If you have a lot of wood to split, you should split wood with a log splitter. We borrowed our neighbor's wood splitter to tackle a large cherry tree that had died. We made a lot of firewood in a few hours, watch the video:
Some safety tips when you split wood with a log splitter
Know how to stop the machine immediately.
Where is the off or reverse switches? Know how to back up the piston real quick or to turn off the rig. Don't become lax about operating the log splitter, its a powerful machine.
Be aware of everyone near the machine.
Accidents will occur if more than one person is operating the log splitter. Don't assume your co-worker knows where you and your fingers are at all times.
Always wear ear and eye protection, and steel toed boots.
Its obvious, but prolonged exposure to loud noise, like that from a small engine, takes it toll on your hearing. Eye protection is a must have, after all, we're splitting wood here. And good boots will save your feet. You need them to get along in life, OK?
Block the machine wheels to keep it from rolling.
Log splitters are on wheels so they can be moved around, so chock the wheels when its where you want it, so it doesn't roll. Remember, round wheels will roll. Gravity wins.
Keep fingers out of log splits.
When splitting wood, its easy to get you fingers in the openings of the wood, don't do it. Those cracks can just as easily close back up, with your fingers in them. A bad thing if you ask me.
Square the ends of the log.
You want the logs to sit flat on the back plate of the splitter. If that isn't square, the log can twist, and potentially move in a way you'd rather it not to go. Square straight logs = good.
If you've borrowed the log splitter from your neighbor, return it in better shape then you got it. And fill up the tank with fresh gas that has gas stabilizer added. Your neighbor will be impressed and let you borrow it again.
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