Making wedges from wood

[CentaurG2]

Don’t use wedges much but I have made wooden ones with a band saw out of a pallet. Hard dry oak holds up well enough to do the job. Elm might be another good choice. Lord knows I wont split for love nor money.

 

[pioneerguy600]

Thirty years ago the old timers around here used persimmon to make splitting wedges. I've often wondered if a Eastern Hophornbeam would make good wedges.

If you can find a piece of Hornbeam it will make very fine wedges. I have made them from it when I can find a piece but they are pretty scarce here in the maritimes. That is why I use Beech, just about as tough but I would take Hornbeam over it anyday.
Pioneerguy600

 

[Jbevs]

I have 2 plastic ones in my saw kit, but have oak, hickory and short 4"x 4"
available, have electric circular saws too. They are about as dangerous
as chain saws, heard of a kickback accident cutting a femoral artery a few
years ago with fatal results with a skil type portable circular saw.

I'd like to hear more about the circular saw kickback as I'm a carpenter by trade.

On the thread topic though I've never used a wedge, though wished I had some on occasion. Now I know I will just cut few from whatever wood I have on hand.

 

[WoodChuck'r]

Hwedges from Hwood?

 

[Wow]

Thirty years ago the old timers around here used persimmon to make splitting wedges. I've often wondered if a Eastern Hophornbeam would make good wedges.

This is an old thread but someone may find it. Yes Persimmon is my favorite wooden wedge material. Dogwood is second favorite. People beat them to death when on a felling job they could use more of them and just tap one at a time. Recently I had 6 in a big back leaning Sweet Gum. Tree hit target all wedges survived. Most of mine are painted and shaped on the head in a way they don't break up easily when driven. Wooden wedge use is a learned behavior. I've split wood using a metal wedge and a big wooden wedge. Here are some photos of a few old wedges still in use. My wedges last a long time until friends and family members want samples to share with their friends and family. People love em and I gladly give them to my family members. I think they are better than plastic. Safer IMHO. And I've never had one splinter or hurt me. Notice the shape of the heads.