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- Aug 3, 2013
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Im looking for a good splitting axe for fire wood but i dont want a splitting maul. Im thinking i want somthing to restore. What should i look for? And how long of a handle should i get?
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Splitting axe
- Thread starter Sam Kimball
- Start date
Sam,
I'm partial to a 3.5 pound double bit (DB) with a 36 inch handle. My current favorites are a Plumb and a True Temper Flint Edge. Many people on this site prefer single bits for splitting. I like the balance of a DB and you can really get them moving fast. The only time I've had problems with the DB is when I don't thin out the cheeks of the handle enough. If they stick out too far they tend to get some damage when they hit the wood being split.
You can't go wrong with any of the True Temper Kelly Works axe heads. They're usually readily available on everyone's favorite auction site. I have been able to get some for under $35 with shipping, but have paid as high as $90 for some of the rarer models. Considering that I paid $80 with shipping for a new Snow & Neally which isn't near the quality, I think the vintage Kelly Works axes can be an excellent value. As I said, I'm kind of partial to Plumb axes too.
There are a lot of axes available if you look on the online auction sites. You're sure to find something that interests you. Post some pictures when you get something. You'll get lots more good advice on this forum.
Later.
I'm partial to a 3.5 pound double bit (DB) with a 36 inch handle. My current favorites are a Plumb and a True Temper Flint Edge. Many people on this site prefer single bits for splitting. I like the balance of a DB and you can really get them moving fast. The only time I've had problems with the DB is when I don't thin out the cheeks of the handle enough. If they stick out too far they tend to get some damage when they hit the wood being split.
You can't go wrong with any of the True Temper Kelly Works axe heads. They're usually readily available on everyone's favorite auction site. I have been able to get some for under $35 with shipping, but have paid as high as $90 for some of the rarer models. Considering that I paid $80 with shipping for a new Snow & Neally which isn't near the quality, I think the vintage Kelly Works axes can be an excellent value. As I said, I'm kind of partial to Plumb axes too.
There are a lot of axes available if you look on the online auction sites. You're sure to find something that interests you. Post some pictures when you get something. You'll get lots more good advice on this forum.
Later.
I'll echo what bb said about handle length. When splitting, I advocate as long a handle as you are comfortable with. The longer the handle, the faster it will be moving when it impacts the wood- speed is everything. Also, it's less likely to do damage to you if you happen to miss your mark.
I will say I prefer a single bit when splitting with an axe. If the axe head gets stuck in the round, there's a technique where you turn it over and swing the axe into the stump poll first, using inertia to continue the split. Can't do that very well with a double bit.
I will say I prefer a single bit when splitting with an axe. If the axe head gets stuck in the round, there's a technique where you turn it over and swing the axe into the stump poll first, using inertia to continue the split. Can't do that very well with a double bit.
Square_peg
Gold Member
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2012
- Messages
- 13,793
3-1/2 to 5 pound single bit on a 32" to 36" handle. Vintage axe with convex cheeks. Big poll for balance.
Current favorite is a 5 pound Plumb on a 36".
Current favorite is a 5 pound Plumb on a 36".
Square_peg
Gold Member
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2012
- Messages
- 13,793
Yes, if you're splitting anything hard then you should keep some wedges handy.
To split alder first set the round up on your splitting block. Show the round that you do in fact have an axe and then shout, "BOO!". The alder round will then fall into 6 pieces all by itself.
(Have I mentioned lately how easy it is to split alder?)
To split alder first set the round up on your splitting block. Show the round that you do in fact have an axe and then shout, "BOO!". The alder round will then fall into 6 pieces all by itself.
(Have I mentioned lately how easy it is to split alder?)
Yes, if you're splitting anything hard then you should keep some wedges handy.
To split alder first set the round up on your splitting block. Show the round that you do in fact have an axe and then shout, "BOO!". The alder round will then fall into 6 pieces all by itself.
(Have I mentioned lately how easy it is to split alder?)
Pegs;
That's too funny. I wish we had some big alder around here. Ours rarely makes 3 inches and it's not straight. Takes forever to get a pickup load.