Maul/Splitting axe ?

[Efederlein]

Was wondering what kind of edge do I need on it ?
Should it be sharp or a little dull ? Or something completly diff ?

I am completely new to splitting by hand figured it could help me stay in shape a bit during the cold months.

Thanks

PS.....the title should be maul/ splitting axe.......damn auto spell correct.

 

[jerrycmorrow]

cinch it up in your vise and put an edge on it. the edge helps the initial penetration into the wood. the shape of the maul behind it then takes over to continue the split. use google to find more sharpening info

 

[Full Chisel]

I don't worry about putting a very keen edge on a splitting tool, but a decently sharp edge will make it easier to penetrate the grain as said.

 

[svk]

If you have a "box store" type of maul you may want to reshape the edge a bit too. Post up a picture of what you have and we can give you a better idea.

 

[Efederlein]

Got a Helko Vario 2000.

 

[Ronaldo]

That ought to be ready to sink it in to some wood as is! Let us know what you think of it. Thanks

 

[Efederlein]

Will do....it may be a while though I am still in the process of building and staining my new wood shed.....

 

[Full Chisel]

That's a nice looking maul, definitely a quality tool.

 

[svk]

Nice looking axe. As long as you are splitting on a chopping block the edge should last a long time.

 

[Ronaldo]

Shed looks nice too.

 

[Efederlein]

Thanks

 

[jerrycmorrow]

winter's coming. better git to splitting. lol. nice shed. may find its too small though

 

[Efederlein]

winter's coming. better git to splitting. lol. nice shed. may find its too small though

It is 8x16....I only burn max 3 cords to heat my house......filled to capacity it will hold 8 cords......and theres alway room for additions lol.....

Thanks all

 

[benp]

Got a Helko Vario 2000.

I find that Helko one of the most asthetically pleasing "non-custom" splitting tools out there.

I love the looks of that!!

 

[Efederlein]

I find that Helko one of the most asthetically pleasing "non-custom" splitting tools out there.

I love the looks of that!!

Me too.....I almost dont wanna even use it...lol

 

[svk]

The really cool thing about those Helko tools is you can buy additional heads to swap between chopping, splitting axe, and maul.

 

[Efederlein]

The really cool thing about those Helko tools is you can buy additional heads to swap between chopping, splitting axe, and maul.

May be a silly question but what is the difference between a maul and a splitting axe ?

 

[svk]

May be a silly question but what is the difference between a maul and a splitting axe ?

About 2 lbs of head weight I believe.

Actually the maul is the "heavy log splitter" so I misspoke.

 

[Efederlein]

About 2 lbs of head weight I believe.

Actually the maul is the "heavy log splitter" so I misspoke.

So the only difference is weight ?
Do they handle different tasks or are they for the same purpose ?
Meaning they both are just for spliting or can the splitting axe be used as an actual chopping axe also ?

 

[benp]

So the only difference is weight ?
Do they handle different tasks or are they for the same purpose ?
Meaning they both are just for spliting or can the splitting axe be used as an actual chopping axe also ?

They can handle different tasks. Here is the Vario 2000 page from the Helko North American site.

http://www.helkonorthamerica.com/store/c3/Vario_2000.html