Nicole would like to thank all the logs for their kind participation — and for their willingness to split on demand (with only a little “axe persuasion,” of course).
And remember: let the tool do the work. The motion, guidance, and momentum are up to the lumberjack, but don’t try to force the axe through the wood. You’ll wear yourself out quickly, and the axe will start bouncing in unpredictable ways. Stay safe out there — especially with all those Canadian fires going on right now!
A quick tip: unless your logs are perfectly cut, it’s actually better to use a slightly uneven stump. Rotate the log on top until it stands upright. Don’t place the log you’re splitting directly in the center — unless you’ve got a massive stump. Position it on the far side, away from you, so that when your axe or maul swings through, it goes safely into the stump.
Finally, bend your knees near the end of the swing — it adds power, keeps the axe head aligned with the ground, and most importantly, makes the whole process safer.