Robl Posted September 27, 2012 Report Share Posted September 27, 2012 For log splitting has anyone else use a log grenade. Basically, it’s a 4 way wedge. I received one for Christmas last year and it’s been fantastic. You can even use it to split long logs if you put a spacer on top of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted September 27, 2012 Report Share Posted September 27, 2012 all I can say is they are bloody hard work on well seasoned wood, if a maul won't split it then it gets the chainsaw through it. Beating hell out of a "grenade" is a sure way to get in a sweat for a couple of logs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick miller Posted September 27, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2012 Okay, notes taken regarding safety clothing for using the saw, I guess you may never have an incident but if you did... The splitter arrived today, oh yes, it makes light work of all the logs I struggled with and isn't that slow at all. I think the maul will be taking a back seat from now on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted September 27, 2012 Report Share Posted September 27, 2012 I think for domestic use I'll second the electric saw comment. They're less trouble to service and you don't have to worry about old fuel and storing them correctly. They've got plenty of power of you get one of the better makes and are so quiet your neighbours will love you! I don't think a man with a maul will ever keep up with a decent splitter with larger timber. Anything under about a foot round though assuming it's straight and not too knotty is easy with the maul. I use a Gransfors and find it lovely but just recently I've been thinking of getting a screw splitter for my new tractor. That should save my back when the nasty stuff needs doing! My latest toy is a saw bench. 26" circular saw blade run off of the PTO - it's so much nicer to use when logging up small branches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick miller Posted September 27, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2012 I will be gathering wood with the saw in woods and across fields so that rules out an electric saw sadly. Granted the maul does a good job but the splitter has bust all the stuff that was pinging round the garden with the maul due to knots and uneven ends. Pleased with the purchase. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandspider Posted September 28, 2012 Report Share Posted September 28, 2012 all I can say is they are bloody hard work on well seasoned wood, if a maul won't split it then it gets the chainsaw through it. Beating hell out of a "grenade" is a sure way to get in a sweat for a couple of logs I find mine splits easier when left to mature for a year or so. (Sycamore wood). I cut it into rounds with a chainsaw, then leave it under cover for a while and it starts to split radially of its own accord. A few wallops with a maul will parcel it up nicely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick miller Posted September 28, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2012 To give an idea of how hard Hornbeam is, they used to use it for making the wooden cogs in mills. It's a right sod to bust when seasoned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted September 28, 2012 Report Share Posted September 28, 2012 I've never really got on with sycamore and usually left it to rot but have some in the shed at the moment so will see how it goes, last memeory was very fast! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandspider Posted September 28, 2012 Report Share Posted September 28, 2012 Burns well for me, mixed with other wood. Might benefit from a bit more drying, but it was free! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarmerSim Posted September 28, 2012 Report Share Posted September 28, 2012 Well, we've got a stihl 020, old but good, bought new, and maintained pretty well, its still going strong after 20 years. We use Castrol 2 stroke oil, and keep the petrol as fresh as possible.... We've also got a Ryobi electric chainsaw - great running off a genny, or (big) inverter near neighbours or "sensitive" types, and probably a bit safer, as when its "off" its off. Obviously have to watch the cable, but you knew that. Log splitter wise we have a 4 tonne Ryobi - same idea as the easy split, but not quite as much urge.. still good tho, and as everyone has said, split the timber when its fresh - its far easier! Safety clobber is a must IMHO - buy the best you can afford, and wear it, even if its just for the 30 second "quick job". trousers, jacket, gloves and steel toe boots, or preferably the proper tree surgeon boots with the protected top. A face shield is a damn good idea, or at the very least safety glasses. And, try and work as carefully as you can, imagine you are naked!! If you are nervous of the saw(s), do a course, or get some basic pointers of someone in the know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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