I am 58 years old and my son sent me a video clip of you splitting giant rounds and that is how I found out about you. I also split and burn a lot of wood and funny thing is I live in Los Angeles. I work out four days a week at 5.30 in the morning with a bog roaring fire for ten years now. My neighbor cut down a 90 foot redwood and he left about 10 to 15 36" tall rounds which I split with my Arvika axe. I only weigh 147 lbs. and 5'7,I ended up damaging my left shoulder and it kept me from working out for about a year. Every time I see your videos I am like wow, I hope you stay healthy brother.
I moved up to the boonies 4 years ago, bought a hydraulic wood splitter....the issue is that they move at a snails pace for safety. I finally got myself a splitting axe and honestly this video heloed immensely!
Reminds me of when me , my younger brother , and our step dad would spend Saturdays splitting and stacking because we heated our house via wood burning stove. We did use a hydraulic splitter for convenience but we were taught how to use a maul. I miss those days. Awesome video.
Your videos are great, well explained. Just started splitting wood as it’s a small part of my job at a campsite. Been working with smaller pieces cut from a chainsaw. Split my first big piece today and I feel like this video gave me the confidence and technique to do so. So, thank you 🙏
Drop the hips and bend at the knees; that way you are using your body weight to provide more force in the swing. At about 6:10 you are swinging at a block that is too high. You are not getting a full swing at it before you strike. It has been suggested that the swing is at its most powerful when the handle of the axe/maul becomes parallel to the ground. That is the time to strike the block. Another way of putting it is, is to have the top of the block being split more or less parallel to your knees. That's my two cents. Would you agree of disagree? P.S. Very informative: you get the thumbs up.
Finally. Looking for people to actually provide practical advice for people that know what they are doing. I respect this dude. But nice to hear others smart opinions and experience as well. I see this is an old comment but yes I agree so if u wanna talk more I’m open to it. Personally, splitting on a block to me sounds so dumb. I get the physics of it. And wasn’t till this video till I heard why he does it. I still disagree with him but if that works for him then great but that takes too long. Any other questions ? Or things u do different?
Lots of great points. I like using a splitting block that’s about 6-8” so it’s not too tall as to reduce distance of my swings. Otherwise the axe might not reach top speed before impact.
absolute best, concise splitting vid I've seen. thank you. got your name recognition from tiktok - and this is the technique vid i needed as a newbie suburban guy with some logs i need split
Thank you. I'll be dealing with firewood in March in preparation for the next winter and I'll put those tips to good use. And am definitely going to the store on Monday to buy a splitting axe :p
You just know that intro is made for whoever gets salty because someone is ripped and they are not, I get it and respect your very diplomatic stance, but Im here for the shit that matters so thanks for the know-how and firm handshake from Uruguay.
Thanks Thoren you're a very gifted teacher. I think you'd be effective at teaching anything. As you did point it out, I think most people would be better off chopping around the edges, following the lines of the rings of the tree, as in chopping with along the rings not against the Rings as the wood will chop a lot easier.
The best hack I’ve ever been introduced to for all of my hand tools is a rag in a can. Paul Sellers has a video on it but you just oil up a hand towel and roll it into a big tuna can then you can take that thing everywhere to wipe the surfaces of your tools and preserve them.
I used to swing an 8lbs maul working as a steel foundry for 10-12 hours a day, 6 days a week, breaking gating off 1200° parts. You can swing it all day, trust me. Not easy, but possible.
The 1st time I split wood was last year at age 77. I'm terrible at math but an understanding of physics comes easily for me. Without any instruction or videos I intuitively used Thoren's stance, the smooth arc to the top and the drop with the maul which was pretty much all gravity and voila it was sweet success on my 1st try. FYI, I'm not noted for being the most balanced and coordinated individual but this was def. a sweet piece of cake for an old guy. I've been loving it ever since.
Hell ya! Wish I would've seen this before I bought a cheap chopping axe and wore myself to the bone on my first cord of oak rounds. The stick is real! This is the first video you should watch before splitting wood, that no one else is doing. Thanks brother!
Definitely don’t want to lose a friend 😂👍 I appreciate the knowledge shared in this video as I’m going to possibly need this during my vacation to the motherland (Village in Mexico) ❤
Cleared out some trees from our lot up here in Alaska this season. Got plenty of wood to split. Your video made it really easy to practice and get the hang of it quickly ! Thanks so much for posting this and always giving out great tips on the subject. Girls can split wood too 😜💪🏽❤🌲
I saw one of your other videos and cringed at it (you were trying to race a machine lol) but this one is a great explanation. I have been chopping wood for years and everything you explained is 100% correct. Keeping the legs spread is also for safety, it keeps your shins away from the axe head lol
I saw your video on TikTok, started reading about axes and got myself splitting axe ordered to the shop. I asked you if you have explanatory video about splitting and just found you on RUclips. Thank you for informative tips and how to steps. I will have to get some piece of wood and start my new passion. Can't wait. Will be harder than I think, but, isn't it all? 😎
there are many kinds of axes but the main ones are falling/chopping, splitting, and mauls all vary in cheek thickness and weight for the job theyre meant for.
Very concise and informative video. I agree with all of it. Me personally, I have a rule that I always use 40-60 % of strength to split wood. Everything above, is a waste when you need to work continuosly for 2-3hours. If it doesnt give in the middle, I try from the side. If it doesnt go, I would try a wedge.
Hey man, I’m currently using a Fiskars splitting axe I purchased from Lowes, not really a fan of it - would you have suggestions as to which brand is better? I prefer a wooden handle, I really don’t like the synthetic materials.
I swing a maul 2-7hours a day just for the workout. A 8lbs maul and man its a killer workout. I weigh 160lbs but i can tell my shoulders back leg and abbs endurance is getting better more and more.
I just moved full time to the mountains 2 months ago and it finally started to get into the 30’s at night and it’s only getting colder. Too late for this season, the wood won’t be dry. I’m doing this first come in the spring.
Excellent video, I'm shocked a younger person knows how to do it the right way. I've done 50 cords this year with a Fiskers 8lb Maul my favorite tool. A few suggestions; After use, clean and polish the cheeks of the maul. Use a much lower base. You are losing so much energy with the wood so high. I have a concrete pad that's about 6" above ground level which works great for me. Grind mushroom off of wedges. Good job
I actually love this video cause as a guy who lifts I learn better by hearing and seeing the breakdown of form. I used to split wood but we had a hydrologic splitter and never got to use a big heavy Axe.
I wonder if it's because I'm 2m tall, but I've found it effective to do pretty much the opposite. I split much smaller wood usually, mostly birch and pine that are relatively straight and knot free. So I don't bring the hands together. Instead I almost drop it down and use the upper hand for accuracy and angle. I use very little strength, just a bit of downward acceleration. The axe stays in front of me. I find that a lot of momentum is a bit unnecessary and makes it more difficult as an amateur to control the angle/aim, which I think is more import than the force. Also the high speed easily leads to accidents if you can't control it properly. So I find it easier to work less and with more precision.
Ive got roughly 1500ft of pine logs i gotta chop through. So far ive done roughly 100ft and i had no idea i was doing it all wrong. Ill try these techniques with the rest of the 1400ft. Thanks.
I learned with a maul, just a few years ago. I think the axe I have is too narrow and I'm going to need to find something wider, thanks for that explanation.
Was wondering bought a what i percieve as a decent Maul, at ace, was made In India Called Proxima 8lb Maul, wondering if it would pop up in one of your videos for a review
A lot more swinging force into the wood if the round base wasn’t as tall. You could probably cut 1’ to 1-1/2’ out of that and it would make your swings more efficient and safer. Also…The higher the chop, the higher anything flying off of that will be, so I’d rather have that hit my legs than torso or have it be closer to my face. Plus, the amount of crap that has hit me at random swings, I’m wearing eye protection all day. I’ll chop in shorts and flip flops before I chop without glasses. Another tip if you don’t have a log splitter for some hard to split wood, wear a mouth piece. You can really damage your teeth from some of the jarring hits.
I'm sorry if you covered this question somewhere else, but what is a decent wood splitting axe I could buy thats around $100? What would you recommend. Love your videos, came here because you are a master at it.
Here's a few more tips on your first swing line up the axe to the spot your going to try and hit if you make a large crack use that as a target for the axe to hit and wet wood is usly better splitting is actually used to help dry the wood.
“Hey guys, I can’t help it if I’m hot. Look, I even covered up as much as possible. And we all know your wives and girlfriends are in love with me-but I promise I can teach you still.” 😂 “Also, get it wet first dummy’s!” 😂😂 Thank you for always making me smile Thoren
Newbie question: can I use the butt of the Helko traditional Saxon splitter to drive wedges or is an actual splitting maul needed if i want to use a wedge? (Renovating a home...had a huge oak tree downed that was hanging over my house....have a ton of huge logs I am going to chop up for firewood but I've never chopped wood before....I'm a builder not a logger but figure I can learn a new skill if someone can bestow some wisdom with these tools on me)
I am 58 years old and my son sent me a video clip of you splitting giant rounds and that is how I found out about you. I also split and burn a lot of wood and funny thing is I live in Los Angeles. I work out four days a week at 5.30 in the morning with a bog roaring fire for ten years now. My neighbor cut down a 90 foot redwood and he left about 10 to 15 36" tall rounds which I split with my Arvika axe. I only weigh 147 lbs. and 5'7,I ended up damaging my left shoulder and it kept me from working out for about a year. Every time I see your videos I am like wow, I hope you stay healthy brother.
So kind man,God bless U
Same. I live in SoCal and also injured my shoulder splitting eucalyptus rounds. Still not healed 2 years later.
@@ljss6805 I'd recommend you see a doctor, but... America.
@@bespit6654 I already saw two. Need surgery. Gonna be 4 months of recovery after surgery.
This is the kind of information l want from the internet...thanks algorithm 😁
Splitting wood is a damn good workout regardless brother and I definitely use it as part of my exercise regimen when in season for cutting wood.
I’m here like I’m ever gonna be splitting wood
😂 you never know!
Hahaha!!!! Omg that was awesome. He's fun to watch!
@@ThorenBradley😮😮😮😮
Bro you're not
@@ThorenBradleythis is great! I’m gonna go split some wood for the first time today! You’re right man! You just never know, this is an awesome vid!
I moved up to the boonies 4 years ago, bought a hydraulic wood splitter....the issue is that they move at a snails pace for safety. I finally got myself a splitting axe and honestly this video heloed immensely!
Try splitting the first split with the wood splitter then use you splitting ax it will change your life.
Ive cut a ton of wood and that was a great tutorial on splitting wood. Nice tips to save the body, and be safe.
Reminds me of when me , my younger brother , and our step dad would spend Saturdays splitting and stacking because we heated our house via wood burning stove. We did use a hydraulic splitter for convenience but we were taught how to use a maul. I miss those days. Awesome video.
Your videos are great, well explained.
Just started splitting wood as it’s a small part of my job at a campsite. Been working with smaller pieces cut from a chainsaw.
Split my first big piece today and I feel like this video gave me the confidence and technique to do so. So, thank you 🙏
Drop the hips and bend at the knees; that way you are using your body weight to provide more force in the swing. At about 6:10 you are swinging at a block that is too high. You are not getting a full swing at it before you strike. It has been suggested that the swing is at its most powerful when the handle of the axe/maul becomes parallel to the ground. That is the time to strike the block. Another way of putting it is, is to have the top of the block being split more or less parallel to your knees. That's my two cents. Would you agree of disagree? P.S. Very informative: you get the thumbs up.
Finally. Looking for people to actually provide practical advice for people that know what they are doing. I respect this dude. But nice to hear others smart opinions and experience as well. I see this is an old comment but yes I agree so if u wanna talk more I’m open to it. Personally, splitting on a block to me sounds so dumb. I get the physics of it. And wasn’t till this video till I heard why he does it. I still disagree with him but if that works for him then great but that takes too long. Any other questions ? Or things u do different?
Lots of great points. I like using a splitting block that’s about 6-8” so it’s not too tall as to reduce distance of my swings. Otherwise the axe might not reach top speed before impact.
Great clip. You've introduced science into an every day chore .
I’m using this as a refresher to what dad taught me years ago.
absolute best, concise splitting vid I've seen. thank you. got your name recognition from tiktok - and this is the technique vid i needed as a newbie suburban guy with some logs i need split
Thank you. I'll be dealing with firewood in March in preparation for the next winter and I'll put those tips to good use. And am definitely going to the store on Monday to buy a splitting axe :p
You just know that intro is made for whoever gets salty because someone is ripped and they are not, I get it and respect your very diplomatic stance, but Im here for the shit that matters so thanks for the know-how and firm handshake from Uruguay.
Thanks Thoren you're a very gifted teacher. I think you'd be effective at teaching anything. As you did point it out, I think most people would be better off chopping around the edges, following the lines of the rings of the tree, as in chopping with along the rings not against the Rings as the wood will chop a lot easier.
The best hack I’ve ever been introduced to for all of my hand tools is a rag in a can. Paul Sellers has a video on it but you just oil up a hand towel and roll it into a big tuna can then you can take that thing everywhere to wipe the surfaces of your tools and preserve them.
I used to swing an 8lbs maul working as a steel foundry for 10-12 hours a day, 6 days a week, breaking gating off 1200° parts. You can swing it all day, trust me. Not easy, but possible.
I'm 17 and have an 8lbs maul that I use, and I can go all day long.
Tuff guy
The 1st time I split wood was last year at age 77. I'm terrible at math but an understanding of physics comes easily for me. Without any instruction or videos I intuitively used Thoren's stance, the smooth arc to the top and the drop with the maul which was pretty much all gravity and voila it was sweet success on my 1st try. FYI, I'm not noted for being the most balanced and coordinated individual but this was def. a sweet piece of cake for an old guy. I've been loving it ever since.
This is a great lesson to everyone that starting splitting woods
Thanks bud, I put a handle on my maul last weekend and my form definitely needs improvement. Keep up the great work.
Hell ya! Wish I would've seen this before I bought a cheap chopping axe and wore myself to the bone on my first cord of oak rounds. The stick is real! This is the first video you should watch before splitting wood, that no one else is doing. Thanks brother!
Definitely don’t want to lose a friend 😂👍 I appreciate the knowledge shared in this video as I’m going to possibly need this during my vacation to the motherland (Village in Mexico) ❤
Sounds amazing!!!!
Cleared out some trees from our lot up here in Alaska this season. Got plenty of wood to split. Your video made it really easy to practice and get the hang of it quickly ! Thanks so much for posting this and always giving out great tips on the subject. Girls can split wood too 😜💪🏽❤🌲
Bel video spiegato molto bene 😊
I saw one of your other videos and cringed at it (you were trying to race a machine lol) but this one is a great explanation.
I have been chopping wood for years and everything you explained is 100% correct. Keeping the legs spread is also for safety, it keeps your shins away from the axe head lol
I genuinely appreciate this guy. Thank you sir for the knowledge ur awesome
cheers man. Tips we need from the ones born and raised in cities , living in nature now
Yeah... love all of this. ( I dig the language of wood cutting... brilliant and inspiring) Peace!
I saw your video on TikTok, started reading about axes and got myself splitting axe ordered to the shop. I asked you if you have explanatory video about splitting and just found you on RUclips. Thank you for informative tips and how to steps. I will have to get some piece of wood and start my new passion. Can't wait. Will be harder than I think, but, isn't it all? 😎
This is the best video on wood chopping I’ve seen. Good stuff man
Got my new shiny splitting maul for Christmas and now I have the information to be good at using it. Thanks!
Great HOW-TO vid with powerful tips I had no clue I had been doing all along!! Thank you!! And teaching kids the same!!!
there are many kinds of axes but the main ones are falling/chopping, splitting, and mauls all vary in cheek thickness and weight for the job theyre meant for.
Very concise and informative video. I agree with all of it. Me personally, I have a rule that I always use 40-60 % of strength to split wood. Everything above, is a waste when you need to work continuosly for 2-3hours. If it doesnt give in the middle, I try from the side. If it doesnt go, I would try a wedge.
Oh my stars! I was swinging like you said don’t do now I know. Great information.
That was concise, very explanatory and really helpful, thank you dude! I needed this
I'm a writer and I've been looking for a good walk through of the little details for a chapter so thank you!
Glad to help in whatever way!
I know what youre gonna write. And tell me how to find your book after you finish ❤😂
i am one of the gayest lesbians, my friend. @@niharasathsarinigalagamage8882
Really helpful, thank you very much.
Hey man, I’m currently using a Fiskars splitting axe I purchased from Lowes, not really a fan of it - would you have suggestions as to which brand is better? I prefer a wooden handle, I really don’t like the synthetic materials.
Stihl makes a really good splitting maul.
@@hansonr22 thanks man, I appreciate the response, I’ll check that one out
The axe lubing trick helped me greatly with the wood I have here.
As an identity management engineer it’s critical that I learn how to chop wood with better form.
As an idiot on the internet who doesn't feel like googling, I have no idea what identity management engineering means.
Great explanation of body form for splitting
I swing a maul 2-7hours a day just for the workout. A 8lbs maul and man its a killer workout. I weigh 160lbs but i can tell my shoulders back leg and abbs endurance is getting better more and more.
I just moved full time to the mountains 2 months ago and it finally started to get into the 30’s at night and it’s only getting colder. Too late for this season, the wood won’t be dry. I’m doing this first come in the spring.
I find if you put the log on the ground your swing will be longer and faster
Awesome video explaining the technique. Thanks man!
Fantastic video! Now I know what I was doing wrong all my life 😂 Thanks!
Great vid bro and great explanation for anyone stating out or just needing a refresher
Have an amazing day my man!
Excellent video, I'm shocked a younger person knows how to do it the right way. I've done 50 cords this year with a Fiskers 8lb Maul my favorite tool. A few suggestions;
After use, clean and polish the cheeks of the maul.
Use a much lower base. You are losing so much energy with the wood so high. I have a concrete pad that's about 6" above ground level which works great for me.
Grind mushroom off of wedges.
Good job
Thank you for this. I learned so much 🙏thank you
This is very useful, you are a big inspiration
I just learned so much 😅 Thanks!
Need to get myself a broader axe! Thanks for the info. 😁
I actually love this video cause as a guy who lifts I learn better by hearing and seeing the breakdown of form. I used to split wood but we had a hydrologic splitter and never got to use a big heavy Axe.
What did you think of that helko splitting maul/axe?
I could watch this all day.
Reminds me of my grandfather
Glad you clarified that you were a fitness model. Now I don't feel so bad that I only watch these videos because you are so attractive.
I love splitting wood lmao. This video helped me perfect my technique and rip through huge stumps way faster
I wonder if it's because I'm 2m tall, but I've found it effective to do pretty much the opposite. I split much smaller wood usually, mostly birch and pine that are relatively straight and knot free.
So I don't bring the hands together. Instead I almost drop it down and use the upper hand for accuracy and angle. I use very little strength, just a bit of downward acceleration. The axe stays in front of me.
I find that a lot of momentum is a bit unnecessary and makes it more difficult as an amateur to control the angle/aim, which I think is more import than the force. Also the high speed easily leads to accidents if you can't control it properly.
So I find it easier to work less and with more precision.
I agree. Accuracy is more important than force and if all you're doing is power swings you'll gas out too quickly.
Ive got roughly 1500ft of pine logs i gotta chop through. So far ive done roughly 100ft and i had no idea i was doing it all wrong. Ill try these techniques with the rest of the 1400ft. Thanks.
"last couple swings in...", EXPLOSION! ;)
I learned with a maul, just a few years ago. I think the axe I have is too narrow and I'm going to need to find something wider, thanks for that explanation.
Was wondering bought a what i percieve as a decent Maul, at ace, was made In India Called Proxima 8lb Maul, wondering if it would pop up in one of your videos for a review
Great instructions
Thoren, thanks man. Really appreciated the video.
A lot more swinging force into the wood if the round base wasn’t as tall. You could probably cut 1’ to 1-1/2’ out of that and it would make your swings more efficient and safer. Also…The higher the chop, the higher anything flying off of that will be, so I’d rather have that hit my legs than torso or have it be closer to my face. Plus, the amount of crap that has hit me at random swings, I’m wearing eye protection all day. I’ll chop in shorts and flip flops before I chop without glasses. Another tip if you don’t have a log splitter for some hard to split wood, wear a mouth piece. You can really damage your teeth from some of the jarring hits.
Great info, thanks.
Don’t know when I’ll ever swing an axe again but I watched this whole video 😍
I love this… would have been even more educational without the shirt… not just excited to see you 😉 but to see how the form looks 😏
thank you for the hint about glasses!
Excellent.
great video thanks
I'm sorry if you covered this question somewhere else, but what is a decent wood splitting axe I could buy thats around $100? What would you recommend. Love your videos, came here because you are a master at it.
Fiskars x27
I use the x27 thats a really nice splitter you have its insane the sound your making cracking those rounds
What's axe do you use currently please ?
What is a good splitting axe to buy?
Great advise. Tell me Thoren like me I do wood splitting for exercise better than a gym lol
Do you need to have like a degree or anything to be a lumberjack/tree surgeon because I’m really good with an axe and I want to be a lumberjack
I'm sorry. I totally missed what you were saying. I guess I need to watch again. For educational purposes, of course. 😘
Heck ya man I bought a twisted wedge and it splits 20" wide rounds absolutely with no issue at all.
Great Vid.
Thankyou Mate.
Should wood be dry before splitting, and how long is best to dry maple?
I’m 72 and split wood regularly using your techniques. Some rounds 30”+.
I just so happen to have a big hickory stump lying around. Thanks for all the great advice.
Nice video. Thanks
Why do so many people hate on you??
Whats the best height to split wood at? A raised stump, or a ground level stump?
What is your axe you use currently in your vidéo please?
what brand of maul do you use?
Great video bro..
Here's a few more tips on your first swing line up the axe to the spot your going to try and hit if you make a large crack use that as a target for the axe to hit and wet wood is usly better splitting is actually used to help dry the wood.
Amazing
Top vc é fera! Parabéns
What is the model of that splitting axe brother?
Fellow 6 footer here, what do you feel is the ideal height for your chopping block?
“Hey guys, I can’t help it if I’m hot. Look, I even covered up as much as possible. And we all know your wives and girlfriends are in love with me-but I promise I can teach you still.” 😂
“Also, get it wet first dummy’s!”
😂😂 Thank you for always making me smile Thoren
Newbie question: can I use the butt of the Helko traditional Saxon splitter to drive wedges or is an actual splitting maul needed if i want to use a wedge? (Renovating a home...had a huge oak tree downed that was hanging over my house....have a ton of huge logs I am going to chop up for firewood but I've never chopped wood before....I'm a builder not a logger but figure I can learn a new skill if someone can bestow some wisdom with these tools on me)
ask professionals, not clowns
Can you do the same with a splitting axe?
Yup, wood is incoming. Awesome vid
Yes. Lube is so important sometimes.