Caution Using Fiskars Super Splitter!

[max2cam]

I do that with every different type of ax/maul/etc that I've used. It is especially important to me because I generally hunt and haul firewood alone. This means that I have to be extra careful because if something were to happen to me I would still have to get home on my own.

It is that very practice that lead me to post this earlier in this thread ....

Using the above, I can use any ax/hatchet/maul and my stroke always finishes heading straight down into the chopping block or ground. On a few occasions I have split both the the round and the chopping block (it was an old block) and even then the ax head traveled straight down into the ground.

It is the same swing that I have always used, but still run a few tests whenever I pick up a different implement. When using a machete/hatchet/(and now the very light Fiskars ax) to chop brush or branches I always use a swing that takes the blade through a path that doesn't include any of my body parts. Even then my swings are reduced in power due to the potential for deflection, no matter how much I might like to think that I am guarding against it.

HTH

I agree 110% with everything you said there, because I also work alone and can't afford injury. Right away I instinctively sensed the Fiskar's handle was too short and said so on another thread. In the first post on this thread I also said to be careful to strike carefully straight down or even away from yourself. But I also assumed that my mishap was a fluke or "accident" but that upon testing this thing, however, I discovered that the "accident" is actually engineered into the Fiskar tool's basic design.

Given that proper technique is critical with this Fiskar's Foot Slicer, it's nuts that explicit instructions don't come with this thing.

What's up with that?

But also consider that a wood splitting tool is something people are going to use with a variety of swings and stances while using lot of force and sometimes in a sweaty, half-exhausted condition as they try to reduce a cord of knotty tough rounds into stove-size pieces. Putting a WAY too-short handle on a Super Sharp tool like this sucker thereby engineering it to hit the user's foot if he misses and then sell it without instructions of any kind is at best irresponsible....

 

[max2cam]

Incidentally, I've also take to using a tire screwed down to the top of my splitting stump to help hold the log in place until I'm done turning it into splinters. So, even if I do swing at a less than optimal angle or the axe glances off of the log, it will generally either just hit or get caught in the tire. I wish I'd known of this little back saver a long time ago! Even when a round is bigger than the 17" tire can accomodate it's worth it to half or quarter the round on a plain stump and then move it into the tire to be finished up.

After sweating profusely last night (90+ degrees) and having the handle get extra slippery and tiring out my hands while splitting I'll be wrapping the handle in grip tape before using it again.

I think that I'll adopt the rubber tire foot saver idea and taping the grip is also a very good idea, but the handle is still too short....

What kind of grip tape are you using? Something special for that purpose?

 

[cjcocn]

... upon testing this thing, however, I discovered that the "accident" is actually engineered into the Fiskar tool's basic design.

Given that proper technique is critical with this Fiskar's Foot Slicer, it's nuts that explicit instructions don't come with this thing.

... Putting a WAY too-short handle on a Super Sharp tool like this sucker thereby engineering it to hit the user's foot if he misses ...

These are some good issues. Anyone used to the more conventional handle lengths is likely to have a small swinging arc when first using the Fiskars unless they are very careful. The tag on mine only had info on other Fiskars products and made no mention of this potential to realize a very different swing when using the Fiskars.

Before I say this next part, let me clarify that I am not expecting Fiskars to write a tome outlining each and every little thing that one must do to increase their odds of using their product safely (wear PPE, drive safe to your wood source, eat your vitamins, etc).

Especially in light of your close call, I can see how even a small write up pointing out the difference in handle length and the subsequent difference in swing arc could be most beneficial to users!

 

[strongback]

I think that I'll adopt the rubber tire foot saver idea and taping the grip is also a very good idea, but the handle is still too short....

What kind of grip tape are you using? Something special for that purpose?

The itty bitty axe does take some getting used to but I really like the fact that my fat body can go through a good amount of wood without fatiguing because I'm not swining a sharpened volkswagen on a stick at logs all afternoon.

If I could go back in time, right after I told myself the winning mega millions lottery number I'd tell myself about putting a tire on top of the splitting stump. I didn't start doing it because of safety (that is just a side effect) I started doing it because you can split up to a 17" round into veritable splinters and usually only have to bend down once to place the log. Some of the splits will either fall out or have to be taken out but at least you don't have to bob up and down between every splitting stroke.

I'm going to pick up some tape tonight so I don't know for sure yet. I was thinking skateboard grip tape or something similar. Just a thin strip on the front side of the axe (directly under the blade side) akin to what you might put on a pistol's grip if it wasn't checkered. This might necessitate my wearing gloves more regularly though. I don't know I've got to go shopping and see what's available. Any suggestions?

 

[Moddoo]

I'm going to pick up some tape tonight so I don't know for sure yet. I was thinking skateboard grip tape or something similar. Just a thin strip on the front side of the axe (directly under the blade side) akin to what you might put on a pistol's grip if it wasn't checkered. This might necessitate my wearing gloves more regularly though. I don't know I've got to go shopping and see what's available. Any suggestions?

Hockey tape works well.

Grip tape will be hell on gloves/hands.

I may dip mine into some bedliner paint that I have...whenever I find that can...

 

[Hugenpoet]

Hockey tape works well.

Grip tape will be hell on gloves/hands.

I may dip mine into some bedliner paint that I have...whenever I find that can...

That blue slightly rubberized tennis raquet grip tape that is available in almost any sporting goods store is designed to cushion and absorb moisture.

 

[fireball33]

i agree with everyone else don't be hard on yourself and learn from your mistakes.
don't take this the wrong way but maybe you should try a new style of splitting with the super splitter. i also split alot of wood by hand and with splitter and almost always set the chunk on top of another piece. please don't ask for more instructions with tools as like "you said i don't know if i would of read it or not but it should be there"

hope it heals quickly and
good luck
Kevin

 

[max2cam]

i
don't take this the wrong way but maybe you should try a new style of splitting with the super splitter. i also split alot of wood by hand and with splitter and almost always set the chunk on top of another piece.
Kevin

Believe me, I have changed my style of splitting using this thing.

Sitting the chunk on top of another piece may have been part of my problem. That sets the split piece up higher, giving the Fiskars tool more room to arc and hit your foot if you should miss, slip, etc. Yesterday I split the pieces right on the ground and I noticed that the head was more likely to go into the ground and not into the foot. The ground is not good for the tool edge though.

 

[strongback]

I may dip mine into some bedliner paint that I have...whenever I find that can...

I'd expect that to be more painful than grip tape but it does give me an idea.
I'm going to try some of that rubberized tool dip I've got sitting on the shelf in the garage! I don't know how well it will do with moisture but since it does a fair job with grease and oil I'd expect it to handle sweat rather well.

 

[blis]

max2cam, no offense ment and sorry about hitting your feet with axe but have you ever thought that the handle lenght in fiskars might be just the right for, lets say, a normal sized scandinavian or that we might split wood differently over here...

Oh, and one should ALWAYS stand feet apart when splitting wood with axe, ALWAYS... just to save your toes and boots...

 

[max2cam]

max2cam, no offense ment and sorry about hitting your feet with axe but have you ever thought that the handle lenght in fiskars might be just the right for, lets say, a normal sized scandinavian or that we might split wood differently over here...

Oh, and one should ALWAYS stand feet apart when splitting wood with axe, ALWAYS... just to save your toes and boots...

That did occur to me. In fact I wondered if maybe you guys over there have longer arms than we do here and thus the Super Short handle is fine for you. However, we have plenty of Finlanders here in N. Wis. and their arms don't look extra-long to me....

I wonder the REASON Fiskars HQ would give me if I asked WHY such a short handle on Super Foot Splitter tool. I may have to ask them...

 

[Fastcast]

I wonder the REASON Fiskars HQ would give me if I asked WHY such a short handle on Super Foot Splitter tool. I may have to ask them...

......Get well!

 

[hvy 1ton]

When i was 8 or so i cut a chunk of my toe nail off with a Gerber pack ax. Was bucking a tree(not much of one at 3") for a campfire The back of the head hit something funny and twisted in my hand and flew right through my work boots and into half my big toe's nail. Every since then i wear steel toed boots, hop-a-long has been added to the long list of nicknames for the 1/2 mile walk back to the house.
Gerber and Fiskar axes are stupid sharp and even faster so be you have to be careful, a lesson i learned with a little axe, hate to have taken that class with a 4lb maul. Hope you feel better, the minimal bleeding is probably b/c the axe is so sharp.

 

[max2cam]

I've been using this Fiskars Super Splitter with an old tire to hold the wood and splitting right on the ground. Working on ground level keeps the blade away from your feet better.

I usually do split wood right on the ground and normally don't use a splitting block. But I wanted to keep the Fiskar's blade sharp and not dull it up by hitting the ground. But putting the wood up on a 6-8" high splitting block gives your swing enough extra height for the tool to come down in a circle, clear the ground, and head right for your feet should you miss, glancing blow, etc.

It should come with instructions...

 

[cjcocn]

I've been using this Fiskars Super Splitter with an old tire to hold the wood and splitting right on the ground. Working on ground level keeps the blade away from your feet better.

I usually do split wood right on the ground and normally don't use a splitting block. But I wanted to keep the Fiskar's blade sharp and not dull it up by hitting the ground. But putting the wood up on a 6-8" high splitting block gives your swing enough extra height for the tool to come down in a circle, clear the ground, and head right for your feet should you miss, glancing blow, etc.

It should come with instructions...

max2cam

You can change your swing to have the head of the ax end up traveling straight down into the ground - even when using a chopping block. I use a Fiskars and, even with the shorter handle, my swings carry the head straight down. I keep hearing you say that the ax head has to end up at your feet, but I disagree as I use a swing that has the ax head end up in the ground every time.

Try adjusting your swing by using your hips as the center of the circle and your shoulders as the main pivot point. Right now it sounds like you are using your shoulders as the center and your elbows as the pivot point, and that would be why you are seeing such a small arc on your swing. Changing your swing mechanics to use a bigger arc will go a long way to having a safer swing.

HTH

 

[Hugenpoet]

......Get well!

+1

 

[max2cam]

max2cam

You can change your swing to have the head of the ax end up traveling straight down into the ground - even when using a chopping block. I use a Fiskars and, even with the shorter handle, my swings carry the head straight down. I keep hearing you say that the ax head has to end up at your feet, but I disagree as I use a swing that has the ax head end up in the ground every time.

Try adjusting your swing by using your hips as the center of the circle and your shoulders as the main pivot point. Right now it sounds like you are using your shoulders as the center and your elbows as the pivot point, and that would be why you are seeing such a small arc on your swing. Changing your swing mechanics to use a bigger arc will go a long way to having a safer swing.

HTH

I'll try out what you suggested today, as I'm still working on my woodpile for next winter. But stung once by this thing, I'm somewhat leery of it now. I feel more comfortable using it on ground level and inside a tire. Probably some instructions like you outlined should come with it. Because if you just pick it up and use it in "normal" fashion it will come at your feet.

 

[cjcocn]

I'll try out what you suggested today, as I'm still working on my woodpile for next winter. But stung once by this thing, I'm somewhat leery of it now. I feel more comfortable using it on ground level and inside a tire. Probably some instructions like you outlined should come with it. Because if you just pick it up and use it in "normal" fashion it will come at your feet.

I'm sure glad that you will try out a different swing as I would really, really hate to hear of you (or anyone else for that matter) having a serious accident with an ax. I am even willing to go so far as to say that you might want to dump the Fiskars in favor of another ax that you feel safer with if you cannot find a swing that works for you.

First and foremost, Stay Safe!

 

[drmiller100]

does anyone else see the irony of someone complaining that a splitting axe can be dangerous, and thinks they need an instruction manual????

maybe splitting wood isn't for you.

 

[Hugenpoet]

does anyone else see the irony of someone complaining that a splitting axe can be dangerous, and thinks they need an instruction manual????

maybe splitting wood isn't for you.

I gave my 34 year old son a Fiskars 2400 this past weekend because I like mine so much. I did tell him that the short handle was apparently causing some problems for some people, although I told him it worked great for me. I suggested that he wear boots, keep his feet apart and pay attention to were the axe head was going. He's smart enough, experienced enough with axes and careful enough so that I am certain he will not have a problem. I did not bother to write him an instruction manual.