by Heineken » Thu 20 Dec 2007, 00:53:09
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('WisJim', 'B')ack in the 1970s or 80s, when the "Chopper" axe was being marketed heavily, I worked in a hardware store that stocked and sold them. No one that split much wood liked them. They would jam, parts would break, etc. A regular maul works well, and the Monster maul with the pipe handle works okay for stuff that might be too hard to split otherwise.
I agree. Avoid the boutique tools.
The only "experiment" I ever tried with regard to a splitting maul was buying an 8-pounder as a possible replacement for my 6-pounder. That mean-looking 8-pounder has sat almost unused in my woodshed for, oh, about five years now. The heavier maul obviously offers more potential force, but it can't be swung as swiftly as the lighter one. Thus, as it turned out, the 6-pounder was far more effective. Speed is the key to splitting, when accompanied by reasonable force. This is something the pro golfers know. The ones with the farthest drives are the ones who swing the club fastest, and not necessarily with the most muscle.