Wood Chopping Axe Recommendation

[RByers91]

The old axe has finally started to split, and the head won't stay on any longer. I'm hoping to find a good axe that is great for splitting wood. I don't really know where to start since there are so many different types. Price range would be under $100. Thanks for any input.

 

[Operator1975]

I would check out Council Tools USA. See what they have. Should have something to hopefully meet your needs, either axe or maul wise. Plenty of other options out there too(vintage, euro, etc).

Thanks!!!

 

[300Six]

If the head is still good why toss out a perfectly good implement for want of a simple $10-15 handle and a little bit of work. If you're 'all thumbs' regarding woodwork ability perhaps you can track down or appeal to someone to put the handle on for you in exchange for a beer six-pack or bottle of wine.
My friends and neighbours all have serviceable handles on their stuff, thanks to me.
First time around is a bit nerve wracking and time consuming but once you get the hang of it (pun intended) it feels good to be able to maintain and/or customize/fit your own tools.

 

[lmalterna]

RB,
Might be a nice opportunity to add new dimension to your splitting. Rehandle that axe and maybe add a light splitting maul? All well under 100.00 and adds some function.

A "functional" rehandle does not have to be perfect. I used to "slam" handles in to get back to work, these days I am trying to learn how to do the really nice jobs but getting work down does not require it.

Bill

 

[RByers91]

The head of the axe is pretty much beat. Its heavily chipped, rusting like crazy, and is not a splitting type axe from what I understand. Not to mention its a cheap axe that the family bought at a local hardware store, so fixing it isn't really an option in my opinion. I cam across the Husqvarna Large Splitting Axe. Anyone have experience with these guys?

 

[RByers91]

Bump.

 

[Square_peg]

For splitting I prefer a heavy axe in the 4-5 pound range. It will do most of what a heavier 8-pound maul will do and do it faster and easier. Operator mentioned Council Tools. They sell heavy axes including the 'Dayton' pattern in weights up to 6 pounds. My current favorite splitter is a 5-pound rafting axe. There is very little that this axe won't split that a maul will.

Splitting axes last longer if you make it a habit never to try to split the opposite side of the log. This is called an 'overstrike' and damages the haft. Use a splitting block at least 50% larger than the wood you are splitting and strike the near side of log to be split. Bend at the knees in your swing and keep the axe handle parallel to the ground. The block will stop the axe if it passes through the piece being split.

 

[RByers91]

So you would recommend an axe over a maul? Council seems to have a 6 lb maul at a good price. Would the 6 lb dayton be better in your opinion?

Also, where is the best place to purchase one of these axe's? Cant seem to find any online retailers that sell them lower than retail.

 

[300Six]

Nice thing about splitting mauls is they don't have to be 'first class' tools. Matter of fact for large rounds I've gravitated to a splitting wedge (and don't buy a cheapie one of these because they do get abused) and a sledge. The exertion required then becomes consistent as you keep tapping away regardless of whether the wood is straight grain or a gnarly old stump. I have never owned a maul but I can see the advantage of having a splitting blade and a hammer poll all in one, and then using it along with a wedge on the ornery stuff.

 

[ncfh]

Omaha Knife has good prices on Council Tools axes.

Council doesn't really sharpen their axes when they leave the factory, so Omaha Knife has a free sharpening service. Just have to add it to your cart before you check out.

http://omahaknifestore.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=89&sort=20a&page=1

 

[Square_peg]

So you would recommend an axe over a maul?

Yes.

Council seems to have a 6 lb maul at a good price. Would the 6 lb dayton be better in your opinion?

I'd choose a 5 pound Dayton over a 6 pound maul.

Also, where is the best place to purchase one of these axe's? Cant seem to find any online retailers that sell them lower than retail.

A local chainsaw shop here carries a wide range of Council axes, mauls and replacement handles. Maybe there's a similar shop near you?

 

[liamstrain]

Council Tool, or the New Fiskars splitting axe (x25 or x27)

Like Square Peg, I tend to prefer an axe over a maul.

 

[Operator1975]

When I split wood I use a heavy maul, believe it has a 12 pound head or heavier. Then if I have to split more, then I'll go with whatever axe I have around, cruiser or Dayton 4 lber usually.

 

[mycough]

Fiskars splitter. I split 6-7 cords a year with one. My chainsaw forum has hundreds of pages on them. In a nut shell it is the light bullet moving fast principle. You could get on and a council Axe for under a C note. Russ

 

[nickzdon]

For splitting I prefer a heavy axe in the 4-5 pound range. It will do most of what a heavier 8-pound maul will do and do it faster and easier. Operator mentioned Council Tools. They sell heavy axes including the 'Dayton' pattern in weights up to 6 pounds. My current favorite splitter is a 5-pound rafting axe. There is very little that this axe won't split that a maul will.

I agree. And if you can master splitting with a twist (twisting the axe head as it travels down into the log. The head then hits the round at an angle and the lever actions pries the wood apart.) you'll save yourself a lot of time and effort. I think most of the energy expended during splitting can go to just picking up, or reorienting the round you're splitting. When you get the twist of the axe head just right you can pop pieces off the round without having it fall off the block, or on to the ground. Granted, that only happens for about 1 in 5 strikes for me, but practice makes perfect.