Keep Safety
In Mind!
o Don’t let anyone stand too close to
you when splitting wood.
o Keep the blade sharp! And sheathed when not in use.
o Check the axe or maul for
imperfections like a splintering handle, or a wobbly head!
o Wear protective eye gear.
o Wear fitting leather gloves. They will give you a more secure hold onto
the handle and help save your hands from painful splinters from the wood.
o Wear proper fitting, sturdy work
boots.
o Check your surroundings: any low hanging branches?,
o No debris under your chopping block.
What
are the differences between an Axe and a Maul:
o A maul is more like a sharp, very
heavy sledge hammer. They are usually 6
to 8 pounds. The handle is longer and
heavier.
o An axe has a more slender, sharper
head, weighing in closer at 3 to 4 pounds.
The handle on the axe is thinner, shorter and lighter than the maul
handle.
The 6 Steps:
1.
Place cut tree limb or trunk on a chopping
block. The wood to be split needs to be
seasoned and dry.
2. Have your feet should width apart.
3. Hold axe or maul with both hands out
infront of you resting the wood to be split.
4. When you have found the spot where you want
the axe or maul to hit, put the neck of the handle (closest to the head) in
your right hand if you’re right handed or left hand if your left handed (this
is your lead hand). Keep the opposite
hand at the top of the handle.
5. Throw the axe or maul straight up (not behind
or with a rounding swing… this is more work than worth and can hurt your
back). Let your lead hand slid to the
top of the handle with the other hand. Then
let the weight of the axe or maul fall at its own force splitting the wood.
6.
Keep your eyes focused on the center of the wood to be split. This will help keep your body in line with
the swing.
Don’t
be discouraged if you don’t split the wood on your first try, it takes
practice! Sometimes the wood is too green, or has too many knots to really
split easily.
Remember,
let the axe or maul do the work!
Be
safe and enjoy your nice fire!
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