and oak that is green and i know which splits easier for me. there maybe are some wood that it works with to let it dry but not the oak i cut. first thing i noticed is that he is splitting the wrong end of that chunk to start with. i have a video on here splitting a 1/3 of a cord of green wood which i did in 40 degree weather. watch it and you will see the difference in wood i have that is green cut about a week, the color is what fresh cut wood looks like. its amazing how many people are going to tell me what works best,i have tried most of the things i have seen such as the block which to me is a joke, i have had people tell me theres no way you can do that much wood by yourself or one guy on here told me i cant split big white oak with a fiskars ax, my response is bring your best cash bet and be ready to go home without your money.
Wrong method. Dont try to make 2 halves. Each wack should produce 1 piece of firewood. 1st piece take 5% chip off edge. Then another 5% chip. Go around edge and get 5 ,5% pieces. 1/4 done. Now should have 5 corners sticking out. 5 more chops. 1/2 done. Go around and chop off 10 more corners. Corners splitting off easy. Should have 20 pieces firewood laying there. 20 strokes with axe. Easy and fast
Move your stump log to the softer ground, between those stones and those sticks, so your axe won’t bounce off in to that hardcore ground! A lot of bouncing going on and very little splitting .....
Johnathan Michaels yea, I was doing it all wrong.. it was for sure a learning experience. I pinned a video to the top of this comment section for a newer video of me trying a different technique, check it out.
Don't agree with the method of striking the 'far side'. Swing the axe beyond the edge, and THE HANDLE will be broken! Also, on a log of this size, i would split the outer edge all around, reducing the diameter. Then split across the diameter. Work with the natural structure of the tree(less dense at the outer edge) so less effort will be needed!
@@JackofAllTrades1 i just watched a couple other splitting videos where the people are comparing a 12-20 pound splitting maul to a fiskars axe. that 12-20 lb maul will ware ya out in 5 minutes
150LBS?? what planet is this guy on?? Also, another reason why this is so hard to split. This is White Oak, not Red. @6:09 the large tree on your left-hand side, sitting from where i am, is a Red Oak. You'll also come to find Red Oak is, red, when its split in its green time. Where White Oak is a dark brown.
Lol, thanks for the comment...if you saw the kinetic wood splitter video I did, those rounds were 146 lbs and I weighed them for the video comparison..these were not much different in size, more of a guesstimation than anything but they were very green. As for the species, the guy cutting down the tree for the utility said red oak and I didn’t question it... he had already limbed it and chipped most of it so I didn’t have much to go off of. It looked red to me but not as red as the oak I split this year.. which was also said to be red oak. Anyway, thanks for chiming in.
I agree, the wood was very green. This bounce may have been increased by the fact that I'm splitting the butt end of the tree.... the very first round. You might want to compare my other video ua-cam.com/video/vDhAqIhUxOs/v-deo.html it's bouncy there too but not near as bad and this was not the butt end of the tree. Overall I think this is a great splitting axe and the examples I've shown are really some of my worst case scenarios. Thanks for watching.
I counted 23 hits until it was split. Like other comments here, learn to chip away at it from the sides and work around like a clock. Then finish off the center. You are working too hard, and not smart.
Karl Jacobson check out my newest splitting video from this year, it should be pinned to the top of the comments section here. I changed my way of splitting these larger ones and it mirrors what you suggest.
Ouch! To many swings! Hit 4 to 5 inches in from outer ring left or right side, not front or ever opposite side, miss and you will know!. If you have good eye on the ball method hit on a growth line. Shave off the side or some say peel it. Only split 10 ibch or 12 incj down middle or quarter it.
Thanks for the input Chris, check out the video I pinned to the top of the comments section and let me know what you think. Sounds pretty close. Take care
Dangerous standing it straight up. Makes me nervous watching this....if you miss, it's coming at your ankle. I lay it down, but prop it up under another log, working the rim, a lot safer
Hey David, I understand the concern.... check out the video's I posted this year that are pinned to the top of the comments section.... I feel I cleaned the technique up a little. Thanks for the comment.
Wrong ax for the job, way to light for big green wood. 22 swings ?? NO GOOD your working way to hard. Also take off the edges first on large pieces of wood.
Daniel Cleary I had to unfortunately learn that the hard way. Check out my recent red oak video from December, I do exactly what you mention.... this video here is several years old. Thanks for the comment.
Wayne Johnson I want to split some on the ground soon and film it but all the logs I have right now are real knotty pine.... which doesn’t sound fun. 😂
I wasn't sure how that wedge cut out of it would manage if it was face down... seems more than a couple have called me on this over the years but I've learned better ways. Check out some of my newer wood splitting videos. Cheers.
Mario Burgos it’s one heck of a workout for sure! Stay tuned, I have a video from my first split this year that I am still editing. It’s almost too embarrassing to post because I’m so out of shape. :)
first of all... wrong side placed log, second he hits the wrong place on the log, and third he hits a log not hard enough, so hit stay on top of the log...without deeper penetration.
Oh yea. I actually think it was a few pounds over even. I weighed it for comparison like I do all the logs I split for videos. Keep in mind this log is very green with a moisture content over 30.
Gawd man; your base log is sooo high. Cut that sucker in half (at least) to get some downward force. You're only getting half a stroke. It's all about leverage. Geez.
Your chopping stump is way too high. Your axe accelerates to max power near the end of your stroke. Your making contact way too high. Robbing 25% of your power. Ideal height is around the knees. People had this figured out 100 yrs ago for gods sakes.
Here is my newest wood chopping video, check it out! ua-cam.com/video/OQQj5P51pS0/v-deo.html
Split the wood in the direction it grows. In others words, sky end up, root end down. The sky end is slightly less dense than the root end. Weight of the tree, and compressionall growth, etc. Just a tip.
Shane Roper thank you for the input.
Red oak is easy to split, don"t try to split it upside-down
how can u tell if you get rounds which end is sky and which is root - thanks
@@patrickmcnamara3879 Ha ha well it's easier if your the one bucking up the tree, I'll admit that. Straight grained wood doesn't matter so much. Some pieces are obvious.
I tried to split my wife skyside up, my back still hurts
Just another tip, of many on here - dedicate 1 round (if you prefer a chopping block) to making a stump, and cut it no taller than 6 inches. Even 4 will do, if you're not using an 8 lb maul. Stacking two 16" rounds atop one another, then splitting the top round will reduce the arc of your swing, and cut the power you can generate on the downward chop drastically. Making you take more swings, tiring you faster, reducing the efficiency of the chop and wasting your power simultaneously. I'd say at best you're working with about 80% of your maximum power with the top of the round 32" off the ground.
A shorter chopping block helps immensely.
I will keep that in mind for future wood chopping, thank you.
I see all of the pros in the comments saying "yOu NeEd To Do ThIs..."
If you're using a maul on green oak, you dont know what's good for you. 12lb sledge and wedges on a cool morning and you can split a truckload of this stuff in a couple hours. That's all there is to it.
Yep
Damn right
Yup. Wedge and 10lbs hammer would have made that job much easier.
It's nice to know I'm not the only one but today i learned that i can keep going and it will eventually break thanks
This guy 😂 from the city
Have done it this way before. Great method if you’re wanting a physical workout. If your goal is quick splitting (with fewer whacks that bounce back), start with a wedge and maul. Then once it’s quartered switch to the splitting maul. Great video!
Thanks Bobby, I still had a lot to learn about splitting wood when this was filmed. I think this was one of my first. Thanks for the comment.
Good workout
After watching your videos, I purchased a couple of Fiskars splitting axes including the X27. Love the composite handle and feel. It’s been a great way to exercise and for my boys to expend their energy. And, I find it’s not so hard on the back. 😁
Thats awesome to hear. I remember you had some concerns when you first posted here... glad you found that it's not too hard on you. Thanks for the update!
We’ve watched most of your videos. Ready for more firewood videos!
Nice, I thought I was the only one who takes a min to break through them lol
Yea, this one wasn't easy.
You know it's gonna get the heart pumpin' when the first swing is a pure bounce 😆Good job mate, not easy!
I can see why people give up after a few swings if they didn't already know it will eventually split. Lol
@@JackofAllTrades1 Haha absolutely! I find the neighbours see me bouncing off wood, thinking I'm stupid, and then they always miss the part where the split happens 😂
The vibe here is "just get a splitter"... but I like the workout with an axe 💪 (I use a wedge for the bigger bits too)
@@williammorris7895 it was the same for me... im bucking, hauling and splitting it all by hand. It helps keep the weight off lol
@@JackofAllTrades1 Good man! Keep doing what you love :) I have to get like a defensive child because people with machinery keep offering to process out wood. "Keep away! It's MY wood. I'M doing it!" 🤣😂
Wow good job :)
Thank god for my wood splitter. I bought one of these the other day though because they were only $25 at Walmart on clearance. I have a couple mauls and a few wedges I use every now and then on stuff so big I can't really pick it up to lay it on the splitter. I figured I would give this a try have a few huge maple chunks or to use on some smaller stuff that I could probably split on one hit instead of running it through the splitter.
JesseLJohnson it is definitely a tool for its specific purpose. I couldn’t imagine relying on this alone to split all the wood I use. Thanks for the comment, hope you enjoyed. 😊
Nice job👏🏿👏🏿
Thanks James I appreciate it
i have that exact same axe i love it
I agree, it's great!
Folks, after receiving so much advice on how to improve my technique and strategy, I decided to upload a new and improved Fiskars Super Splitting Axe video here: ua-cam.com/video/y8Qq75GcATo/v-deo.html
If you are interested in seeing what the Fiskars Iso Core Maul will do, check out this video here: ua-cam.com/video/24yPuKV4Yu8/v-deo.html
Good vid I didn’t think it could be done
Lol... yea it was a battle for sure.
Sorry, this made me chuckle.
Yea, I think this got a lot of views several years ago because everybody was laughing. Interesting story though, this was the video that started my channel.
Nice!
L. Rodrigo Andrade thanks for the support, I’ve post a more recent video of this axe if you want to check it out too.
Great video man,
I have the same axe and green red oak and I can’t split it. I’m getting very frustrated but I also been starting in the center of logs. I will fry edge and find natural “crack” thank you
I made that mistake too at first. You can get away with splitting in the middle with a 12 inch round but it gets increasingly harder as the size goes up.
Impressive.
Thanks Jumphouse, check out my other chopping videos... I got better lol
Hello there do u wait till the logs r season or split when there r freshly cut thanks brilliant video 👍
Hello, you dont have to wait... some wood species actually split better when they are new and green. I never waited until the logs were seasoned to split them. Enjoy!
@@JackofAllTrades1 Thank you for getting back that’s what I was thinking be easier splitting when they r fresh rather then seasoning them then they would be a lot harder 👍
@@michaelgallagher6572You are welcome... intact the log would take a full year to dry out at the very least. Most people don't have the supply to wait that long for wood to dry either.
Good job
Thanks Steven
Truely the X27 is a bench mark axe. It’s taken me a couple years to beat it With old school.
Red oak almost splits by just looking hard at it. Just a suggestion, leave the rounds on the ground for maximum force applied to the split. Also safer because a mis hit won't be as likely to hit a shin or foot. Actually this was painful to watch, but I got thru it, just barely!
Thanks Sherman... I think this was my very first wood splitting video.. I've come a ways from this.
I have split a many a cord of Red Oak with a double bit axe. Much lighter and easier to handle. I found green wood split easier and not splinter as much as dry. I once used a wedge type mall and it bounced bad. I used it for a boat anchor. I really felt for you in this video. Plus, you didn't have a lot of cracks to work with. 👍👍👍
Thanks Darrell... I appreciate the comment. It's been a while now since I shot this video and I acknowledge that I didn't do everything right... but, this video has been great for my channel... it currently has over 20k views now so something about doing things the wrong way gets attention lol.
Just got an x25 works like magic
It gets better as you have practice with it. I love it, cuts like butter.
Been doing 42 to 48 inch. Sure wish it was this easy. A wedge or 2 and a 3 lb hammer makes it a whole lot easier. Too green?
Yea, these rounds were still pretty wet... very springy.
I bet the Fiskers Splitting Maul would do even better than the axe. Start on the edge, about 4” in and work your way around the round. It would definitely make short work of those rounds.
I plan to shoot a video here soon of me splitting it "like a pizza" I've had a few commentors suggest that so I'm going to give it a try. Thanks for the comment.
Thanks for sharing sir👍🏻
Couple of things…I’ve never had my x27 bounce off any hardwoods. Was it sharp? You must keep these sharp to be affective IMO.
Next, I prefer the iso core maul to break down stubborn rounds. After the pressure is released from the fibers, the x27 does great!
Again, thanks…
Hey Doug, yes this was practically new at this point... that log had a super high moisture content though. I suspect that didn't help. Look at my channel for the maul vs axe video... I like the maul too! Thanks for the comment.
@@JackofAllTrades1 I did, all your content is to the point, I enjoy it👍🏻 I to have a few videos on these, fun stuff!
@@IndianaDoug I'll check your channel out, thanks for the support.
Very good accuracy. That wood was pretty hard.
That's what she said
Why does Fiskars make 2 different splitter models - one , the XL 27 or 25 , 36 or 28 inch and one NOT XL in the same sizes , just called splitters , but a solid black handle and lighter head weights -?
Charley Folkes they do sell a ton of different axes...in just about any size you can imagine. The different lengths will be for different height/ size ppl. The X27 series vs the one I am using now are exactly the same length and weight, the only difference is the orange non-slip coating on the handle. I’m not sure why they wouldn’t put that coating on them all... might be a marketing gimmick but mine came with a carry sleeve and was about 5 bucks cheaper. Thanks for contributing.
I've split alot of wood with a fisker axe. Only time I had this happen is when the wood was either wet green or the axe is dull.
This stuff was really green and wet but I was also striking across the grain.
It only took two bounces to convince me that renting a log splitter would be a good idea.
Oak is the worst too if you don't split it right away.
@@JackofAllTrades1 Yeah, my brother in law and his neighbors are dealing with a lot of red oaks that are down or need to be down.
He hopes one of them will buy a splitter.
@Pat McBride probably the cheapest way to get it done with minimum effort is an 8lb sledge hammer from lowes ($30) and a 4lb wedge (or two) ...($10). The fiskars axes are nice but they do struggle with the larger stuff just because of how light they are. I have one video on my page of me splitting a red oak round that was 260lbs... check it out. That tree had only been down a week when I split it so was fairly easy.
@@JackofAllTrades1 I wish the wedges here were only $10.
I saw $17 on the only ones I've seen so far.
@Pat McBride where are you at? I can't imagine Lowe's prices flucuate too much unless maybe you are in Cali?
I bought this fiskars axe today and all it did was bounce. Picked up a stanley axe Ive been using and it went right through. Not sure why the fiskars axe has such good reviews
Is the Stanley heavier? If it's a large round like this one you may need to split off the sides first. I've notices that since the Fiskars is not real heavy, it will sometimes bounce if you hit the m middle of a big one.
With green wood split with the direction of the growth ring and not across it. You will take one to the skull by try to cut across. Start at the edge and work in. Green Red Oak splits very easily if you work with the log instead of against it.
Jayson, that actually makes a lot of sense. So in other words, split on either side of the center and then turn the log or re position to cut the other two sides. Don't I eventually have to cut across the grain when I split the middle? I assume at that point it's no problem since the log is broke down now. Thanks for the input, I appreciate it.
@@JackofAllTrades1 that is correct. By the time you get to the center there usually is fractures at that point.
I made a new video based on this advice, check it out.... worked like a charm.
👍
My husband has the same axe...when he tries to split half the size of Live Oak as you, it just acts(lol) like an axe(lol). He gasses out and that is it till next day. it bounces a few times then starts cutting into wood getting stuck. Does he need to just keep going? eventually it will split? Or what? We have no idea. NOW i know why wood splitting is a winter activity...he is drenched with sweat!
So.. if it's half the size of these rounds then he should be able to just split down the middle. Is he looking for any natural cracks first and hitting inline with those? Check out my other splitting video that has 200k+ views... it has more details on how to split the big ones...however a smaller one should just be easily split down the middle. Maybe have him hit more towards the lip on either side instead of dead center. Lmk if that works. Good luck.
@@JackofAllTrades1 Thank you so much..we will check out your other videos...it has taken over 100 hits...its Live oak about a foot across...There are much larger pieces, but we figured this smaller ones would be easier!!! Here in Texas its so hot and humid he gasses out after a few hits...comes back inside and goes at it again. but its not splitting.....The wood is about 4 to 6 months from being felled.....I assume the length of the wood doesnt matter as long as you can get a good whack at it? I even took a few whacks at it....WHAT A WORKOUT!!! We made sure to follow the safety you outlined...hearing and eye plus boots! Maybe you can find a truly stubborn piece of wood, and make a video on those stubborn ones! Thanks again handsome!(Don't tell my hubby) heheh.
@@ShinerBock2007 oak that is 6 months old should split easily. The taller the piece is the harder so if he's splitting something 2 feet tall it will be harder than what I was splitting which was 16 inches tall. Make sure there are not any knots where he is splitting.. try to put the knot on the bottom if there is one.
@@JackofAllTrades1 Thank you so much....we will keep trying....experience is the best master!
Late to the video.
Correct on having the root end on top.
8lb splitting maul for less swings.
Most of our blocks are 24" and bigger.Red oak,post oak,Black Jack and such.
Southern Missouri Hardwoods.
Best finds are 2-3 year old standing dead wood.
Last but sure not least is my 33 ton wood splitter.😁👍😎
I'm glad this video is still getting views after all these years. I know what you are talking about with the Missouri Hardwoods... I grew up n SE MO and that's where I first learned to split. Thanks for the comment!
why do you need to split the oak though?
I'm not an expert since I live in an apartment in a city nowadays.
used to live in countryside as a kid. So splitting wood is for heating/fuel right? why would u used oak?
I liked using dense wood like birch that's not completely dry for sauna for example but using oak for heating seems like a waste.
youluvana oak is pretty abundant here and is preferred because of how dense it is. In comparison, we have white birch here as well and an identical piece of oak... same size... will weigh twice as much and burn for an hour longer. The wood is heavier but I end up using less wood which in the long run means less work for me.
@@JackofAllTrades1 Ah that explains it. I guess oak is not that abundant where I live. I wonder why there is some oak but not more. Most of the oak I have seen is thousands of years old and under protection but even the younger oaks are mostly left alone. In Estonia. Oh and by the way going to sauna can kill viruses in the EARLY stage.
What does "green" mean ?
Green wood is freshly cut. Like a tree that was just cut down. It is still wet and green inside.
Good video but I can’t help but noticed your shirt is inside out my guy 😂
Funny you mention that, I forgot all about it. Yes, I had to turn the shirt inside out because of the logo on the front. :-)
Looks like a lot of work with not much results. My family clears cattle pastures for ranchers. We pick up broken oak branches and clear low hanging ones. Often times the rancher just wants the branches removed so cattle can find shade under the trees. We normally walk away with several full sized trailer loads. We use them for firewood, and they are decent sized logs that don’t need to be split. We just cut them into foot long sections with chainsaws.
Yea, this piece was a real pain... it was real lopsided on one side so I ended up splitting the bottom of the round which made it harder. I occasionally get small trees that I just buck with the chainsaw, no splitting needed... they burn nice and long like that. Thanks for the comment.
that's a big rock
D A they are everywhere up here in NH. There’s actually a bigger one next to it.
Jack of All Trades NH on that homestead show that guy would call that a $1000 rock
dont split it down the middle split it around the edge of the log and you'll have a lot more success
Matt Fogarty I’m not sure I understand, I generally do start on the edges and don’t hit the middle until it’s starting to split. Do you mean for me to only work the edges and take out pieces instead of splitting in half each time?
on a big piece of wood don't hit it right down the middle aim to split like 4-5 inches in from the outside of the log by doing this you are trying to split less wood therefore it's easier to split it
Matt Fogarty I see what you are saying. I’m getting this seasons wood here soon and will give that a shot, thank you.
no problem Ryan i used to split wood on the farm a lot and we had a weak log splitter and that helped us split it a lot even on a log splitter but it'll definitely be easier with an maul going around the outside as opposed to right down the middle because youre splitting less wood
@@JackofAllTrades1 exactly
Ever video I see people slide their hand up the handle on the down swing. Hold the handle with both hands at the end and swing without sliding your hand, way more power.
I'd be interested in seeing a comparison video, you have one?
I don't make videos, just have been splitting firewood since I was a young boy.
@@paulkysar6207 holding near the head and sliding just feels more natural and controlled to me. I've not used the method you mention but it seems to me the axe would have a lot of leverage against your hands and be harder to control. I guess if it works for you then it works for you, right? :)
@@JackofAllTrades1 I would agree it feels very unnatural at first but once you get used to it there's no going back
Lol upside down. 🤣
150lbs, get the scale out, its at least 151 lol i fucking love splitting wood.
Lol... I swear. I pulled a scale out and weighted it... my wife was ticked because I scratched up the scale... all in the upper 140s. Check out my wood splitting video with the most views.. that one was over 200lbs.
I love my fiskars splitting axe but my 8 lb . Maul would have split that piece in half the hits.
Jeffery Ring check it out. ua-cam.com/video/24yPuKV4Yu8/v-deo.html
half the hits at twice the weight, or twice the hits at half the weight. it's all about the time and energy you have.
@@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power Good point!
@@JackofAllTrades1 i have both the 8 pound and the x27 and not really any difference, most guys i watch use the same speed swing if they use a 8 pound or the x27 so than the weight does win out. if i could swing the 8 as fast as the x27 than it would split chunks better. i will be posting a video in the next week or so splitting a third of a cord for splitter wars.
Make the log your splitting ontop of shorter youll get more swing speed and dont have to lift your logs so high.
When you cut that red oak down you cut through your hinge wood HUGE mistake
Alan, the electric company cut these trees down... I think they are a bit lax with their methods because they have a skidder hold the tree while they make the final cut.
Seems like you’re losing a lot of energy with your chopping block being so tall.
I agree... took me a while to figure that out as well.
Me: lol he's not gonna split that, it's impossible, just give up and get a log splitter, why would you even pos--OH SHIT HE ACTUALLY SPLIT IT
Lol... yep and the oak actually splits easier when green. I tried some seasoned rounds about a month ago and they almost killed me.
I honestly think different types of splitting mauls and axes work best for wood under different conditions. But you’re never gonna be carrying around 3 or 4 different mauls or axes
Omgitsjoetime T right, I figured I could get the most leverage and speed with this size as it was the longest one at my local store.... and so far, no real complaints. Thanks for the comment.
Jack of All Trades NH I’m assuming you’re located in NH I’m in MA lol I was just splitting some big oak yesterday
Omgitsjoetime T hello neighbor...yep, it’s that time of the year... though it seems like I am doing some sort of winter prep year-round. MA always has better deals on firewood it seems, I’m jealous. :)
That's why I bought a log splitter.
I ended up getting one later in that season, a Rapid Strike. Since I actually heat my home with wood it gets to be too much work to hand split 3-4 cords a season on top of my already hectic life.... it's all about saving time. Thanks for commenting.
Work your way around the outside. Peel it like an orange.Sapwood first, heart last.Some wood splits best green, others dry.When the axe bounces like that, flip the ring over.Cutting height was spot on.Bend your knees on the power stroke, pulling the axe down. The power comes from legs and core.Why am I such a know it all?.Learn't the hard way.Final tip, enjoy it.
Thanks for the info. What does it mean flip the ring over?
@@kollias1 The "ring" is the trunk of the tree cut into sections or 'rings' as we call them. Study the concentric growth lines (one per year of growth) on each ring and you'll see where to place the axe, cutting between the lines, not across, to get started.
I’m sticking with my maul
Mauls are a good choice. I did a couple videos of the Fiskars maul on this channel.
Güzel iş🙂 en son kütükte taşa vurmasan daha güzel olurdu👍
Thanks… yes that last log was hard as a rock lol
I get this is for entertainment/exercise. But thank god for hydraulics 😆
I agree 🤣
funny how red oak in different areas can look so different, that oak you have has bark like our ash. as for green wood on splitting oak i have found the green splits way easier than dry.
Wayne I agree. I left some rounds until the end of fall and had a much harder time splitting them.
Wrong.....
@@d.g6693 whats wrong? the greener and colder the better it splits, if you want to test it find a oak thats black on the end cut it off try splitting the dry end and than try splitting one that is not dry. i have split 14 full cord in the last week with a fiskars ax in 10 below zero weather and its like splitting glass.
@ Wayne Johnson
As you already know, wood checks/cracks as it goes through the drying out process. This is because the moisture within is drawn out naturally, thus it becomes less dense & much easier to split. If you notice in this video, the gentleman is using a fiskars splitter and it is bouncing off the wood like it's rubber. If it were completely dried out, this would not be the case near as much as the wood would be more brittle.
@@d.g6693 oak stays green for a long time, also if you know anything about oak it has been cut for a while i can see that by the color of the ends. looks pretty warm out also which is a factor as i said before. i do 100 full cord a winter and i have split oak that has dried and oak that is green and i know which splits easier for me. there maybe are some wood that it works with to let it dry but not the oak i cut. first thing i noticed is that he is splitting the wrong end of that chunk to start with. i have a video on here splitting a 1/3 of a cord of green wood which i did in 40 degree weather. watch it and you will see the difference in wood i have that is green cut about a week, the color is what fresh cut wood looks like. its amazing how many people are going to tell me what works best,i have tried most of the things i have seen such as the block which to me is a joke, i have had people tell me theres no way you can do that much wood by yourself or one guy on here told me i cant split big white oak with a fiskars ax, my response is bring your best cash bet and be ready to go home without your money.
Wrong method. Dont try to make 2 halves. Each wack should produce 1 piece of firewood. 1st piece take 5% chip off edge. Then another 5% chip. Go around edge and get 5 ,5% pieces. 1/4 done. Now should have 5 corners sticking out. 5 more chops. 1/2 done. Go around and chop off 10 more corners. Corners splitting off easy. Should have 20 pieces firewood laying there. 20 strokes with axe. Easy and fast
Move your stump log to the softer ground, between those stones and those sticks, so your axe won’t bounce off in to that hardcore ground! A lot of bouncing going on and very little splitting .....
Johnathan Michaels yea, I was doing it all wrong.. it was for sure a learning experience. I pinned a video to the top of this comment section for a newer video of me trying a different technique, check it out.
Harbor freight 30 dollar fireman’s axe doesn’t bounce and would take about 8 swings
I've never had much luck splitting with regular axes... they usually just stick and you spend a lot of energy trying to pull it out.
Have you herd of a wheelbarrow and a sharp axe
You split the logs in the wheelbarrow?
Don't agree with the method of striking the 'far side'. Swing the axe beyond the edge, and THE HANDLE will be broken!
Also, on a log of this size, i would split the outer edge all around, reducing the diameter. Then split across the diameter.
Work with the natural structure of the tree(less dense at the outer edge) so less effort will be needed!
Ian Butler thanks for the comment, check out my updated video from 2019 where I did just that.. it should be pinned to the top of the comments. 🍻
i don't mean to nitpick, but i do think that is the wrong tool for the job. i do admire the effort though.
Sean McMaster I pinned another video in this comment section that shows the Fiskars Maul.
@@JackofAllTrades1 i just watched a couple other splitting videos where the people are comparing a 12-20 pound splitting maul to a fiskars axe. that 12-20 lb maul will ware ya out in 5 minutes
Sean McMaster no doubt, that’s a lot of weight to swing continuously.
150LBS??
what planet is this guy on??
Also, another reason why this is so hard to split. This is White Oak, not Red.
@6:09 the large tree on your left-hand side, sitting from where i am, is a Red Oak.
You'll also come to find Red Oak is, red, when its split in its green time. Where White Oak is a dark brown.
Lol, thanks for the comment...if you saw the kinetic wood splitter video I did, those rounds were 146 lbs and I weighed them for the video comparison..these were not much different in size, more of a guesstimation than anything but they were very green. As for the species, the guy cutting down the tree for the utility said red oak and I didn’t question it... he had already limbed it and chipped most of it so I didn’t have much to go off of. It looked red to me but not as red as the oak I split this year.. which was also said to be red oak. Anyway, thanks for chiming in.
Better of with a wedge
I've never tried one.... I might do that this next cutting season though to see how it is.
if you need a wedge i cut it with the saw.
Looks bouncy as crap. I will now forego this purchase.
I agree, the wood was very green. This bounce may have been increased by the fact that I'm splitting the butt end of the tree.... the very first round. You might want to compare my other video ua-cam.com/video/vDhAqIhUxOs/v-deo.html it's bouncy there too but not near as bad and this was not the butt end of the tree. Overall I think this is a great splitting axe and the examples I've shown are really some of my worst case scenarios. Thanks for watching.
Rocky 4
Lol
I counted 23 hits until it was split. Like other comments here, learn to chip away at it from the sides and work around like a clock. Then finish off the center. You are working too hard, and not smart.
Karl Jacobson check out my newest splitting video from this year, it should be pinned to the top of the comments section here. I changed my way of splitting these larger ones and it mirrors what you suggest.
I personally believe working like that makes you softer tho I am in my early 20s I’ll never not hit it in the center
I’m also 250lbs so there is that
Ouch! To many swings! Hit 4 to 5 inches in from outer ring left or right side, not front or ever opposite side, miss and you will know!. If you have good eye on the ball method hit on a growth line. Shave off the side or some say peel it. Only split 10 ibch or 12 incj down middle or quarter it.
Thanks for the input Chris, check out the video I pinned to the top of the comments section and let me know what you think. Sounds pretty close. Take care
Red oak and ash are easy splitting.
Dangerous standing it straight up. Makes me nervous watching this....if you miss, it's coming at your ankle. I lay it down, but prop it up under another log, working the rim, a lot safer
Hey David, I understand the concern.... check out the video's I posted this year that are pinned to the top of the comments section.... I feel I cleaned the technique up a little. Thanks for the comment.
A monster maul would split that in one or two wacks.
Wrong ax for the job, way to light for big green wood. 22 swings ?? NO GOOD your working way to hard. Also take off the edges first on large pieces of wood.
Daniel Cleary I had to unfortunately learn that the hard way. Check out my recent red oak video from December, I do exactly what you mention.... this video here is several years old. Thanks for the comment.
i split all my green wood with a x27 and have no problems the block height takes away the best part of your swing.
Wayne Johnson I want to split some on the ground soon and film it but all the logs I have right now are real knotty pine.... which doesn’t sound fun. 😂
Learn how to split wood. Top down. Outside, in. 🥴
I wasn't sure how that wedge cut out of it would manage if it was face down... seems more than a couple have called me on this over the years but I've learned better ways. Check out some of my newer wood splitting videos. Cheers.
I don’t think splitting wood is your forte
J B this video was when I was just learning... check out one of my newer ones linked in the comments section. I’ve improved. :)
To old for that
Mario Burgos it’s one heck of a workout for sure! Stay tuned, I have a video from my first split this year that I am still editing. It’s almost too embarrassing to post because I’m so out of shape. :)
first of all... wrong side placed log, second he hits the wrong place on the log, and third he hits a log not hard enough, so hit stay on top of the log...without deeper penetration.
LMFAO that is not 150 pounds smh
Oh yea. I actually think it was a few pounds over even. I weighed it for comparison like I do all the logs I split for videos. Keep in mind this log is very green with a moisture content over 30.
Nope, too hard to watch. Sorry
Gawd man; your base log is sooo high. Cut that sucker in half (at least) to get some downward force. You're only getting half a stroke. It's all about leverage. Geez.
Your chopping stump is way too high.
Your axe accelerates to max power near the end of your stroke. Your making contact way too high.
Robbing 25% of your power. Ideal height is around the knees. People had this figured out 100 yrs ago for gods sakes.
Eh, I was just reusing rounds... didn't think much of it. I split that chopping block right after too.