Dandelion+Burdock

Happy holidays, friends! How fast the time has flown and I am still working on my fall chore in the final days before winter solstice. I am currently only heating my cabin with wood so it has been a longer job than ever before. Before I get into the details of splitting wood, I want to share my latest discovery. Probably many of you already knew this, but the joy of discovering a new natural resource myself is exciting. 

Pinecones are amazing fire starters! As I live under a canopy of pine trees, there is an abundance of pinecones. Last year was a seed year and so many huge, sticky cones fell to the ground just waiting for me and the squirrels to snatch them up. I let mine dry in the greenhouse in buckets. This has replaced using paper and cardboard that are both smoky and smelly. The pinecones light up like a torch and smell incredible. They don’t seem to add creosote either. So when you are out in the woods, stick some in your pocket and try them too.

Splitting wood by hand

Now that I feel all the wood for the season has been cut, I am still working on splitting it. There are other available tools to split, but currently I am splitting by hand with an axe. It is a great workout and chores like these help keep me active. It is also a great way to blow off steam, if you have any, and improve your hand-eye coordination. (See below for more physical benefits)

 Over the past couple of years, I have experimented with different ways to make the job easier on my aging body. I feel like I solved a big problem this season in reducing the strain on my lower back as well as protecting my upper body and arms from the harsh repetitive shocks from when the axe hits the wood. 

It seems from watching videos of men chopping wood, they use a block for the wood that is about a foot high. And that’s how I was shown. However as a woman my strength is in my hips opposed to a male who’s strength is in the shoulders. By using a block that was about three foot high, I found that I didn’t use my back as much and I didn’t seem to sacrifice any strength in splitting the wood. I exerted less energy and therefore could work longer. Keep in my mind, I am an older woman, so a younger woman may have more upper body strength.

Tricks I have learned from others or by experience

1. When hitting the wood with your ax, aim for the edge. It is the weakest spot. In my video, you can see where my aim was off and the ax hits more in the center. The wood doesn’t budge, but when I get it right the next time, the wood splits.
2. On a big wide log, I have found that hitting it on one edge and then rotating the log 90 degrees and hitting the edge again. Repeating until the log cracks open like an egg. Truly satisfying.
3. When the ax gets stuck, for us older ladies, don’t bother trying to slam the log down to split it with the ax still stuck. It really exerts too much energy increasing potential for injury and it’s less work to wiggle the ax out. I still do it sometimes anyway.
4. Keep the split wood cleared from around your feet!
5. Stretch before and after working. Start with something light.Take breaks often and drink water. Just like at the gym.

Now let’s talk axes.

What Axe Should A Woman Use?

I picked up a wood splitting axe second hand and then I was gifted a new one. Both weighed the same, similar grip and the old one was just as sharp, so the new one was returned for a needed fire extinguisher and the second-hand axe has been doing great ever since. I also have a small portable axe that is great for taking on hikes in my woods and also for chopping kindling, which needs to be done pretty much every day.

For splitting wood, a splitting axe or splitting maul is designed specifically to split wood along the grain. Features include a narrower head that reduces friction and allows deeper penetration into the wood. They have a sharp edge and are fairly lightweight making it easier to handle for long periods. 

You can get a wood or fiberglass axe, but I think a steel one is the best. Even though they can be a little heavier, they are easy to maintain and last a lifetime. A standard splitting axe handles are 28–36 inches, which provides enough leverage for power.  You can choose a weight that balances power with what you can comfortably swing. Popular axes include Fiskars X27 Splitting Axe: Lightweight, durable, and highly effective or Gränsfors Bruk Splitting Maul: High-quality craftsmanship with a heavier head for tough jobs.

Proper Technique for Safe and Effective Splitting

• Choose the Right Surface: Use a chopping block (a large, stable piece of wood) to elevate the log. I use a large log set upright that is level and heavy enough not to move much. As noted before, it’s about three feet tall.

• Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for balance. Keep your knees slightly bent and your core engaged.

Grip: Place your dominant hand near the base of the axe handle and your other hand closer to the head. As you swing, slide your top hand down toward your bottom hand for more control and power.

Swing: Raise the axe overhead, keeping your arms straight and your core tight. Use your legs and hips to generate power as you bring the axe down.Follow through with the swing, allowing the axe to split the log naturally.

Wood Splitting Benefits

It was nice when my adult son came home and offered to split wood, but I am grateful I can continue to do this chore myself. Plus when its cold outside, it’s a great way to get warmed up.. Like the saying says, wood warms you twice. Here is an additional list of physical benefits:

1. Full-Body WorkoutL Splitting wood engages multiple muscle groups, providing a balanced workout:

• Upper Body: Works the shoulders, arms, and chest as you swing and drive the axe;Core: Strengthens your abs, obliques, and lower back to stabilize and control each swing.
• Lower Body: Activates the legs, hips, and glutes as you stabilize yourself and generate power.

2. Improves Cardiovascular Health: Splitting wood is a high-intensity activity that increases your heart rate, improving endurance and heart health over time.

3. Builds Strength and PowerL The repetitive swinging motion helps develop explosive power, grip strength, and overall muscular endurance.

4. Enhances Coordination and Balance: Splitting wood requires precise timing, focus, and hand-eye coordination, improving these skills over time.

5. Burns Calories: Depending on your intensity, you can burn 400–600 calories per hour, making it an effective way to stay in shape.

6. Stress Relief: The physical exertion and rhythm of chopping can help reduce stress, release endorphins, and improve mental clarity.

7. Encourages Outdoor Activity: Being outdoors while splitting wood provides fresh air, boosts vitamin D levels, and enhances your overall well-being.

Appropriate work wear

Although this chore is safe, you can accidentally hit yourself with the axe, especially your feet. I feel more comfortable when wearing my steel-toe boots. I also wear long pants and gloves to avoid splinters. You can wear safety goggles for eye protection. I usually don’t because they are annoying. Unlike cutting wood, splitting wood doesn’t usually produce small pieces of flying wood. Wear layers because as you get going, you will start sweating. Keep a hat on to trap your body heat where it escapes the fastest. And when it’s all done, make a cozy fire and enjoy that post-workout buzz. Happy splitting!