Using The Right Splitting Block To Cut Up Fallen Trees

Splitting wood is a rural pastime rooted in experience and tradition. The experience is typically measured in cracked ax handles and cursing aimed at chunks of cordwood.

While the arguments over favored firewood types, splitting methods (over-the-shoulder or in-line), and tools are expected to continue, there appears to be an agreement that is trying to find a good splitting block is time well spent. Read on to learn about using the right splitting block to cut up fallen trees.

Why a splitting block? While some people like to split firewood right on the ground, putting a splitting block under your piece of wood offers many benefits, the main one being safety. Splitting on a raised block means that the last resting place of the ax is nowhere near your feet.

Splitting with a block also lessens the chances of hitting rocks, maintaining the bit of your ax by guaranteeing that it only contacts the wood. There’s plenty of splitting power. If you attempt to split wood on the soft ground, you’ll discover that the earth absorbs much of the energy from your swing. Finally, a good splitting block means fewer backaches and more firewood.

Block Selection: The most difficult hunks of firewood make better, long-lasting splitting blocks. The coiled grain of elm makes a split-resistant block that’s hard to beat. If a block of elm isn’t around, get a knotty block or a wide stump of some other types. Ask a Buffalo tree service professional for different firewood types to use for a splitting block.

The height of the block must be 12-16 inches. For diameter, your block must be many inches wider than the wood you’re splitting for both safety and stability.

Surface Angle: Do yourself a favor and put up two splitting blocks, one with a flawlessly flat top and the other one with the top cut at an angle of 10-15 degrees. Sooner or later, you’ll get a piece of wood with an angled base that won’t stand on the flat block. By fitting the angle of your wood with the angle of the block, you can make even the most uneven pieces stand straight.

​

---