How to Chop Wood
One of the best heat sources that you can have at home can come from a wood. And in order for you to do this on then, you will need to make sure that you are able to chop wood yourself. Once you will opt for this one then you can choose to do three methods. And if you are interested in chopping your own wood then read on this article as we will be teaching you the common ways for o to do it.
What you need:
- An Ax
- A maul
- Safety goggles
- Safety gloves
- A wedge
- Hydraulic splitter
Instructions
Using an Ax or Maul
Image credit: smarthomekeeping.com
If you will choose to chop your very own wood then see to it that you will be considering safety at all times. In order to do this one, wear safety gears at all times. You need to don your gloves to protect your hands. You will also need some safety glasses to keep wood splinters from flying into your eyes.
Once you are ready with the safety gears then you now need to prepare your tools and get your wood as well. You can opt to get a tree from your property. You need to know though that once you will choose this one then it can get a little intense. This method is not recommended for individuals with no experience. If you are not able to do it right then untoward accidents might happen.
If you already got your logs. Choose the one with the biggest stump. This will be your chopping base. You will be using the stump to stand the pieces of wood in order for you to cut them down to little pieces. You need to have a large round log.
Stand it up on the wooden base.
Use your ax or maul to cut the piece of wood in half.
Once you have already chopped the wood in half, remove the one half of the wood from your wooden base. Stand the half of the wood that is left and swing your ax or maul into it. This will help you turn your half into a quarter.
Using a maul and wedge
Image credit: chainsawjournal.com
Another method that you can choose to use in order to chop wood is through a maul and wedge. Like any other methods of chopping wood, you still need to use safety gears here. See to it that you will also have your tools ready. Having a wooden base is also needed in this method.
With the base that you have set the log into place and break it into manageable sizes. You need to make sure that you will be cutting the wood in pieces where you are able to use it directly in your fireplace or wood stove.
If you are using a wedge, see if there are any natural cracks in the wood. The natural cracks will act as your place for your wedge. Use an ax or maul to strike the wedge. This will cut the wood into little pieces easier.
Divide the wood first in half and then divide it over and over again until you will have a wood that you can directly use. You can chop the wood in sizes that you think will be the most useful.
Using a hydraulic wood splitter
Image credit: wikihow.com
Start this process by breaking the log into pieces that are easier to carry. You can use a chainsaw to make the process easier. If you don’t have any idea using a chainsaw teen make sure that you will be seeking help. Never try it on your own.
Once you have smaller portions of the logs, you now can place them inside the splitter.
Once the log is in place, you will need to run the splitter on. Pull the lever that will activate the hydraulic splitter. This will be pushing the wood forward into the blade and splits the wood.
Conclusion
Chopping wood might need some elbow grease depending on what method you want to use. If you don’t have any idea especially when using power tools, always ask for guidance. This will avid frustration and also accidents. Having the experience and knowledge for chopping wood is a skill that you can carry with you and can be very useful.
