Splitting wood! There may not be another homestead chore that lets you really get in the zone. That focused, thought provoking and rhythmic zone that can only come from the combination of manual labor, pattern recognition and strategic planning.
chestnut oak; a few perfect splits
There’s just something about the realization of accomplishment after you split a tough, knotty piece of oak in 1 swing, or hit the exact spot where a piece of wood starts to check and it flies apart like cheese that makes you feel good. I don’t know if it’s endorphins or something like that, but it feels damn good.
you can also split longer pieces of wood into rails before sawing to length
That’s not to say that I don’t get tired, frustrated and mad at the odd piece of wood that won’t budge even after it has an axe, maul, and 2 wedges lodged in it, but it balances out in the positive in the end.
Instinctively, splitting firewood leaves you with a reassuring feeling in your heart as you face winter and its potentially icy storms. A stacked pile of split wood is a physical manifestation of security and preparedness. Something you can depend on when the power goes out to keep the family warm.
The last few days have been great splitting wood, clear, sunny not too warm or cold. Wood splitting is a good cold weather chore because all of the activity warms you up nicely and has you shedding layers in less than no time. I finished splitting the chestnut oak that we felled and bucked last year, and even got started on some windblown pine.
No matter what you are splitting though, always remember to stay safe. One careless swing can do some serious damage to yourself or any innocent bystanders. Keep your feet clear, and take enough breaks to keep yourself focused and not helplessly tired, and in no time you’ll be on your way to a nice stack of security!
January 21, 2015 at 8:51 am
Hi Jason and Emma
Happy New Year to you two!
Well said! I love splitting firewood. As you say the feeling of accomplishment is incredible. One added note on planning. Make sure to carefully plan the site where you will be splitting the wood. This past summer I was out splitting wood near the back of the house and Aunt Elba’s potted plants. I thought I had a good clearing, nothing within 4′. I spilt 6 logs in around 30 swings and was down to the last log, a medium probably 8″ diameter piece. First swing was perfect the 1 became 2.
Feeling like a lumberjack and looking around to see if anyone noticed, I bent over and turned one of the 2 on end, spread my feet and swung. This time I also nailed the log, it split and the right piece flew into the air and landed one of Aunt Elba’s potted plants breaking the large blue and white, oriental design pot in two. Man did I have some explaining to do. Lesson learned: nothing civilized should within 5 axe lengths of your spitting area. Love you guys!!!
January 21, 2015 at 8:50 pm
Oh no!! And you didn’t have a dog to blame it on either! Hahaha :)
That’s definitely something to keep in mind though…
Happy New Year to you guys too!
January 21, 2015 at 8:56 pm
So funny! Love the story… Although I’m sure Aunt Elba doesn’t… :)
Love you guys!
<3