I'd like to pick up a nice set of 3 or 4 steel splitting wedges in order to split 10' to 20' lengths of 14" dia Jack Pine in Ontario (to build staircases and other log construction stuff for a cabin). Besides shelling out for the new GB ones (as nice as they are), what options have you guys found? What sizes do you prefer?
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Splitting Wedges Anyone?
- Thread starter catalytic
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I bet you a custom maker could do a VERY nice set for you for a reasonable price.
Square_peg
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Vintage American steel wedges found at garage and estate sales are the best. I like long wedges that taper slowly. And for splitting lengths of wood don't forget the usefulness of wood wedges. With a single metal wedge and an unlimited supply of wooden wedges you can handle almost anything. But bring 2 or 3 good metal wedges just in case.
One other thing, a very slightly concave bevel on the tip of your wedge will help it to take purchase in the wood more readily.
One other thing, a very slightly concave bevel on the tip of your wedge will help it to take purchase in the wood more readily.
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Total agreement. I like a long wedge when possible but they're awful hard to find.
The Estwing ones seem pretty well-made, too, I should mention.
Square_peg
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Exactly.
We discussed it in this thread.
What-is-the-proper-sharpness-for-an-axe
I posted an image near the bottom of page 2. Thunderstick did some experimenting with the concave grind and found it beneficial for him, too.
We discussed it in this thread.
What-is-the-proper-sharpness-for-an-axe
I posted an image near the bottom of page 2. Thunderstick did some experimenting with the concave grind and found it beneficial for him, too.
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One of the pawn shops I go to quite often has a bunch of old wedges.
Maybe try one near you.
I've never used one, but have heard that the USA made estwing wedges were really nice.
Maybe try one near you.
I've never used one, but have heard that the USA made estwing wedges were really nice.
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I have some of the newer hardware store wedges that have long tapers and I have ground them concave at the bit end. They split well. In general though it seems that hardware store wedges are softer then I would prefer. Deforming on the hammer end is preferable to chunking but I think a little harder would be better--so vintage is preferable if you find ones that don't have massive mushrooms to dress.
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I have found that the more expensive "Made in USA" wedges are MUCH better over the long run than the cheaper Chinese/India wedges.
I've used up 2 cheap ones in an afternoon. The sledge face of my splitting maul is near perfect, but those wedges needed to hit the bench grinder afterwards to take off the mushroom.
Estwing makes great wedges, they will pay for themselves if you use them regularly. I'd imagine that Council tool has great wedges too.
The only Long wedges I know of are from Northern Tool... but I have no experience with them.
They could be good, but I wouldn't bet on it.
That being said I have a 2lb hatchet from Harbor Freight that holds a great edge, yet is hung a little crooked. Overall a good product, but I only found it due to this site. You can find good stuff that is cheap, it just takes a lot of looking.
If you can't find older quality wedges, I'd recommend you save up and purchase good tools once.
I've used up 2 cheap ones in an afternoon. The sledge face of my splitting maul is near perfect, but those wedges needed to hit the bench grinder afterwards to take off the mushroom.
Estwing makes great wedges, they will pay for themselves if you use them regularly. I'd imagine that Council tool has great wedges too.
The only Long wedges I know of are from Northern Tool... but I have no experience with them.
They could be good, but I wouldn't bet on it.
That being said I have a 2lb hatchet from Harbor Freight that holds a great edge, yet is hung a little crooked. Overall a good product, but I only found it due to this site. You can find good stuff that is cheap, it just takes a lot of looking.
If you can't find older quality wedges, I'd recommend you save up and purchase good tools once.