There is another tool for people who have a deep appreciation for woodworks and other construction activities. It would be a great thing to discuss if we are talking about extensive woodwork. Since it is highly common for wood makers to procure their wood by themselves, it is worth noting and appreciating how exhaustive and work-oriented their whole activity is. There is nothing wrong with this because it makes things easier and more accessible for the market demands, but it would still be great to know about the crude ways and appreciate the original way of doing things. This goes for knowing how to chop wood with an axe, which is commonly represented in some media shows and cartoons, but most people have not seen the work personally.
This activity or skill requires a lot of strength, effort, and time so some people might give up learning and know about it halfway, but the repeated practice is everything to achieve perfection for those who seek mastery of it. With that said, there are many things to know about axes and how it chops wood, so without further ado, let us get into the world of chopping woods with axes.
What Is an Axe? Where Do You Use It?
Before we start learning how to chop wood with an axe, it is first important to establish some important information and details about this exquisite and crude tool. You might have known an axe as something that a horror movie character used to hack people dead, but there is more to it than just a creative representation in media. An axe is a well-known tool that is one of the simplest, yet most essential tools. This item makes use of one of the simplest forms of a machine, which is a wedge. It is simply a wedge set atop a lever or handle that can be swung to achieve a force that could push apart wood or other materials.
This amazing tool has a rich history in the industry, but it slowly lost its flare by introducing newer and more complex types of machinery. However, it is still a well-used tool today and still an effective tool to use when chopping woods on your own. The axe has two main parts the head and the handle. The head holds considerable weight, which is used to focus the wedge force on applying considerable force on the wood. Most axes are built with great size and long handles, but variations depend on the strengths that are enhanced. The axe types are the Felling axe, Splitting maul, Carpenter axe, Broadaxe, and the Hatchet. You could choose from these axes to find the most suitable one for you. This is used for chopping woods and the different types of work best on specific types of wood or the different sizes. Choose wisely when you are aiming to buy one for yourself.
With this information all set, let us now learn how to cut logs with an axe and cut firewood with an axe.
How to Chop Wood with an Axe and Other Tools
In cutting firewood with an axe, it is important to note that dry woods are easier to split up. When the wood is green and freshly cut, it still holds some sap and is quite moist and wet. This is hard to chop and would not be great firewood to use. Drying this for at least a year would help settle the wood and dehydrate it. This process is also known as seasoning the wood.
The first step you should do when chopping wood is to make sure that you provide a flat surface that is not highly elevated and place the log vertically in it. The goal of swinging the axe is not to hit the center because it is a tough area. You should target the edges because it is easier to chop through and create a clean break on the wood. If you are right-handed, the axe’s back should be in your left hand while the right hand is at the upper neck of the handle. When swinging down, you will move your right hand lower when releasing the axe into the wood. You should also take a step back when making this motion to create proper body positioning. This will take a lot of practice, but it will improve your work as you slowly get the hang of it.
When your axe does not go through, you could use tools to aid your axe. You can use a sledgehammer to push your axe’s way through the log if it gets stuck. You could also use a wedge to supplement the split on the wood and work your way down the wood for a clean split. These are great alternative tools that could support your axe.
The Alternative Way of Chopping Wood with an Axe
Some people might find it hard to chop a vertically placed log to chop. Therefore, there is an alternative way that will make things easier. In learning how to chop wood with an axe, you must first get a woodblock and lay it down on the ground. This will serve as the platform for your chopping wood, placed diagonally on the woodblock. This will reduce the elevation of the wood but keep it in place. Then grab your axe with two hands while ensuring that your back is well supported with the proper posture and widen your base by spreading your feet apart. Raise the axe and swing it down the wood to chop it in the middle. You will notice that the wood is cleanly chopped. You can do this to make smaller pieces, too, make sure to hit the center of the wood.
Splitting wood vertically is difficult because it is hard to stabilize and put it into place if the wood is slightly deformed. Another problem with this position is that it has a great elevation, which will reduce the swing’s distance that will reduce the force of momentum. It is not a recommended situation because it lessens the force of impact and penetration, and it is also difficult to chop wood into smaller pieces. Know more about chopping wood.
Conclusion
Learning how to chop wood with an axe is not something you will do because you need it. This is a task requiring a specific profession, so there is no practical use for it when you live in the city. However, learning about this gives you a further appreciation for this simple tool. You may not know when you will be using an axe, but it is a great thing to know more about it and how to use it. It is important to note that an axe is not easily used or handled, so it is not advisable to use it without further knowledge of it. You should take precautions when handling this tool because the damage it could do is irreparable and might cause your life.