Thank ya! I try to tell everyone you get more power over your head. My dad taught me that. People are always surprised when i ring the bell at the fair!
He didn't mention it (that I can recall) but a key part of getting the maul to strike at that crucial level angle involves dropping straight down at the knees when you start pulling the weight down from overhead. That vertical drop in your body puts a ton of acceleration force into the beginning of the swing (like a boxer that throws with their body, not just their arm). You can see his knees drop every time. If you can manage even just a bit more of a partial squat coming down, you don't have to bend your back forward as much. Makes for less backache and longer stamina. The other thing I do is not as much back swing. I pretty much just launch the maul head straight up, then pull it straight back down like a pile driver. It doesn't really go behind my head at all. Having said that, this old timer has a super strong back and forearms, and can manage that back swing better than me, so he is gaining a lot of momentum and speed. I try to conserve energy.
@@WORMGITTER Yup, you spent some time showing that, and talking about striking with the full edge of the blade, not on the corner of the blade. Thanks for sharing this.
Been splitting for over 20 yrs myself. I once out split two other teams (three guys each on huge gas splitters) at our ski club. Only had my wife and another woman helping. The technique described above, along with the love and respect this gentleman in the video displays are part of why I also find it so satisfying. I'm no giant either (buck 50 and 5'10"). Years of splitting have also taught me to loosen my grip just before the actual impact. Keeps energy going into the splitting wood (and spares your own body too!). Upon a wild ricochet I "catch" the handle by grabbing firm once more and riding it out to the side. Breath, move gracefully, and let your body tell you how to swing (don't overthink, let each piece be your guide). Good times.
This might be the most reassuring beautiful video I have ever seen. I just spent 20 minutes trying to split my first fresh cut silver maple log with that exact same maul. I want to purchase an outdoor wood boiler and I've never done this type of work before. It was a disheartening experience spending 20 minutes missing/taking small chunks/off balance swings but I am not a quitter and your calm voice and masterful splits have given me hope and confidence that I will learn it. I love learning from old timers because they have more patience for ignorant people like me :)
Just a tip you possibly know, your not going to drive a maul through timber with knots in it easily or at all. A wedge and sledge hammer help or a chainsaw to make knotty logs half the width. Have fun it's enjoyable work.
THANK YOU. I've watched several splitting videos on TH-cam and it hurts my heart seeing these folks not only struggle, but teaching other people to do it the same way so they will also be stuck struggling. I'm 43 now, and my dad had me splitting with the maul since as soon as I was old enough to lift the thing. The over the shoulder swing is absolutely the best way, and while a chopping block can be helpful in certain cases, it just creates even more impact absorption between the maul and the ground most of the time and also cuts the momentum of your swing in half. There's definitely more than one way to split firewood, but a lot of folks are very much doing it the hard way.
This is the FIRST TIME I have seen a video of someone that knows how to handle a mall. I am the same age as you and I took a job splitting and stacking wood when I was 13. I was (thankfully) taught to handle the mall as you do. There is no better way. GREAT JOB!!!
Thank you man im 14 and trying to figure out a way to swing a mayl on some bigger pwice for my Grandpa that can't puck up medium size prices of wood that my brother decided to split. What a honor to watch this and learn somthing, thanks man
Much respect sir. I enjoyed partaking in your wisdom. I think a chopping block is useful for raising your angle of impact for a proper impact across the maul face. It also acts as a less forgiving impact surface on the bottom of the workpiece which multiplies the force applied to the log. Godspeed sir!
Duke, I enjoyed hearing your early wood cutting experiences. I haven't split a log with a maul in about 15 years. But I've done it. You got me all charged up to split a few logs again! Sizing them for our small wood stove at Lake Ketchabigwon is important. I learned some valuable tips with this! Thank you my friend!
I had no idea how to use a maul properly. Thank you for demonstrating how. I paused the video right as your blade hit the wood and I see the form I should take. A+
Over the last 2 weeks I have pushed my work back so I could use myself and my guys to help a friend on a site clearance for 120 new homes. Overgrown for 17 years, brambles, bushes, thorns, tress you name it. Anyway, I bagged myself a heap of trees and filled a flatbed truck. I have a burner and always purchased my logs, had a great time cutting it into logs and splitting it all with my 8 year old over the weekend!!!! Very satisfying work!!! Back to the plastering now though, enjoyed the video!
I unfortunately missed out on splitting wood having grown up in san diego. Left CA at 18 and live in Washington now. No shortage of trees. I dont have a wood fireplace so most of the burning i do is in the yard or camping. I dont want to buy wood. Last year i helped a friend split wood he had. He rented a hydraulic splitter and it worked great made short work of the log pile he had. Recently i helped another friend i work with cut up a bunch of trees that blew over at his property. He said take all that you want. Alot of cedar wood. Im into being self reliant/prepping so being able to use a modern machine is great but knowing how to do it the old way as a back up is important. Also great exercise and seeing the log split apart with a good swing is a good feeling
Hello fellow wood hound! Just subscribed! I don’t swing mauls anymore, in the 70’s I used a Monster Maul, and the same axe’s and wedges and sledge!🪵👍🏼🇱🇷
Good tips Duke. Down thru the years, I was a Lineman climbed poles, but also trees. Every house I owned had a Buck Stove in the fireplace. Lots of fun memories of cutting and splitting wood. I ran that splitting maul too. Now we have gas logs. Me and Janet miss a real wood fire. If I was 30-35 again, I'd sho make some changes and get back to the country. Thanks Duke.
I was looking up how to swing a maul after i've been doing it for a few years to chop up firewood and I came across this. Good to know i'm doing it right lol
I knew from the first words this is a person I should listen to. Good old fashioned country wisdom. I picked up some great pointers. Got an oak in my bike yard I'm cutting up and splitting tomorrow. Gonna give the overhead swing a try and will try to hit with the malls sweet spot. Thank you sir!
Hey thanks man. I been asking advice all over. And no one ever said you need to land the maul in the middle of the edge. Makes perfect sense. But Idve never thought of it hadn't you said it out loud. Thanks for blessing God as well. We are not saved to be silent
I'm 59 been splitting my own wood for 20 years that's my method at 5'10" 150 lbs my woman's son is same height 275 lbs thought he would show me how to split wood I put him to shame
Very helpful indeed. We have a 27 ton log splitter but I like the workout of splitting wood the old way and it seems like I'm faster that that splitter but I'll give out before it does. Thanks for the video.
I was always taught to swing by winding around and sliding the top hand down the handle. But when I started splitting wood regularly I began to naturally swing in this exact fashion. I found it to be much better, more accurate, and perhaps even more powerful.
I like the way you covered the wood with the metal.Some good tips Duke, I use just the sledge and wedge when I used to split wood. I like that maul, maybe I should have tried it instead. I used to beat the heck out of those wedges. Thanks for sharing these tips
I totally agree. Hitting at the right angle is important. I just put the round on a block so I don't have to bend my back as much as you do and to avoid all the power being absorbed by the ground.
you are right about the power being absorbed...for me its safer the round to be lower...I add bark where I am chopping and its not so much an issue...I have more power with little effort using my weight behind the swing...Thanks for commenting
Smaller logs I put on the block, but above a certain size I leave them on the ground - for two reasons. One, the high relative mass compared to the maul means you lose very little energy. Two, it’s too heavy for me to lift on to the block. I’m talking about 18” and above rounds, about 18” long. Just split them on the ground where it’s also easier to retrieve the split logs for further cuts as you take it apart.
I'm 13 years old. Got a like 4 pound Collins axe from Home Hardware and I just bought my dad a 1 ¼ pound Collins hatchet from the same place. Gonna get a splitting maul with my Christmas money and my Pastor said I could chop down a few trees on his property. I'm getting a Cold Steel Trail Boss axe for Christmas and I'm gonna have some fun remaking the axe with linseed oil and paint remover. God bless from Canada, Sam.
That squat is where the max power comes from! Best one I ever used was a buddy’s he welded up. Big fat heavy wedge he had milled out of high grade steel welded to a thick walled 1” steel pipe with athletic tape wrapped for the grip. Prob 12 lbs. It was a beast!
My first time watching this channel, but I agreed with the way you swing. I also get it straight over my head for toughest logs. I use "circle around right shoulder" for normal logs and also small "half-swing" from eyes level for easiest splits. Thanks for sharing your experience, as a 39 yo apprentice woodman living on 73 acres in Canada, I really appreciate your tips. The importance of hitting middle of axe blade, leveled with the ground, is often overlooked. Also, the edge allignement is crucial, lot of energy wasted if the axe edge is not straight. Cya later for sure =)
I have a similar maul and have been splitting logs for about 20 years. One skill is judging the wood itself. A knot-free section of ash (even a large one) will split easily with one hit, but many other species can be really tough. Near the base of the tree the grain can go like crepe paper and that makes splitting hard and trying to split when there is a major branch or fork can be downright impossible. If there is no movement after two or three swings I put it to one side and slice it up with the chainsaw later. Never had any significant accidents yet (touch wood!) but the most dangerous aspect is when you have the log on a block and the maul glances off a knot or similar and continues at speed towards your feet.
Love it. I'd have a beer with the Gitter any day. Same vintage same experience, just a little difference in latitude. He also knows about protecting all your hard work from moisture. The kindling gizmo is patent human ingenuity .
I'm starting to chop some wood for my family and while I'm not super strong I bought 2 axes that are light enough for me to handle but also heavy enough to cut the wood they have. Watching the technique here was very helpful to getting my swings right. I just gotta work on hitting the same spot multiple times and since I'm indoor while chopping(to wet to do it outside so there's nowhere else) I try to be careful not to swing to hard and hit the ground or ceiling so I can't use all my strength and have to mostly rely on the weight of the axe.
Great demo. i tried splitting some wet logs once. It didn't go too well, only a few logs actually split, i tried my hardest. And my back, arms, and hands were killing me for a few days afterwards.
I split the same way, from the center of my body and down I go. You are right, you do get better at it, you also get stronger. By the end of winter the logs will fly apart.
It helps that if it's cold enough the wood becomes brittle, any moisture inside has frozen. At least in my experience. I love splitting wood and have at least a cord's worth left to do.
I've been cutting wood for a few years now but always interested in sharing some tips. I use a block to split on but now as time goes on ( LOL) I leave the big heavy one on the ground split them with the wedge then use the block. Just replaced HF Pittsburg 8 lb splitting maul after 7 year of use & also bought a Fiskars 8lb splitting maul. Both get the job done but I notice the Fiskars handle has a little more flex in it when you hit one of those rounds that won't budge at first. Stay safe, Joe Z
Thats some sound advice there Duke! Ya know people take the labor force for granted. Even the simplest of tasks require skill. I really like your splitter for kindling, was hoping to see a demonstration. I love them DIY creations!
Looks like you know what your doing, Duke. Thanks for sharing your technique. I think that would be better exercise too, than going to the gym. My grandparents used to burn wood. The stove would sure make it toasty in there.
Great video. I used to split wood for my friends dad.and my dad for yrs.im 49 now but it's like ridin a bike 😂 I liked just a regular old sharp axe. And split big logs in the winter when there frozen is even easier 👊😎👍🙏💯
Loved the video & have subed to your channel. Picked up a couple of techniques which are going to help me a lot. Thank you sir, greetings from Australia. God bless.
To me, the most important tip given is that the handle must be perpendicular to the splitting surface. Watch as he blows through a piece at about 8:40 and the maul handle is perpendicular. Also, I don't focus on the top of the log, I picture hitting the bottom, so you drive through the piece....much like this big guy does! Nice vid!
Split the wood as soon as possible after cutting to minimize wood going punky. I swing a maul the same as an axe including the flip at the end of the stroke. Tires have gotten wider tread and narrow sidewalls some make perfect splitting accessories to keep the wood in place and upright until you get the whole thing split up; makes splitting so easy you may make the whole round into kindling!
Great advice!! Especially your placement of the log closer to the ground. I’ve found in the event of a clean pass-through the ground will be more likely to catch that maul before it can get to either foot/leg. Lots of close calls when that log is too high on a splitting stump. Another fast-learned lesson is to always pass up on trying to hand split Sycamore.....that’s a heck of a workout!! Love your Vids brother!!! Blessings!!!!
My brother loves doing things to cause arguments, used the log I was trying to split as a chopping block and snaps the handle day 1. Isolation truly makes it hard to learn and be successful
I have the very same tools as you. And eight pounders are plenty to swing. Although I also have a cat skidsteer that I hook my log splitter to. And my Moto is if it will fit in the stove don’t split it.
Hmm I'm not sure about that though. Because when I swing it gets pushed up in the air over my shoulders or I use the momentum that starts from the ground and it basically does a 360° with I believe more impact than having it drop with a little muscle from overhead.
Great tips, I always hit the first few swings either on the shaft or off the center. Hahaha! Until I get the swing down, it’s all muscle memory and eye contact. You must have a decent size stove. I’d love to hear my house with wood. Such a great heat source.
Lots don’t have the strength to go over head. I used to get it up from side then center it while in air then come down straight. But I would come down not flush. Didn’t realize until watching video. Thx for video.
If you take a piece of chain and a bungy cord wrap it around the piece you are going to split it keeps the wood from flying all over the place as you hit it with the maul. Instead of picking up the pieces twice you can pick up the round after split with the chain place it on the pile and undo the bungy cord
@@WORMGITTER I just hate touching the wood more than i have to... think about how many times one piece of wood gets handled by the time it makes it into the stove, this just helps me from picking up all the split pieces.
I understand and appreciate ye sharing what works for you...Thank You James....I also saw where a plastic barrel had the top and bottom cut out and about a 1/3 of the side was cut out too...it looked like it worked good, thought about trying that to see
@@WORMGITTER good morning. my friend. just woke up from my old man nap thinking about where I can buy a mail in this 2 horse town to split me a piece of fire wood before nightfall. chores never go away. thinking about them in my sleep. does this ever happen to you.?? I could give a hoot about no football game cause I still got work to finish. I guess that's just how we were raised. take care brother I got to take miss bonnie to the big town for some groceries. God Bless
![[#2024MAMA] ROSÉ (로제), Bruno Mars - APT. | Mnet 241122 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dgGqD28J6aQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank ya! I try to tell everyone you get more power over your head. My dad taught me that. People are always surprised when i ring the bell at the fair!
that's cool!! People reply I'm doing it wrong....the title of the video says "how I swing!"
Yep over the head is the way I was taught. I broke the bell ringer at the fair last year. Country boys can survive!
@@jaredbradley4095 atta-boy!
Right on. Nobody told me how to swing an axe but that's the way I've always swung it. BRAVEHEART style😂✌️
instablaster
Sir, what an honor it was to learn from watching you work. I have spent my entire life in school to build my career. Now I am trying to build my life.
you will do well...Thank you
Welcome to the real world :)
There are so many of us in the same boat. We missed out on what really matters.
You can do it. Don't let anybody tell you what you can't do. Carve your own path. Trust GOD and you will be fine.
I could listen to this guy tell his stories all day. Reminds me of someone I lost 19 years ago.
That southern ole boy got more back then most 25 year olds. great video from the Northern Hills of Arkansas
Michael no homo*
He didn't mention it (that I can recall) but a key part of getting the maul to strike at that crucial level angle involves dropping straight down at the knees when you start pulling the weight down from overhead. That vertical drop in your body puts a ton of acceleration force into the beginning of the swing (like a boxer that throws with their body, not just their arm). You can see his knees drop every time. If you can manage even just a bit more of a partial squat coming down, you don't have to bend your back forward as much. Makes for less backache and longer stamina. The other thing I do is not as much back swing. I pretty much just launch the maul head straight up, then pull it straight back down like a pile driver. It doesn't really go behind my head at all. Having said that, this old timer has a super strong back and forearms, and can manage that back swing better than me, so he is gaining a lot of momentum and speed. I try to conserve energy.
good points rmcdaniel423 I think the angle of contact was mentioned but you shared some real good detail
@@WORMGITTER Yup, you spent some time showing that, and talking about striking with the full edge of the blade, not on the corner of the blade. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks bro, the "partial squat" is an important advice for saving back...
^^^This x100
Been splitting for over 20 yrs myself. I once out split two other teams (three guys each on huge gas splitters) at our ski club. Only had my wife and another woman helping. The technique described above, along with the love and respect this gentleman in the video displays are part of why I also find it so satisfying. I'm no giant either (buck 50 and 5'10"). Years of splitting have also taught me to loosen my grip just before the actual impact. Keeps energy going into the splitting wood (and spares your own body too!). Upon a wild ricochet I "catch" the handle by grabbing firm once more and riding it out to the side. Breath, move gracefully, and let your body tell you how to swing (don't overthink, let each piece be your guide). Good times.
This might be the most reassuring beautiful video I have ever seen. I just spent 20 minutes trying to split my first fresh cut silver maple log with that exact same maul. I want to purchase an outdoor wood boiler and I've never done this type of work before. It was a disheartening experience spending 20 minutes missing/taking small chunks/off balance swings but I am not a quitter and your calm voice and masterful splits have given me hope and confidence that I will learn it. I love learning from old timers because they have more patience for ignorant people like me :)
Just a tip you possibly know, your not going to drive a maul through timber with knots in it easily or at all. A wedge and sledge hammer help or a chainsaw to make knotty logs half the width. Have fun it's enjoyable work.
Always love hearing advice and learning from the old timers that have been doing it for years
Todd Smith Not enough of the old wisdom is being passed down; most don’t want to hear it.
6 years later this man still helping out, thanks!
you're Welcome!
THANK YOU.
I've watched several splitting videos on TH-cam and it hurts my heart seeing these folks not only struggle, but teaching other people to do it the same way so they will also be stuck struggling.
I'm 43 now, and my dad had me splitting with the maul since as soon as I was old enough to lift the thing. The over the shoulder swing is absolutely the best way, and while a chopping block can be helpful in certain cases, it just creates even more impact absorption between the maul and the ground most of the time and also cuts the momentum of your swing in half.
There's definitely more than one way to split firewood, but a lot of folks are very much doing it the hard way.
You're the grandfather I never had. Thanks for a good vid with some gems of wisdom.
Thank you so much sir, 16 year old who got his first maul today and I'm very excited!
This is the FIRST TIME I have seen a video of someone that knows how to handle a mall.
I am the same age as you and I took a job splitting and stacking wood when I was 13.
I was (thankfully) taught to handle the mall as you do.
There is no better way.
GREAT JOB!!!
if we don't have it right at our age then we haven't split much wood! Thanks buddy!
So nice that you share what you know. God bless.
This is so neat. It is truly fascinating to behold this man, his lifestyle, and the information he is sharing.
Thank Ye!
I used to split two cords of wood a day with this method when I was 20 years old I used to sell firewood in New York the only way to do it great video
Thank you man im 14 and trying to figure out a way to swing a mayl on some bigger pwice for my Grandpa that can't puck up medium size prices of wood that my brother decided to split. What a honor to watch this and learn somthing, thanks man
Much respect sir. I enjoyed partaking in your wisdom. I think a chopping block is useful for raising your angle of impact for a proper impact across the maul face. It also acts as a less forgiving impact surface on the bottom of the workpiece which multiplies the force applied to the log. Godspeed sir!
I agree Justin...I use a block sometimes but just got away from using them regularly...Thanks
Duke, it’s the simple things people often don’t understand. Thanks for showing us all of these ways and ideas that you do things.
Lil Doggy heyyy I resemble that remark 😶 lol
Duke, I enjoyed hearing your early wood cutting experiences. I haven't split a log with a maul in about 15 years. But I've done it. You got me all charged up to split a few logs again! Sizing them for our small wood stove at Lake Ketchabigwon is important. I learned some valuable tips with this! Thank you my friend!
I had no idea how to use a maul properly. Thank you for demonstrating how. I paused the video right as your blade hit the wood and I see the form I should take. A+
Over the last 2 weeks I have pushed my work back so I could use myself and my guys to help a friend on a site clearance for 120 new homes. Overgrown for 17 years, brambles, bushes, thorns, tress you name it. Anyway, I bagged myself a heap of trees and filled a flatbed truck. I have a burner and always purchased my logs, had a great time cutting it into logs and splitting it all with my 8 year old over the weekend!!!! Very satisfying work!!! Back to the plastering now though, enjoyed the video!
Thank you...Lord bless your efforts
I learn more coming here than anywhere else on TH-cam. Always great information. Lots of fun too.
"Thats a rotten piece a wood..." the disappointment lol great vid
Thanks! :)
You have just taught me a life (and back) saving skill..I bought my first maul yesterday. Very helpful. Thank you.
you are Welcome
Hey friend. What maul did you get and how did you decide? I'm about to get my 1st one too.
Thank you 4 showing the proper way to split wood with a maul. Can't wait 2 try it. I'm 66 & need all the help I can get.
I unfortunately missed out on splitting wood having grown up in san diego. Left CA at 18 and live in Washington now. No shortage of trees. I dont have a wood fireplace so most of the burning i do is in the yard or camping. I dont want to buy wood. Last year i helped a friend split wood he had. He rented a hydraulic splitter and it worked great made short work of the log pile he had. Recently i helped another friend i work with cut up a bunch of trees that blew over at his property. He said take all that you want. Alot of cedar wood. Im into being self reliant/prepping so being able to use a modern machine is great but knowing how to do it the old way as a back up is important. Also great exercise and seeing the log split apart with a good swing is a good feeling
Hello fellow wood hound! Just subscribed! I don’t swing mauls anymore, in the 70’s I used a Monster Maul, and the same axe’s and wedges and sledge!🪵👍🏼🇱🇷
Good tips Duke. Down thru the years, I was a Lineman climbed poles, but also trees. Every house I owned had a Buck Stove in the fireplace. Lots of fun memories of cutting and splitting wood. I ran that splitting maul too. Now we have gas logs. Me and Janet miss a real wood fire. If I was 30-35 again, I'd sho make some changes and get back to the country. Thanks Duke.
I was looking up how to swing a maul after i've been doing it for a few years to chop up firewood and I came across this. Good to know i'm doing it right lol
I knew from the first words this is a person I should listen to. Good old fashioned country wisdom. I picked up some great pointers. Got an oak in my bike yard I'm cutting up and splitting tomorrow. Gonna give the overhead swing a try and will try to hit with the malls sweet spot. Thank you sir!
Hey thanks man. I been asking advice all over. And no one ever said you need to land the maul in the middle of the edge.
Makes perfect sense. But Idve never thought of it hadn't you said it out loud.
Thanks for blessing God as well. We are not saved to be silent
Amen Brother....I didn't show it but another viewer commented about chopping the sides off a big round too.....Lords blessings
You know.
I'm not as spry and young as I used to be.
But, damn, I love listening to my elders still.
I'm 59 been splitting my own wood for 20 years that's my method at 5'10" 150 lbs my woman's son is same height 275 lbs thought he would show me how to split wood I put him to shame
"my womans son"😂
Very helpful indeed. We have a 27 ton log splitter but I like the workout of splitting wood the old way and it seems like I'm faster that that splitter but I'll give out before it does. Thanks for the video.
Good way to cover the woods from the out weather, we used to do the same.
Keep it up Duke :)
I was always taught to swing by winding around and sliding the top hand down the handle. But when I started splitting wood regularly I began to naturally swing in this exact fashion. I found it to be much better, more accurate, and perhaps even more powerful.
yes Andre, maybe a lil more so with an axe....the only time the hand slides on the handle of a maul is to help the lift....Thanks
I like the way you covered the wood with the metal.Some good tips Duke, I use just the sledge and wedge when I used to split wood. I like that maul, maybe I should have tried it instead. I used to beat the heck out of those wedges. Thanks for sharing these tips
This Guy makes me wish he were my grandpa, good video, I appreciate the help
Thank you for the kind, easy-going instruction!
From Western Maine USA.
You are welcome!
I totally agree. Hitting at the right angle is important. I just put the round on a block so I don't have to bend my back as much as you do and to avoid all the power being absorbed by the ground.
you are right about the power being absorbed...for me its safer the round to be lower...I add bark where I am chopping and its not so much an issue...I have more power with little effort using my weight behind the swing...Thanks for commenting
Smaller logs I put on the block, but above a certain size I leave them on the ground - for two reasons. One, the high relative mass compared to the maul means you lose very little energy. Two, it’s too heavy for me to lift on to the block. I’m talking about 18” and above rounds, about 18” long. Just split them on the ground where it’s also easier to retrieve the split logs for further cuts as you take it apart.
I LOL’d @ “...that’s a rotten piece o wood.”
I could taste the hatred.
Good on ya for keeping your cool.
yeah i remember grittin my teeth :)
I'm 13 years old. Got a like 4 pound Collins axe from Home Hardware and I just bought my dad a 1 ¼ pound Collins hatchet from the same place. Gonna get a splitting maul with my Christmas money and my Pastor said I could chop down a few trees on his property. I'm getting a Cold Steel Trail Boss axe for Christmas and I'm gonna have some fun remaking the axe with linseed oil and paint remover.
God bless from Canada, Sam.
The trail boss is an excellent axe for the money
@@harleyallen3871 That's why I'm getting it.
That squat is where the max power comes from! Best one I ever used was a buddy’s he welded up. Big fat heavy wedge he had milled out of high grade steel welded to a thick walled 1” steel pipe with athletic tape wrapped for the grip. Prob 12 lbs. It was a beast!
How about that !!
My first time watching this channel, but I agreed with the way you swing. I also get it straight over my head for toughest logs. I use "circle around right shoulder" for normal logs and also small "half-swing" from eyes level for easiest splits. Thanks for sharing your experience, as a 39 yo apprentice woodman living on 73 acres in Canada, I really appreciate your tips. The importance of hitting middle of axe blade, leveled with the ground, is often overlooked. Also, the edge allignement is crucial, lot of energy wasted if the axe edge is not straight. Cya later for sure =)
Thank you
@@WORMGITTER +1 subscriber
I mean +2 cause of Rough Cut Homestead channel...
@@jylbo Hope you like it here....Thanks
My first attempt to split wood today. I scraped my shin and hit my foot. Time to watch videos like these.
I have a similar maul and have been splitting logs for about 20 years. One skill is judging the wood itself. A knot-free section of ash (even a large one) will split easily with one hit, but many other species can be really tough. Near the base of the tree the grain can go like crepe paper and that makes splitting hard and trying to split when there is a major branch or fork can be downright impossible. If there is no movement after two or three swings I put it to one side and slice it up with the chainsaw later. Never had any significant accidents yet (touch wood!) but the most dangerous aspect is when you have the log on a block and the maul glances off a knot or similar and continues at speed towards your feet.
Yes Sir, Thank you...I never liked a chopping block except for short or small pieces...usually for a hatchet.....for reasons you mentioned
Love it. I'd have a beer with the Gitter any day. Same vintage same experience, just a little difference in latitude.
He also knows about protecting all your hard work from moisture.
The kindling gizmo is patent human ingenuity .
Hello Wisconsin!!!
I'm starting to chop some wood for my family and while I'm not super strong I bought 2 axes that are light enough for me to handle but also heavy enough to cut the wood they have. Watching the technique here was very helpful to getting my swings right. I just gotta work on hitting the same spot multiple times and since I'm indoor while chopping(to wet to do it outside so there's nowhere else) I try to be careful not to swing to hard and hit the ground or ceiling so I can't use all my strength and have to mostly rely on the weight of the axe.
Thanks for demonstrating this technique. I can see what I have been doing wrong. This will help me so much. Thank you.
Just a good ole boy, never meaning no harm. Your the man!
I've heard that song .... :)
first person ive seen on youtube who swings an axe correctly
Great Video watching an old timer do his stuff. I'm not exactly a Spring Chicken myself. Wishing you the best. :)
Thank ye Barry...stay with it buddy
Finally actual info on proper technique to split
works fer me!
Great demo. i tried splitting some wet logs once. It didn't go too well, only a few logs actually split, i tried my hardest. And my back, arms, and hands were killing me for a few days afterwards.
I split the same way, from the center of my body and down I go. You are right, you do get better at it, you also get stronger. By the end of winter the logs will fly apart.
It helps that if it's cold enough the wood becomes brittle, any moisture inside has frozen. At least in my experience. I love splitting wood and have at least a cord's worth left to do.
This video is absolutely wonderful. Thank you for this lesson, sir.
you're welcome and Thank You
one more Duke, never stand too close to an amateur using a ax or maul. good advice thank you. htgde
I've been cutting wood for a few years now but always interested in sharing some tips. I use a block to split on but now as
time goes on ( LOL) I leave the big heavy one on the ground split them with the wedge then use the block. Just replaced
HF Pittsburg 8 lb splitting maul after 7 year of use & also bought a Fiskars 8lb splitting maul. Both get the job done but I
notice the Fiskars handle has a little more flex in it when you hit one of those rounds that won't budge at first.
Stay safe, Joe Z
Great video, you explained everything really well so I could understand it. I'd love to split firewood with you any day!
Thanks!
Thats some sound advice there Duke! Ya know people take the labor force for granted. Even the simplest of tasks require skill. I really like your splitter for kindling, was hoping to see a demonstration. I love them DIY creations!
Looks like you know what your doing, Duke. Thanks for sharing your technique. I think that would be better exercise too, than going to the gym. My grandparents used to burn wood. The stove would sure make it toasty in there.
Thanks for asking the lingering question in my head: more power swinging overhead or to the side. Great video. Thanks for the lesson.
Good show, center-up and let er rip!
Godspeed in your work and peace be with you!
Great video. I used to split wood for my friends dad.and my dad for yrs.im 49 now but it's like ridin a bike 😂 I liked just a regular old sharp axe. And split big logs in the winter when there frozen is even easier 👊😎👍🙏💯
He has a nice swing and hits the log just right.
thank you for posting this video! very helpful as I'm learning to split wood for the first time
Loved the video & have subed to your channel. Picked up a couple of techniques which are going to help me a lot. Thank you sir, greetings from Australia. God bless.
you can keep up with me here if you like
th-cam.com/channels/2x_9320-h01gG33OAKGwQw.html
Thanks
Great video, thank you for sharing such helpful information. Glad I found you channel sir.
Thanks Mark. I don't post much here but check on the comments every now and then
To me, the most important tip given is that the handle must be perpendicular to the splitting surface. Watch as he blows through a piece at about 8:40 and the maul handle is perpendicular. Also, I don't focus on the top of the log, I picture hitting the bottom, so you drive through the piece....much like this big guy does! Nice vid!
Thank ye Mike! I think I was resting at 8:40!
@@WORMGITTER ahahaha 😅 great video though super informative I've just filled my wood store for the summer sun.
Thanks!.. just got an Estwing maul from Northern Tool.. great tips!
Split the wood as soon as possible after cutting to minimize wood going punky. I swing a maul the same as an axe including the flip at the end of the stroke. Tires have gotten wider tread and narrow sidewalls some make perfect splitting accessories to keep the wood in place and upright until you get the whole thing split up; makes splitting so easy you may make the whole round into kindling!
the trees were dead when we cut them but the heart is solid...thanks Sherman, and you are right
This guys such a gem!! Thanks for sharing sir!!
Great advice!! Especially your placement of the log closer to the ground. I’ve found in the event of
a clean pass-through the ground will be more likely to catch that maul before it can get to either foot/leg. Lots of close calls when that log is too high on a splitting stump. Another fast-learned lesson is to always pass up on trying to hand split Sycamore.....that’s a heck of a workout!! Love your Vids brother!!! Blessings!!!!
loved you on Dukes of Hazzard
:)
You learn a lot from the wise and experience great video
Thank you Jesse
receive advice from you is real gold. Thanks a lot from Chile
Thank you
My brother loves doing things to cause arguments, used the log I was trying to split as a chopping block and snaps the handle day 1. Isolation truly makes it hard to learn and be successful
Good helpful review. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
I have the very same tools as you. And eight pounders are plenty to swing. Although I also have a cat skidsteer that I hook my log splitter to. And my Moto is if it will fit in the stove don’t split it.
thats right...I don't split what fits :)
I worked at the mculloch factory in Lake Havasu..
Hmm I'm not sure about that though. Because when I swing it gets pushed up in the air over my shoulders or I use the momentum that starts from the ground and it basically does a 360° with I believe more impact than having it drop with a little muscle from overhead.
Maybe it's cause I'm used to splitting 3-4 foot pinon rounds full of knots and tree sap. Not super straight wood
@@koltonkinlicheene2297 not sure...but whatever works for you is best
Hey Duke I love the fine art of gathering firewood that's some nice looking fuel hope you are having a great week. ! I'm following you E! Lol
Best bit was when you hit the wood and it threw up dust and you pushed the wood to the side saying that was a rotten piece of wood.
Love it
I remember! Little embarrassing lol
Great tips, I always hit the first few swings either on the shaft or off the center. Hahaha! Until I get the swing down, it’s all muscle memory and eye contact. You must have a decent size stove. I’d love to hear my house with wood. Such a great heat source.
Great video. Very helpful. Thank you!
great form Sir !
Thank Ye!
Im 58 and your doing better than me with the firewood. Thanks for the video.
I'm as good "once" as I ever was!
Great tips! God bless you and Merry Christmas, sir.
Merry Christmas Jd....Thank you
damn 30$ is a lot back then good story keep it up. love the channel
Lots don’t have the strength to go over head. I used to get it up from side then center it while in air then come down straight. But I would come down not flush. Didn’t realize until watching video. Thx for video.
that's cool bout the swing....flush is good too!
Good job splitting friend. I hope I split as well as you when I’m your age. I respect the work ethic. Thanks for sharing and God bless!
Thank you!
You’re a good man. Thanks for the video.
Thank God I moved out of Illinois but boy howdy I miss splitting wood for my wood stove
no heating with wood huh...we usually average about a cord
Dude this is so cool. I need to learn how to cut wood
when I was a young man the old man use to cut and split more wood than I could...its the way he did it...and moved half as fast lol
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!
You're Welcome!
If you take a piece of chain and a bungy cord wrap it around the piece you are going to split it keeps the wood from flying all over the place as you hit it with the maul. Instead of picking up the pieces twice you can pick up the round after split with the chain place it on the pile and undo the bungy cord
I tried that and tires but eventually quit using them
@@WORMGITTER I just hate touching the wood more than i have to... think about how many times one piece of wood gets handled by the time it makes it into the stove, this just helps me from picking up all the split pieces.
I understand and appreciate ye sharing what works for you...Thank You James....I also saw where a plastic barrel had the top and bottom cut out and about a 1/3 of the side was cut out too...it looked like it worked good, thought about trying that to see
Great advice....
Much obliged!!
hello brother. hope you are well today. cutting a little wood here on the river this week too. take care my friend
Brother Michael...good morning
@@WORMGITTER good morning. my friend. just woke up from my old man nap thinking about where I can buy a mail in this 2 horse town to split me a piece of fire wood before nightfall. chores never go away. thinking about them in my sleep. does this ever happen to you.?? I could give a hoot about no football game cause I still got work to finish. I guess that's just how we were raised. take care brother I got to take miss bonnie to the big town for some groceries. God Bless
Got the same maul from Home Depot last weekend 👍🏻
Good choice!
ty Duke! now I've got to get a maul ... thinking of starting with 6lb b/c office life has made me weak. hah!
ease up on it! :)