BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Cut Firewood

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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You may have thought that cutting firewood was as easy as swinging an ax and striking a piece of wood. However you can save yourself a lot of frustration and energy by refining your technique. Size and strength are not necessarily important factors in the successful cutting of firewood.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Wood splitter's maul

Step1

Cut the firewood logs into reasonable lengths or rounds. The longer the round, the harder the firewood will be to split. If you are a beginner, or have a difficult time splitting, cut the logs into shorter lengths. As your ability improves, increase the length. Set any knotty wood aside for cutting later.

Step2

Use a wood splitter's maul instead of an ax. The head of the metal wedge maul won't easily stick in the round. The steep sloped maul increases the outward pressure placed on the wood, which is helpful for difficult, tough wood.

Step3

Choose a 6-pound maul, which can be swung faster than the heavier models. Velocity is critical in cutting firewood. The lighter the ax or maul, the faster your swing and the easier the split of the wood.

Step4

Position your body slightly uphill from the round to create leverage and maximize the force of the blow. Rounds should be placed on relatively firm ground. Soft ground will absorb the force of your strike.

Step5

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and measure your distance to the round by placing the maul, with arms fully extended, where you would like to strike. Step back a half-step and lean forward, adding power to your swing. Remember to protect your back by bending slightly at the knees and waist before swinging.

Step6

Study the round, looking for cracks or signs of weakness. Set those as your targets. Look at the outer edge of the round so you avoid cutting through large knots. It is most effective to strike the outer edge of the wood round and not directly in the center.

Step7

Raise the maul above your head, extending your arms high and lifting up on your toes. During the upward swing, let your upper hand slide towards the handle. Begin the forceful, downward swing. Repeat this technique until you cut all the wood.