How to Split Firewood

Mungo’s Winter Survival Guide: Volume Four

So we’ve reached the fourth and final installment of our Winter Survival Guide and you’re going to have to get out from under your blanket and get a little dirty, for it’s time to get those fireplaces blazing. Yes, you heard right, it’s time to man up, find that inner-lumberjack and split some wood the good old fashioned way! We have to admit, this one’s not just about lowering the electricity bill this Winter – it’s about that satisfactory sense of achievement with every thunk of the axe! Oh, and that well-earned glass of red you’ll be enjoying in front of a radiantly warm fire.

Here are this weeks tips and tricks for doing it just right:

You will need:

A maul or axe. So what’s the difference? A maul is heaver and has a wider head than an axe. This has its advantages, but an axe will work just fine for smaller wood splitting jobs.

A chopping block. Driving the axe into the ground will dull it.

Wood. Seasoned wood is best whilst wood with nails in it is a no. Also avoid wood with knots.

Mungo’s Man Cloth. The most handy and versatile cloth you’ll ever own – the perfect tool for the job! If you don’t already have on shop for it online here now.

Go for the cracks:

Place your first log on the chopping block, making sure it is stable, and as near to the center as possible. Look for hairline cracks in the log – you’re going to aim the blade of your axe so that runs in the same direction as the crack. Once you’ve chosen your crack, stand with your axe resting on that location, and set your feet properly. A firm, wide stance will allow the force and accuracy necessary for successful splitting.

Bring your axe over the shoulder of your dominant hand and swing it down hard – really hard –  into the block of wood. If the wood doesn’t split on this first swing – it probably won’t – pull the axe out of the log and do it again. (Rock the axe bit up and down to work it out of the wood.) You’ll probably try to hit the same place again, but don’t fear if you can’t. Just keep aiming for those cracks (some new ones may have appeared).

Keep going till your wood splits… don’t give up! And then keep going again, until you your wood is at the desired size.

Stack your successfully split wood where air can circulate around it before throwing it into your fireplace, making sure it is sheltered from the rain.

By the way, the small pieces of wood that you may think are too small are in fact your best accomplishment – these small pieces of kindling burn easily and will help you get your fire started. So what are you waiting for? Get that fire going!