So I have a legit axe.
Need to get a sledgehammer and a wedge.
But I also bought a used chainsaw.
For cutting/splitting wood into smaller pieces - does anyone have experience in both and prefer a method?
Re: Chainsaw v Axe
Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2019 4:26 pm
by PhDhawk
axes will break if you're splitting a lot of wood, but they're good for making kindling. I prefer a splitting maul, though I've never done the sledgehammer and wedge.
I assume you're just using the chainsaw to cut logs to length, and not to split wood
Re: Chainsaw v Axe
Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2019 4:34 pm
by pdub
I've got these larger chunks of wood - i'm wondering if I can 'noodle' them to the right width with the chainsaw.
This guy thinks it's OK but I don't know if I'd trust him:
Re: Chainsaw v Axe
Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2019 4:37 pm
by pdub
And I have a really nice custom made axe - and I don't want it to just sit there for decoration.
Re: Chainsaw v Axe
Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2019 4:53 pm
by PhDhawk
Yeah, don't do that. If you're wanting to not get a workout while splitting wood, rent a splitter. You can split a shit load in a short amount of time.
Use your axe to make kindling, but if you use it to split logs, you'll eventually break the handle or loose the axe head. If you want to split a lot of wood, get a maul axe, especially if you have larger chunks of wood. The axe is probably fine if you have small logs that only need to be split once or twice, but if you have larger logs you're really gonna want the weight of the maul.
Re: Chainsaw v Axe
Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2019 5:03 pm
by Deleted User 62
Depends on the wood.
Some woods can easily split with an axe, others... a hammer and wedge are best.
Re: Chainsaw v Axe
Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2019 7:15 pm
by Deleted User 89
pdub wrote: ↑Wed Jun 05, 2019 4:11 pm
So I have a legit axe.
Need to get a sledgehammer and a wedge.
But I also bought a used chainsaw.
For cutting/splitting wood into smaller pieces - does anyone have experience in both and prefer a method?
axe for cured/dry wood, chainsaw for green
Re: Chainsaw v Axe
Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2019 7:17 pm
by Deleted User 89
PhDhawk wrote: ↑Wed Jun 05, 2019 4:53 pm
Yeah, don't do that. If you're wanting to not get a workout while splitting wood, rent a splitter. You can split a shit load in a short amount of time.
Use your axe to make kindling, but if you use it to split logs, you'll eventually break the handle or loose the axe head. If you want to split a lot of wood, get a maul axe, especially if you have larger chunks of wood. The axe is probably fine if you have small logs that only need to be split once or twice, but if you have larger logs you're really gonna want the weight of the maul.
second the maul or maul axe suggestion
Re: Chainsaw v Axe
Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2019 8:10 pm
by jhawks99
Axes are more fun to throw
Re: Chainsaw v Axe
Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2019 8:10 pm
by ousdahl
Good thread pwhitt. I too among those who handle larger chunks of wood.
I’m currently rocking a hatchet and this mini sledge hammer that got left in my truck after a Trout Unlimited habitat restoration project. This seems like the same idea as a sledge and wedge.
I’ve been meaning to check out an Estwing Fireside Friend, pretty much a wedge on a handle.
What kind of wood are you cutting for what kind of fires? For me, mostly lodgepole pine for raging bonfires while car camping.
Re: Chainsaw v Axe
Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 8:16 am
by Shirley
Waaaaay too much talk about "wood" in this thread!
Re: Chainsaw v Axe
Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 8:33 am
by ousdahl
I dunno what's on your mind, but I'm only referring to the lodgepole pine.
Re: Chainsaw v Axe
Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 11:51 am
by ousdahl
youtube just suggested this:
Re: Chainsaw v Axe
Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 12:14 pm
by pdub
Time to buy more equipment!
Re: Chainsaw v Axe
Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 1:22 pm
by Deleted User 89
ousdahl wrote: ↑Thu Jun 06, 2019 11:51 am
youtube just suggested this:
i can't believe i just watched all of that...but, the finale was definitely worth it
Re: Chainsaw v Axe
Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 11:15 pm
by ousdahl
^^^
Wifey material.
Re: Chainsaw v Axe
Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2019 4:28 pm
by pdub
The wood we piled in the back of the truck is raw/knotty. Its tough to stand up. Even tougher to split.
Sledgehammer, wedge, axe still quite a bitch.
Might be chainsaw time.
Re: Chainsaw v Axe
Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2019 7:56 pm
by Deleted User 89
had the chainsaw out myself this morning...good times
let the bucked up logs cure for a season, then you’ll be able to split ‘em fine
