Chainsaw v Axe

[pdub]

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?

[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

[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:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaqAeVLNNao

[pdub]

And I have a really nice custom made axe - and I don't want it to just sit there for decoration.

[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.

[Deleted User 62]

Depends on the wood.

Some woods can easily split with an axe, others... a hammer and wedge are best.

[Deleted User 89]

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

[Deleted User 89]

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

[jhawks99]

Axes are more fun to throw

[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.

[Shirley]

Waaaaay too much talk about "wood" in this thread!

[ousdahl]

I dunno what's on your mind, but I'm only referring to the lodgepole pine.

[ousdahl]

youtube just suggested this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87s6JK3olLk

[pdub]

Time to buy more equipment!

[Deleted User 89]

youtube just suggested this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87s6JK3olLk

i can't believe i just watched all of that...but, the finale was definitely worth it

[ousdahl]

^^^

Wifey material.

[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.

[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