Splitting wedges
Splitting wedges
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE SPLITTING WEDGES
What are Splitting wedges used for?
As its name suggests, a splitting wedge is used to split wood. This is usually done with a splitting axe or a splitting hammer. However, these reach their limits with larger diameters or very gnarled wood. Splitting wedges are also suitable for splitting very hard wood, longer logs and thick pieces of trunk. Several splitting wedges are used for larger pieces or very tough wood. If a log is stuck in the log splitter, the splitting wedge can be used to open the splitting crack and free the tool.
Splitting green wood with splitting wedges is a traditional and effective method of preparing larger pieces of log for further processing. Split wood is often used in instrument making and bow making, as the wood fibres run almost uninterrupted through the pieces. It is more flexible, more pliable and more stable and does not break as quickly as sawn wood.
Difference between felling wedges and splitting wedges:
Difference between felling wedges and splitting wedges: A felling wedge is an aid for felling wood. A felling wedge is inserted or driven into the notches cut with the chainsaw and keeps them open or ultimately brings the tree down by driving it in deeply. Felling wedges usually have different wedge angles than splitting wedges.
What material should a splitting wedge be made of?
A wood splitting wedge is more suitable for smaller pieces of wood with an unproblematic grain. You can make your own wood splitting wedges from hardness wood (oak, ash). Splitting wedges made of metal and plastic are used for more difficult situations. So-called. Safety Splitting wedges are usually made of aluminium or plastic, these materials are softer than the saw teeth of a chainsaw. The following applies to steel wedges: Never hit steel on steel. It is therefore best to use a sledgehammer with a special plastic striking surface for steel wedges. Combinations of materials are also common for splitting wedges (metal wedge with wood or plastic insert).
Splitting wedges Shapes
- Simple, straight splitting wedges: Splitting effect depends on the wedge angle, e.g. Flat Angle for small logs, so-called log wedge.
- Rotary splitting wedge: Stronger splitting effect due to axial rotation.
- Splitting wedges with tip: Easier to apply, design allows quick penetration.
- Fluted or scaled surface: Prevents the wedge from springing back (barbed effect).
- Lateral grooves and ridges: Improve guidance and reduce resistance.
How can I split wood with wedges?
Tools required:
- Splitting wedges: These come in different sizes and shapes. Longer wedges or turning wedges are often more suitable for larger pieces of wood.
- Splitting hammer: This splitting axe is specially designed for driving wedges and has a striking surface opposite the cutting edge.
- Stable work surface: chopping block (for shorter pieces) or solid surface Personal protective equipment
- Protective equipment: Work gloves and safety goggles, safety shoes if necessary
Work steps:
- Stand securely: Stand firmly and ensure that you are standing securely.
- Positioning the Splitting wedges: Place the wedge at the point where the wood is to be split. This is often the centre of the wood.
- Drive in the wedge: Hit the wedge firmly with a splitting hammer or other heavy hammer until it is a few centimetres deep in the wood.
- Others splitting: Drive the wedge deeper and deeper into the wood until it finally splits.
- Second splitting wedge: If one wedge is not enough to split the piece of wood, drive a second splitting wedge into a narrow part of the split to open it up further.
- Alternating depth: Drive the splitting wedges alternately deeper and stagger them to split longer or thicker pieces.
Tips and tricks:
- Type of wood: Hardwoods such as books or oak are often more difficult to split than softwoods such as spruce or pine.
- Wood moisture: Freshly felled wood is usually easier to split than dry wood.
- Posture: Make sure your posture is upright to protect your back muscles.
- Safety: Make sure that nobody is in the vicinity when you are working with the splitting hammer.
