Splitting/Chopping Tool Review Thread

[c5rulz]

Looks like someone has a thing for sharp things.

Maybe

 

[svk]

I'd be way more concerned about fiskars metallurgy- difficulty keeping an edge. Were I ever to buy one. (Fanboy of hickory and quality forge work, here.)

Those who split large quantities of wood (rather than just discussing it in technical terms on the Internet) know this isn't a problem. Just saying.

 

[Ambull01]

Maybe

Nice. Now that's a dude that takes sharpening seriously.

 

[mn woodcutter]

My two main splitting tools. Collins 13 lb maul sharpened to cut paper and my new (less than a year old) fiskars.

 

[mdavlee]

Has anyone tested out the new Husqvarna splitting axe (X25 knock off) yet? Curious as to how it stacks up against the 25.

I tested mine out today in a couple ash rounds with a few little knots that the x27 wouldn't bust. It did better than I thought it would. I see the fiskars setting a whole lot now. I want to grab a 6lb Council maul to go with this one. It was the 2.8kg version.

 

[Philbert]

Top photo is of some round, Oregon 'wood grenade' type splitting wedges. One is alloy, one is iron. Got them at garage sales for fun, and I keep them for show-and-tell. Not very impressed with them.



The lower photo shows my conventional, forged iron splitting wedges: 3, 4, and 5 pound sizes. I have a total of 6. Like anything else, it is nice to have a choice, depending on the task. I would pick the 4 pound size for my general use if I was buying them new.



The reason they look so pretty is because they have not been used in a while. The cost for these got ridiculous in recent years, so I picked up several at garage/estate sales for $2 - $3 each.

Like any striking tool, the tops need to be dressed when they start to mushroom over. The blue wedges had over 1/2" of material sticking out the sides when I bought them! It was easier to cut these edges off with an angle grinder than to grind them back with a bench grinder.

Afterwards, I cleaned up the tops and bevels with a bench grinder and a ScotchBrite wheel, them painted them so that they don't rust in my garage. They don't stay pretty long in use!

Philbert

 

[Philbert]

Side view



Philbert

 

[mn woodcutter]

Side view

View attachment 381556

Philbert

Nice job on those wedges. Now to wear that paint off!

 

[svk]

I tested mine out today in a couple ash rounds with a few little knots that the x27 wouldn't bust. It did better than I thought it would. I see the fiskars setting a whole lot now. I want to grab a 6lb Council maul to go with this one. It was the 2.8kg version.

Just to confirm. You have one of these?



Or one of these?

 

[mdavlee]

This one.

 

[svk]

I tested mine out today in a couple ash rounds with a few little knots that the x27 wouldn't bust. It did better than I thought it would. I see the fiskars setting a whole lot now.

Thanks for sharing. My interest is definitely piqued.

Being it has a shorter handle and lighter head than the x27, to what do attribute the performance? Head shape?

 

[mdavlee]

Thanks for sharing. My interest is definitely piqued.

Being it has a shorter handle and lighter head than the x27, to what do attribute the performance? Head shape?

It is a little heavier than the x27. 2.8kg The shorter handle doesn't bother me. I can get most blocks up on something where it's not quite as low.

 

[svk]

It is a little heavier than the x27. 2.8kg The shorter handle doesn't bother me. I can get most blocks up on something where it's not quite as low.

Interesting. Sounds like this one is more similar to the original Fiskars SS. Would like to see them side by side.

 

[Philbert]

Have we ever determined if Husqvarna warranties these like the Fiskars? have not been able to get an answer. Anything on the tags that came with it?

Thanks.

Philbert

 

[BeatCJ]

"Hammer function for an easy and effective use of splitting wedges (no steel wedges)"

I've been wondering about the aluminum wedges, somehow it doesn't seem like they would stand up like my steel wedges.

 

[svk]

Have we ever determined if Husqvarna warranties these like the Fiskars? have not been able to get an answer. Anything on the tags that came with it?

Thanks.

Philbert

Nowhere can I see any warranty info online. @spike60 did not specify in the thread related to this subject.

Husqvarna support line is 1-800-487-5951 open 8-8 eastern time M-F. Anybody want to give them a call?

 

[zogger]

Nowhere can I see any warranty info online. @spike60 did not specify in the thread related to this subject.

Husqvarna support line is 1-800-487-5951 open 8-8 eastern time M-F. Anybody want to give them a call?

I will if spike doesn't chime in by tomorrow

 

[c5rulz]

Those who split large quantities of wood (rather than just discussing it in technical terms on the Internet) know this isn't a problem. Just saying.

You Sir have an incredible grasp of the obvious.

 

[mn woodcutter]

My two main splitting tools. Collins 13 lb maul sharpened to cut paper and my new (less than a year old) fiskars.

I also use this handy tool with a 48" handle for rolling rounds and unloading the truck.

 

[Ronaldo]

Fiskars X25, Plumb axe, 8 lbs maul and metal handled monster maul type. For 95% of my splitting the Fiskars is the best and easiest to use. As was also mentioned, love my log tongs......a real back saver. Got 8 and 12".