Adsibob Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 I have a very large pile of logs, that were cut from a felled 20m high leyland Cyprus tree. The guy who cut them left them 40cm plus long. Far too big for my log burner. They have been seasoning for about a year, but would benefit from being split. Some of them have a 30cm diameter. I have a 900g head axe, but it is too small to chop such large logs. I think if I first cut them into shorter 20cm lengths, the axe could manage to split those. What type of power tool is best for that? Chainsaw? Angle grinder? Something else. Rather not have to use a chainsaw, as I find them a bit scary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 You can buy an hydraulic log splitter . I had one , really good but not cheap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 Just now, pocster said: You can buy an hydraulic log splitter . I had one , really good but not cheap Hire ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnMo Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 Chainsaw or shorten length, big axe to split or small axe and big hammer to push small axe into wood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Temp Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 If 40cm is too long I'd make a jig to allow one end to be strapped down with the other overhanging the end of a bench and use a chainsaw to cut them in half. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyT Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 Electric chainsaws not as scary but still scary, less fatigue.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe90 Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 If using any chainsaw make sure the log is very secure before you start, again it’s a shame you are so far away, I have the kit! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 Must admit I’m fine with any tool ( no jokes ) but a chainsaw just …. you know feels a bit “ I’m going to lose my arm “ …. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpmiller Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 aren't they the really sappy b*ggers that aren't recommended in a stove? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Temp Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 7 minutes ago, pocster said: Must admit I’m fine with any tool ( no jokes ) but a chainsaw just …. you know feels a bit “ I’m going to lose my arm “ …. I worry more about my angle grinder, particularly with a cutting blade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 10 minutes ago, Temp said: I worry more about my angle grinder, particularly with a cutting blade. See I’m ok with that . Big (expletive deleted)er , diamond disc , dust everywhere, can’t see a think - it’s all good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crispy_wafer Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 if you dont use a chainsaw then hire a log splitter would be the best option depending on size of pile!, cutting 40cm down to 20cm would be a faff on a saw horse, not an awful amount of meat to secure to, and weight/balance issue maybe when trying to pivot the blade through the log... Me: i'd do it on the floor with a chainsaw, cut 3/4 the way through then roll it forwards or back and nip through the rest, not the safest way - but works for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe90 Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 27 minutes ago, Temp said: I worry more about my angle grinder, particularly with a cutting blade. I nearly lost my thumb with an angie grinder and carving blade but managed to avoid injury with a chainsaw, I think because chainsaws are recognised as being dangerous people treat them with more respect Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteamyTea Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 39 minutes ago, dpmiller said: aren't they the really sappy b*ggers that aren't recommended in a stove? Yes, I burnt some once, very fast but smokey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saveasteading Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 One of these and a 7 lb hammer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adsibob Posted June 18, 2023 Author Share Posted June 18, 2023 49 minutes ago, dpmiller said: aren't they the really sappy b*ggers that aren't recommended in a stove? They are certainly not my choice of firewood, but I have it for free, and if seasoned long enough will be fine. I will burn it, mixed with some applewood that I also have (for free). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saveasteading Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 They will issue a lot of resin too. If your stove has smoke burning flumes then most should be burnt up....if not then it will coat the flue and dirty the roof. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adsibob Posted June 18, 2023 Author Share Posted June 18, 2023 3 minutes ago, saveasteading said: One of these and a 7 lb hammer Screwfix to the rescue: https://www.screwfix.com/p/magnusson-carbon-steel-sledgehammer-7lb-3-2kg-/1424V?tc=IB2&ds_rl=1244066&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1rqkBhCTARIsAAHz7K3ROUm53HdOrl63qBnjMvhsdXw86WRHMnnQKJxeAjOaOX0ZF6hLbtUaAk06EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds AND https://www.screwfix.com/p/roughneck-wood-grenade-4-way-log-splitter-1-6kg/51334 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Thomas Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 The hydraulic ones are DIYable. Scarier than a chainsaw though. Random example:https://youtu.be/r5zYdxFv9iI?t=594 I have one of the dinky electric chainsaws - cut down a small peach tree with it today (the last owners had planted it far too close to the foundations, in clay soil 😞). Honestly perfectly safe if you're not being stupid, but I did have some trepidation the first few times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProDave Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 44 minutes ago, joe90 said: I nearly lost my thumb with an angie grinder and carving blade but managed to avoid injury with a chainsaw, I think because chainsaws are recognised as being dangerous people treat them with more respect The big problem with angle grinders, particularly big ones, is the big kick they give at start up. Why oh why they don't have a soft start to wind them up slowly and avoid that big kick beats me (perhaps new ones do, mine are quite old) No chainsaw I have had has such a kick. I did find my old McCulloch chainsaw pretty dangerous because it's throttle mechanism was lousy and more often than not it would not return to a slow idle so if you wanted to put it down, the chain was still running. My new Titan one from Screweys is very much better and this much safer to use. To cut 40cm logs in half you will need a saw horse and you will need to cut about 3/4 of the way from the top and the last 1/4 from below, or better still, put the saw down, rotate the log 180 degrees and cut the remainder from the top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe90 Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 (edited) 17 minutes ago, ProDave said: The big problem with angle grinders, particularly big ones, is the big kick they give at start up. I agree (but both my 4” and 9” have soft start.) but my old 9” had a hell of a kick. Edited June 18, 2023 by joe90 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saveasteading Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 Ive seen adverts for tiny chain saw blades to put on an angle grinder. Or a disc with chain saw teeth. Any good????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe90 Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 10 minutes ago, saveasteading said: Or a disc with chain saw teeth. That’s what nearly removed my thumb (my fault, the cable was around my wrist when I went to put it down and the blade still turning 🤯) lesson learnt, wait till the blade stops before trying to put it down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saveasteading Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 Verdict? Avoid? Only use proper tools? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markocosic Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 Avoid. Chains on chainsaws. Electric ones pretty benign. Chains, flails, cutting teeth etc on angle grinders are inviting injury. Soft start unnecessary on grinders. If you haven't the muscle / posture / anticipation to hold the thing at startup (without a soft start) then you haven't the muscle / posture / anticipation to catch the thing when it snags. So shouldn't be using it IMO. Stick to battery electric 4.5" grinders with lightweight blades that can't snatch badly. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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