Campfires

[Jim Bennett]

In the vein of campfires, what does everyone use to split wood? I bring along an axe I first bought for canoeing, a Gransfors Bruk Small Splitting Axe, a 23" splitting axe with 3.5 lb head. Though small, I have split many a gnarly, knotted round with it over the years, and it still performs like new. One of the favourite tools I own, not only is it extremely well built, it feels great in the hands too. My brother has the Large Splitting Axe, and I have the Splitting Maul which I leave at our land. Lee Valley sells Gransfors, not cheap, but in my books well worth the cost.

https://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/pro...splitting-axe/

[Glenn Baglo]

Speaking of smoke.

[Raz]

Would the moderator please size his pictures so I can read the post without a magnifying glass.

I use an 8 lb Stanley splitting maul for fire wood. For kindling I've got the forest axe.. I've used it for limbing saw logs. A very impressive tool. Scary.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Raz

Would the moderator please size his pictures so I can read the post without a magnifying glass.

Would Raz please click on the photos to see them full sized so he can read the post without a magnifying glass.

Too be fair, they are just crappy cell phone shots.

[Glenn Baglo]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Would Raz please click on the photos to see them full sized so he can read the post without a magnifying glass.

Too be fair, they are just crappy cell phone shots.

I think you are being poked about the size of your tool, Jim.

baglo

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Glenn Baglo

I think you are being poked about the size of your tool, Jim.

baglo

He shouldn't be peeking.

[Raz]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Would Raz please click on the photos to see them full sized so he can read the post without a magnifying glass.

Too be fair, they are just crappy cell phone shots.

I don't think you understand. I'm seeing a hugh axe with mouse print. No clicking will cure it. Perhaps it's my tablet or the fact I'm using the default skin??

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Raz

I don't think you understand. I'm seeing a hugh axe with mouse print. No clicking will cure it. Perhaps it's my tablet or the fact I'm using the default skin??

It is a small axe with BIG power. It all looks great to me.

[Glenn Baglo]

I think it's you Raz.
Photo is quite large enough on my display.

[Raz]

It's the default skin.

[JC_In_Austin]

Wood that's even a little damp will smoke like crazy. If that's the only wood available, we get the fire going, then stack upcoming logs around the edge to dry out before adding them.

Generally works great.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by JC_In_Austin

Wood that's even a little damp will smoke like crazy. If that's the only wood available, we get the fire going, then stack upcoming logs around the edge to dry out before adding them.

Generally works great.

I have often burned damp wood, not to be confused with green wood, which will burn clean if placed one piece at a time onto a hot fire. I have placed wood around the perimeter of the fire to dry it too, as it definitely ignites faster. Often the moisture is not very deep into the wood.

[padlin00]

As others have mentioned, the biggest challenge around here is you can not bring your own wood. At state campgrounds you have to buy theirs, which is almost always wet. You can't even get a clean fire going to dry it out some, it smokes from the get go. Other then that I see many that start their fires mid afternoon then don't keep them hot all day, they just smoulder for hours.

[Steph in Huron]

Chiming in here, I live in an area that been decimated by the Emerald Ash Bore. We literally have no live ash trees left. Please avoid transporting wood from your of state/province, if at all possible!

On a happier note, I decided a few years ago to purchase a Leveraxe. It's hand made in Finland and boy does it work well! I can split wood (Ash wood, from a tree that had to be cut down) any size... seriously, like a diameter of 12", 24", whatever size. It was expensive, but you don't need a ton or strength to chop, just the technique.

[Mike Magee]

Originally Posted by Steph in Huron

Chiming in here, I live in an area that been decimated by the Emerald Ash Bore. We literally have no live ash trees left. Please avoid transporting wood from your of state/province, if at all possible!

On a happier note, I decided a few years ago to purchase a Leveraxe. It's hand made in Finland and boy does it work well! I can split wood (Ash wood, from a tree that had to be cut down) any size... seriously, like a diameter of 12", 24", whatever size. It was expensive, but you don't need a ton or strength to chop, just the technique.

Attachment 110016Attachment 110017

Very interesting! I watched some videos and read up on the Leveraxe. Expensive from the main company, but I think Lowe's (in USA at least) now carries this at a lower price.

[padlin00]

I like the use of a tire in the slo-mo video, might have to try that part of it.

[Jim Bennett]

I used the Leveraxe before. It worked fine, but after a while my forearms were getting sore from the twisting action. A good splitting maul works great too, we have done many cords with mine, and it does not have this effect on my arms.

Splitting wood with a good axe has always been a favourite work activity of mine. I always feel satisfied with the work I got done, and as a bonus it is a good workout that benefits my overall health.

[EricAllyn]

My Dad always said "Splitting wood is twice warmed."

[jon carpenter]

Jim, I'm right behind you. Almost all my campfires are smoke free with seasoned wood and the teepee method. We love the smell of campfires but try to be considerate to others.
jon

[Hazel in Sk]

Some good info in this thread. I know how to build a fire and can control smoke. Here in Mosquitoland we often PLAN a smokey fire or our nostrils get plugged!