How To Split Firewood Smarter… A Better Idea For The Hydraulic Splitter

By PatriotmanPublished On: November 23, 2022Categories: Uncategorized8 Comments

About the Author: Patriotman

Patriotman currently ekes out a survivalist lifestyle in a suburban northeastern state as best as he can. He has varied experience in political science, public policy, biological sciences, and higher education. Proudly Catholic and an Eagle Scout, he has no military experience and thus offers a relatable perspective for the average suburban prepper who is preparing for troubled times on the horizon with less than ideal teams and in less than ideal locations. Brushbeater Store Page: http://bit.ly/BrushbeaterStore

8 Comments

idahobob November 23, 2022 at 10:37

I will have to try that with my trusty log splitter. We will see if they stack and burn better.
mobiuswolf November 23, 2022 at 11:00

No way those stack tighter, nor fit in the stove more easily. Also takes three splitter strokes instead of two.
catchy name though.. (52 years splitting wood, so far. and I prefer the axe)
- Trapper November 23, 2022 at 15:07
  
  100% agree with ya Mobius…
  Besides if he’s used that splitter for 15 years it doesn’t show a bit of wear or use… looks brand new Besides those triangles burn longer keep coals a going Them flat pieces like burning boards Hot sure but last no time I only have about 55 years of wood splitting n heating Only source of heat n that time..
  I think he’s full if it…..
  - Trapper November 23, 2022 at 15:09
    
    55 not 15…
Donald S Livingston November 23, 2022 at 14:05

I would give a thumbs up but don’t know how
CPL Antero Rokka November 23, 2022 at 14:21

Yep. Some of the larger diameter pieces, I use my log splitter to get “straight” and not wedge-shaped pieces. Smaller diameter stuff–I’ll still split into triangle wedge pieces.

As the man said–it all gets down to how you stack it. Flat and straight split wood stacks much easier. Triangle wedge-shaped pieces needs some skill in stacking. Been there, done that.

TIP: with supply-chain issues and refinery outputs flagging, if you heat with wood and have a hydraulic splitter—get you an adequate amount of the needed hydraulic fluid to last you a few years. I bought yet another 5 gal pail of the STP ISO AW-46 Hydraulic Oil at Auto-zone with a $10.00 off coupon. Sweet deal. Check to see what weight your unit uses and then stock up.

Same with the motor oil for the engine. I go 5w-30 in Winter for ease of startups. In Summer, I’ll go with a thicker oil as the heat builds quickly. I prefer the synthetic, but ‘dinosaur’ conventional 4 cycle oil works well also.

Hey! Don’t forget to grease up the wheel bearings on the splitter unit! You don’t want to be towing it and have a wheel lock up from zero grease.

Cheers!
just some dude who splits his own firewood November 24, 2022 at 03:21

once in a while one runs across the cone-shaped-screw type of wood splitter. yes one needs to be extremely careful when using them but damn they are a wonder on knotty gnarled wood. hydraulic splitters are great on long straight grain wood. Anywhere you have something like, say, pin oak, that is just a mess to split. Doing it by hand , almost always takes at least two wedges and a lot of hammer work to bust apart. i saw a guy splitting difficult wood on one of those cone setups and was very impressed.
- Patriotman November 24, 2022 at 12:22
  
  This is why we open stuff up to comments. Wisdom like this.
  
  Thanks brother!