Step 1
Stand the log on end at the center of your chopping block. Make sure the log is stable.
Step 2
Check for large knots where branches were removed. These areas will have crooked, gnarly grain that should be avoided, as they are tough to split.
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Step 3
Look for splits or cracks that radiate out from the center the log. These are where you'll want to aim your blade to split the log more easily.
Step 4
Place the edge of your blade on the log where you want to split it, and then set your feet for the proper stance. This will enable you to swing the ax with greater force and accuracy, and split the log more successfully.
Double check your footing so that if you miss your target, the completed swing won't hit your leg or foot.
Step 5
Hold the ax or maul handle with both hands. Your dominant hand should be placed closer to the head.
Raise the ax over the shoulder of your stronger hand and then swing down quickly and firmly towards the log in one smooth motion, sliding your stronger hand down the handle to meet your weaker hand. This maintains control and delivers a more powerful blow than if both hands are together through the entire swing.
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Step 6
If the log fails to split on the first blow, pull the ax blade out and strike the log again in the same spot.
Should the blade get stuck, rock it toward and away from you to free it. Do not twist it from side to side as you may splinter the handle or loosen it from the ax head.
If this remedy fails, tap a steel wedge into the split using the sledgehammer or maul—not your ax, as the head could shatter—and crack the wood apart.
DO NOT lift the log with the blade stuck in it over your head to swing down again. The ax could come loose and the log could fall on you.
Step 7
Split each block of wood into smaller and smaller pieces, until they're of the desired size. Typically, you'll split one piece in half, and then split those pieces again until they're about six to eight inches across the widest part.
When you're finished chopping wood into big pieces, you'll also want to make some smaller pieces for kindling, too.