To help those homeowners who have installed a solid fuel boiler or built a stove and expect to burn wood in it, we offer this material. Here we will tell you how to properly chop wood; this work is not easy and unsafe. The work of preparing logs for the firebox can be done manually or using various mechanized devices.
Essentially, wood fuel procurement work consists of two stages:
Sawing is done in such a way that the logs resulting from splitting logs can fit into the firebox of a stove or boiler. But you shouldn’t adjust them exactly to the size of the firebox; the length of the log should be 20-25% less. By the way, if you have to chop firewood from dry oak or other hardwoods, you won’t be able to just split a long log. You will still come to the conclusion that it is better to cut logs into short logs.
Advice. For people who are constantly preparing solid fuel with your own hands, it is worth purchasing an electric chain saw. It is significantly cheaper than gasoline, and will bring a lot of benefits.
Before chopping, you need to prepare the tool and workplace. To carry out the work, it is best to have a set of tools on hand:
Note. It is preferable when the handle of the cleaver and other tools is made of tough wood, such as maple or birch.
On a flat area that will serve as a workplace, the largest and smoothest block is installed as a stand. There should be nothing fragile or breakable on either side of it within a radius of 3 m. This also applies to people, so as not to get hit by a flying log. For inexperienced woodcutters, the distance should be increased to 5 m.
Initially, you should remember to be careful; the cleaving technique does not tolerate a frivolous attitude or haste. Beginners need to work calmly and measuredly to get the hang of it. To begin with, install a small or medium-sized deck on the stand; do not start with large ones. When installing, pay attention to the cut of the log: if there are small cracks on it, then the blow must be applied along the axis of the largest of them. Rotate the deck so that you aim correctly.
It is not so difficult to chop wood with a cleaver when it is without knots. Unfortunately, this rarely happens, bitches different sizes found on almost all logs. There is a trick here: the deck must be installed so that the imaginary split line does not pass through the branch, otherwise it will not allow you to cut the log. If the work is done correctly, then in the end the knot will remain on one of the logs.
You can’t stack the deck haphazardly and hit anywhere. You will spend a lot of energy, get tired quickly, and will not achieve results. It is easier to use some kind of device for chopping wood, but this will be discussed below.
If there are no cracks at the end, then take a cleaver and strike hard right in the center. When there is no effect and the cleaver blade recoils, you have encountered hard or too dry wood. This means that you won’t be able to chop wood without an axe; this also happens. We take a heavy ax and try to do the same. You can proceed in 2 ways: divide the block of wood into 2 halves or break off a piece from it, starting from the edge. Usually dry wood served with a maximum of 3 blows of a heavy ax, depending on the diameter of the deck.
What if the ax gets stuck? You shouldn’t do tricks with throwing it over yourself along with the deck in order to hit the stand with the butt. This is the lot of craftsmen, and not every log can be lifted in this way. Just take a wood splitting wedge and push it into the crack created by the ax next to it, so you can free it. Now all that remains is to finish the job by carefully hitting the crack not far from the wedge. Usually you can do a good job with just one cleaver, but we described the situation with types of wood that are inconvenient for cutting. Although it also happens that the ax can only be removed with the help of a saw.
A mechanized device for splitting logs will help to significantly ease the hard work. Knowing that you have to deal with fuel procurement constantly, it’s worth getting one. As a last resort, when there are not enough funds to purchase it, you can make a mechanical wood splitter with your own hands. Fortunately, the design of such units is simple and allows you to do this at home.
The most common apparatus for splitting firewood is an electric screw (cone) splitter. It is a tabletop on which there is a threaded steel cone rotated by an electric motor. The operation is very simple: the deck is placed on the tabletop and moved close to the tip of the cone. Due to the carving, the latter cuts into the wood, thanks to its shape it expands and literally separates it into parts.
When chopping wood with a screw, then special effort no need to attach:
Important. Never work with a screw cleaver while wearing gloves; they may accidentally get caught in the working part of the cone. Better wear cloth gloves.
Although splitting firewood with a cone is much easier than chopping, there are machines whose productivity and operating speed are even higher. It's about about a hydraulic installation, where the deck is pressed through the special form. The output is poles the right size, and the machine can push through several logs at a time, as many as will fit on the bed. However, such units are quite expensive and therefore not available to everyone. But if desired, you can make a hydraulic splitting unit yourself.
Manual cutting of wood is a whole science and you will have to gradually master it. Once you get the hang of it, the process will no longer take as much effort from you as it did at the beginning. Mechanical chopping of firewood is also good; it not only makes work easier, but also saves a lot of time. But caution is always needed with any method of chopping.
Many people like to watch a living flame, so the installation is very popular wood fireplaces at dachas and in private houses. This is not an easy task, but if you wish, installing a fireplace can be done. But even if the fireplace is already installed, it will not be possible to light it without fuel. Therefore, the owners wood stoves It will be useful to know how to properly chop wood.
Probably, many will be surprised by the question of how to chop wood. After all, there seems to be nothing complicated in this process. You just need to swing the cleaver, splitting the logs into even logs that will fit in the firebox. However, when faced with the need to cut firewood in practice, many encounter difficulties. Let's figure out how to chop wood correctly so that this rather difficult job can be done easily and quickly
The easiest way to watch how to chop wood is on video. But oral advice from an experienced woodcutter will never be superfluous. Therefore, we will dwell in detail on each stage of this difficult but fascinating matter.
If you have a sauna or fireplace in your home, then the ability to properly chop wood will definitely come in handy. Of course, you don’t have to bother yourself and buy ready-made, chopped firewood, but it’s such a pleasure to wave at fresh air with an ax, inhaling the smell of fresh wood, get a charge of vivacity and positive energy.
Firewood is chopped by placing logs on a level and solid base. The best log for this is the thickest and most knotty section of a sawn tree trunk. It is advisable that two or three knots are not cut down, but stick out from the deck: with their help, it will be easier to move it from place to place.
It is very difficult to split such a deck, since the knots and twists in its body seem to tighten it and perfectly withstand blows.
Experienced wood splitters almost always choose a heavy and dull ax - a splitting ax - for chopping firewood, especially if the trunks are cut into long logs.
To wave them you need physical strength, but the cleaver, under the influence of its own gravity, splits the log better. Its dull blade does not get stuck in the wood, but works like a wedge.
But you shouldn’t push the ax too far into a corner - it’s easier for them to chop short logs and fresh, damp, recently cut firewood. In addition, you will definitely need it in order to chop wood chips for kindling.
Despite the apparent simplicity of the process, you need to know how to chop wood correctly so as not to become physically overtired and not to injure yourself or others. In addition, the type of logs that come out from under your ax will determine how well and how long they will burn.
To make the job easier, follow the following procedure:
Tip: you don’t need to put in a lot of force when lowering the cleaver onto the log. Just lift it above your head and lower it with acceleration - the weight of the cleaver itself is enough for it to do its job.
If you do not want the firewood to burn too quickly or not to burn completely, leaving firewood, then the thickness of the logs should be 7–10 centimeters. How to split wood so that it turns out exactly like this?
It depends on the thickness of the logs. Thin ones are split in half into two blocks, and then each block is split in half again, obtaining the so-called quadrangles.
Thick logs will have to be split into octagons, that is, each quadrangle will have to be halved. If you come across very thick logs, then split each octagon in half, but not along the radius, but across it, so that two smaller logs are formed: one triangular, the second tetrahedral.
Blocks (halves of a log) can be split not into two, but into three triangular parts (or two triangular and one tetrahedral) to obtain logs of the required thickness - sixes.
Tip: it’s easiest to split firewood when it’s dry, but it’s better to split damp firewood if it’s been left in the cold. If there is no urgent need, do not rush to chop freshly sawed raw logs - let them dry or lie under a canopy until winter.
You should not put firewood in the woodpile (see) immediately after cutting it. If the weather is sunny and dry, let them lie under open air heap, even if the logs were initially dry. If the weather turns bad, they need to be covered with a tarpaulin, or it is better to immediately lay the pile under a canopy so that unexpected rain does not take you by surprise.
Firewood stacked in a neat woodpile can sit for several years without loss of quality. If the firewood was very fresh when chopping, then it is best to start using it after a year.
We hope that our tips will help you chop firewood quickly without getting overtired. When you start chopping wood for the first time, don’t try to immediately set a quantitative record. Otherwise, you may wake up the next day with sore muscles and bloody calluses on your palms.
1. Prepare. In addition to the fact that you need logs sawn 40-50 cm long (or approximately the length of your forearm) and your trusty axe, you must also have personal protective equipment:
2. Find and install the deck on which you will stab 
firewood. If you do not have such a log, then you need to choose a large, thick, knotty part of a hard tree trunk. The bottom butt of a hardwood tree trunk also makes an excellent deck.
3. Install the block. Take one of the cut logs and place it on the deck. You may need to adjust the log so that it stands straight due to an uneven cut or knots. The log should be as stable and level as possible in relation to the position in which you will be chopping wood.
4. Turn to the block on the deck. Make sure there are no branches, rocks, dirt, or anything else under your feet that could cause a tripping or slipping hazard. Place your feet shoulder-width apart and look at the distance to the block of wood that needs to be split.
- It is important that your feet are shoulder-width apart and that you stand firmly. A log that is not stable, or not symmetrical, or has a spear can lead to a glancing blow from an axe. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart - if the ax misses the log, you will save your feet or toes from injury.
5. Grasp the ax correctly. Take the ax with both hands 
the dominant hand (usually the right) near the butt of the ax, and the second hand closer to the lower edge of the ax. A proper ax blow is performed so that the dominant hand slides down the ax handle to the other hand, which holds the ax handle in one place. This will give you more control and provide a more powerful punch. See also: . Let's continue with the firewood.
6. Evaluate the design of the block. Pay attention to any knots, branch stumps or knots. Without this, the log will be much more difficult to split. To split a complex log, you need to choose a split line where there are the fewest knots and knots.
7. Get ready to chop wood. Focus on the goal. 
Raise the ax to the side that is more comfortable for you so that you can perform a strong and uniform chopping motion from behind your shoulder. Grab the ax as described above and make sure your position is stable and your feet are shoulder-width apart.
- Another good way, move the ax from a position above your head - down onto the block of wood that needs to be split.
8. Chopping movements with an axe. Quickly and firmly strike downwards with the axe, allowing your dominant hand to slide down the axe-handle to your other hand. Look at Right place on a block of wood that needs to be split before your ax hits that place.
-If the tree is very thick or knotty, you may need to hit it with an ax several times to split it.
Video on how to chop wood without bending over every log
1. Determine what you need. If you are splitting normal sized logs, unless they are very knotty or stringy, you probably won't need a wedge. If the wood is very hard and several blows with an ax leave marks or cracks, but do not split it, then you need to use several more tools.
2. Bring an additional tool for splitting logs. When one ax is not enough for this, then you need to use a long one metal wedge and a sledgehammer. You can buy them at your local hardware store or maybe even borrow them from a neighbor.
3. Identify the central crack or hopeful split. Even if the ax did not split the log, it may have left deep cracks or splits from several blows. Look at the deepest ax mark or crack in your log - this is where you will have the easiest time splitting the wood. - Some particularly large or complex logs of wood may require multiple wedges to split.
4. Drive the wedge. Since wood is softer than metal 
wedge, it should split the wood without any problems and you probably won't have any problems with the wedge getting stuck in the log that needs to be split. If you need to split very hard look wood, you may need to drive the wedge in with a sledgehammer.
5. Prepare to use a sledgehammer. You need to prepare in the same way as for working with an ax - feet shoulder-width apart, dominant hand close to the butt of the sledgehammer, your eyes focused on the back of the wedge and raise the hammer above your shoulder.
6. Hit with a sledgehammer. Allow your dominant hand to slide down the sledgehammer handle to your other hand, holding the hammer handle steady. And hit the butt of the sledgehammer quickly and hard down the wedge.
“This blow should drive the wedge deeper into the block so that the mark from the ax turns into a crack that will deepen.
-You may have to hit the sledgehammer several times to drive the wedge deeper into the wood.
7. Separate the halves of a log or log with your hands or an ax, if necessary. Usually the wedge will split the log completely; if not, you may have to rip the log or log halves apart by hand to separate them. Sometimes you may need an ax to separate the wood fibers.
1. Read the User Manual. Each hydraulic log splitter designed to chop firewood will be different, and knowing it technical features and operating rules, you can ensure it safe use. You should always operate a wood splitter with caution, as a mistake can lead to serious injury.
2. Check everything related to security. Before turning on the log splitter, you must prepare a clear passage along which you can safely move away from the operating log splitter. There should also be individual means protection for working with a wood splitter. Typically used:
3. Check if there is fuel in the tank or if the machine is connected to the electrical network. Some wood splitters can be like attachments to the tractor, others can be connected to the electrical network, others can run on gasoline or gas. Do not leave fuel or electrical cords anywhere that could cause a tripping hazard or could get caught in the operating parts of the wood splitter.
4. Prepare the firewood that needs to be split. After reading the instructions, you will know how to use the wood splitter. You will know where to best place the firewood to feed it into the hydraulic splitter. Place the wood on the pile where it is most convenient for you.
5. Turn on the wood splitter. Start the car and check it 
idle operation (without wood supply). Make sure the log splitter operates smoothly as expected and check all functions in the owner's manual.
6. Feeding logs into the wood splitter. Follow the instructions in the Owner's Manual for loading solid wood and removing split wood from your machine. No matter what type of log splitter you use, you should always be careful around the log splitter when it is turned on.
Video hydraulic wood splitter
Warnings:
Good preparation and subsequent mastery of the correct splitting technique can turn the preparation of firewood for a sauna stove or fireplace into an ordinary task that does not require much effort. Our article will help you choose the right tool, competently organize the progress of work and get the job done quickly.
When considering the preparation of firewood professionally, it is necessary to separate the fundamentally different concepts of “chop” and “chop”, performed with different tools.
There are two types of hand tools for chopping wood:
When taking firewood seriously, both types are used. A long-eared cleaver can handle most stumps, but for large specimens a sledgehammer cleaver is preferable. In addition, a spare tool is always useful when one tool breaks down in order to complete the planned amount of work.
Splitting axes with a sharp blade are designed for cutting wood. Used for felling small trees, cutting thin fresh logs, removing knots and splitting wood chips for kindling.
The short handle of the tool (400-600 mm) is convenient for splitting small dry firewood; the long handle (up to 100 mm) will help split a thick stump. Cleavers with a semicircular blade are better at splitting raw and resinous wood; direct sharpening of the cutting part helps split logs large diameter.
Notch for memory. The length, shape and material of the handle, the weight of the weapon as a whole are purely individual parameters, most likely determined only in practice. First of all, the cleaver should be comfortable and fit confidently in your hand.
To cut stubborn stumps with knots and a dense ornate structure, you may additionally need metal wedges.
It is important that there is enough space on the site for swinging the cleaver, as well as for flying off the split logs. When working under a shed or in a shed, the ceiling height should exceed the distance determined by the cleaver raised at arm's length.
Splitting logs are placed on a block, which is a stable knee-high stump placed on an inelastic and hard surface - thick concrete or trampled earth. Stump that has not yet cracked and has knots and twists is best suited.
When planning to chop wood, prepare the following protective equipment:
Before work, inspect the tool: check the integrity of the handle and the reliability of its fastening. Never use a faulty cleaver or axe.
Notch for memory. The day before chopping wood, place a cleaver with a wooden handle in a bucket of water - overnight the wood will swell and hold on more firmly.
You must always remember that the main thing is not to harm yourself and others. Before work, take a look at the situation and make sure that there are no random people or animals nearby.
Dry or frozen stumps are easier to split, so plan your firewood preparation in advance. It is more advisable to dry freshly sawn wood than to strain and suffer with “green” logs.
Place the block of wood on the block with the knots down, placing it closer to the opposite side of the block. Find the crack and turn it towards you. When there are no splits, choose a split location away from or between knots. Make sure the log is stable.
Notch for memory. It is easier to split strong, wide stumps with three blows along the intended line: the first blow is in the center, the second is in the far part, and the final blow falls on the near part.
Before swinging, take the correct position: the deck is in the center, and your feet are wider than your shoulders - this will give balance and protect you in case of a mistake. Stay at such a distance from the stump that you can touch its center with the tip of the blade. If you stand further, the cleaver will go into the ground, if closer, the ax will hit the wood and knock off your hands.
Take the cleaver with your left hand by the end of the handle, and with your right hand grab it closer to the tip. By slightly bending your legs and straightening your arms at the same time, lift the tool up. Lower the brush right hand along the handle downwards, and now point the cleaver with acceleration at the log.
There is no need to waste energy on an excessive swing, trying to raise the cleaver higher. It is much more effective to raise the tool to a sufficient height, then lower it sharply and abruptly, making maximum use of the weight of the tool itself.
If the first blow fails to split, pull out the ax by shaking it up and down. A firmly seated tip can be used instead of a wedge and hit with a sledgehammer on the blunt part of the cleaver.
Notch for memory. Large-diameter logs begin to be chopped from the edges, slowly breaking off small parallel pieces. And the hemp with big amount It’s better to leave the knots for later.
A small block of wood is lifted with a stuck ax and, turning the butt down, is hit hard against the block.
Repeat the blows until the stump is completely split, trying to hit one place. Try to use different speed and strength of scope, work intelligently and take your time. Over time, you will develop an intuitive feeling of how hard you should hit a particular log.
Having chopped up decent piles of firewood, put them in the woodshed, freeing up the area. Don't wait for the flying logs to start falling on your feet.
Out of habit, chopping wood seems like hard work, but gradually it becomes exciting activity, in some ways even gambling.
