How can i chop wood?

[janek]

That's it really - we have wood-burning stove. We buy wood, we own an axe, DP can chop the wood, i cannot. I have tried, but i either don't have the strength; or the knack; or both!

Is there something i am missing? I am particularly weak, you would beat me in an arm-wrestle for example, but does that mean there is no way i can sort out my own logs?!?

[janek]

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

That's really good :)
I'm terrified of our splitting axe. Really interested in that logmatic thing.

[cakesaregood]

Well done!

Love the line about 'decent sized pile of wood'. That's the thing isn't it? Our lovely DPs do as much as they need for the here and now. We want to be prepared for a while to come!

[MrsPennyapple]

I was all set to say I'm rubbish at splitting logs too, so I let DP do it. However, I see you've managed it now, which probably means I ought to have another go. To be fair, he does ours all through the summer so it's ready to just chuck on the fire. I do kindling though!

[janek]

cakesaregood you've completely hit the nail on the head (using a splitting axe?), all our wood this year has turned up seasoned, but damp, presumable due to the horrifically rainy summer last year. By the time we get to the end of it the last few pieces have dried out sufficiently to actually burn easily.

But if 'we' could chop in advance and keep them by the fire then all the wood would burn easily and the bellows could rest. And now 'we' can.

mrspennyapple he sounds amazing. I'd keep that one, if i were you

[SquidgyMummy]

We have a log burner
DP uses a log splitter. Put in the top of the log and whack with a club hammer.

[SquidgyMummy]

logmatic looks good, i may invest in one so i'm not so reliant on DP.

[OneHandFlapping]

Don't chop logs on the patio, unless you want cracked paving slabs, that's my advice.

[lljkk]

DH uses a bigger piece of wood as his chopping block.

He has a chainsaw for most of the work.

There is a knack to how you swing the axe and putting minimal effort in to get maximum force to the axe head.

I can't do it, either.

[MrsPennyapple]

Janek I plan to - we're getting married in a couple of months :)

He chops the log into pieces with a chainsaw, then splits them with the axe. He says it keeps him warm three times - loading it on the wagon, chopping it up, and burning it on the fire.

[insancerre]

I used to chop logs when i was a teenager- it is very theraupatic
It helps to have the log up higher so you don't have to bend down too far- an old tree stump is ideal

[NuclearStandoff]

In our house the wood chopping is definitely DPs job. We all stack the logs together and I usually fill up the log baskets but DP does all the axing. Makes him feel like a real man so I just let him get on with it.

[ROUS]

I prefer the axe to the logmatic. worth persevering swinging the thing much less effort in the long run.

Logs with big knots, twists or branches will be harder to split.

If your axe gets stuck whack the end of the handle down quickly or pick up axe with log attached and smash down whole thing.

Aim for the centre of the growth rings - not necessarily the centre of the tree

Use a large round of trunk as your 'cutting' block.

It's great for your abs.