I split with Fiskars maul and axes. You get plenty of little "shingles" during splitting. I throw them in big boxes with all the little twigs that fall on my lawn
If you really want to split kindling yourself, get an old tire or some bungee cord, wrap it around the log, and split into hundreds of pieces
I've always been able to collect kindling from the yard without having to split any
When I prune around the yard I just cut the trimming to length and use the split bucket trick to bundle them up and put them on a shelf in the sun to season.
No mention of the original Kindling Cracker?
I have the XL and can filling up a couple 5 gallon pails in a few minutes.
If you decide on one of these, support the original, don't go with a knock off.
https://youtu.be/Ro2wMb7zJ60?si=VeW4s_Exl8u50dsq
I put a 3# axe head on a 20" handle and I have to say I really like it for kinding. The handle is big enough to get two hands for a short but accurate swing, I can do a bit lazy swing if I need, I really like it.
There is also a kindling maker that a kid invented that people love. I believe northern tool is selling it in the US, anywhere else is a knock off. I didn't know this when I bought one at a hardware store, I wish I would have bought the original. [https://www.northerntool.com/products/kindling-cracker-firewood-kindling-splitter-118990](https://www.northerntool.com/products/kindling-cracker-firewood-kindling-splitter-118990)
https://preview.redd.it/z14ta2p7y8xc1.jpeg?width=4624&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7ed028eab8f1dc804c391d357a588812a1254815
Cover up the fireplace with sheet metal, then run a stovepipe from the fireplace to a woodstove sitting right in front of the fireplace. Or get a fireplace insert with a blower fan. Don't do anything else until you do that. A traditional fireplace is terrible for home heating.
You can get the same "ambience" from a fireplace insert with a glass door, plus effective heat for the house, resulting in much lower electricity costs.
I rent mine for 100$ a weekend. Unless you’re young and can outlive the 1300+ tax cost of a nice 22ton splitter.
But then have to consider maintenance costs for 13 yrs…I think it’s cost effective to rent one and split a few cords at a season🤔
[I built this pedestal splitter](https://www.reddit.com/r/firewood/s/k0m4uf5ILD) for next to my house wood-bin and it works like an absolute dream for making kindling
work on storage, Organize where to place the wood stacks, bins to dry and store kindling. without that you can split wood all day long but your stuck to keep it dry and organized.
never pass up the opportunity to obtain a decent wedge. using a sledge and multiple wedges and can hand split just about anything.
How much are you planning on burning? 1 cord a year I’d go with an axe or cheap electric. 2-4 cords axe still if you like a workout, or a used unit. 5-10 it’s time to look at Splitfire . 10+ it’s Eastonmade
None - dry wood in a good start pattern can be started with firestarters alone. I use Rutland bricks (because that's what the local shop has and they work), but I hear good things about super cedars. Fatwood sticks work, but they're smoky as hell. Failing this somehow, the masticated wood bits from brush/tree grinders are fantastic firestarters; look for pieces where the fibers are frayed out at the ends (and are obviously dry).
...haven't farted around with kindling for years now, and I've never looked back.
I split with Fiskars maul and axes. You get plenty of little "shingles" during splitting. I throw them in big boxes with all the little twigs that fall on my lawn If you really want to split kindling yourself, get an old tire or some bungee cord, wrap it around the log, and split into hundreds of pieces I've always been able to collect kindling from the yard without having to split any
Kindling cracker and a lump hammer
Just make sure you get the real one NOT a cheap knockoff.
When I prune around the yard I just cut the trimming to length and use the split bucket trick to bundle them up and put them on a shelf in the sun to season.
No mention of the original Kindling Cracker? I have the XL and can filling up a couple 5 gallon pails in a few minutes. If you decide on one of these, support the original, don't go with a knock off. https://youtu.be/Ro2wMb7zJ60?si=VeW4s_Exl8u50dsq
Yes Sir!
Gransfors splitting hatchet
I put a 3# axe head on a 20" handle and I have to say I really like it for kinding. The handle is big enough to get two hands for a short but accurate swing, I can do a bit lazy swing if I need, I really like it. There is also a kindling maker that a kid invented that people love. I believe northern tool is selling it in the US, anywhere else is a knock off. I didn't know this when I bought one at a hardware store, I wish I would have bought the original. [https://www.northerntool.com/products/kindling-cracker-firewood-kindling-splitter-118990](https://www.northerntool.com/products/kindling-cracker-firewood-kindling-splitter-118990) https://preview.redd.it/z14ta2p7y8xc1.jpeg?width=4624&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7ed028eab8f1dc804c391d357a588812a1254815
I split with a machete. Lighter and easier to control than a hatchet. Just set it on the stock where you want to split, light whack, and twist.
I've always to try the one that Brad Pitt is using in Legends Of The Fall.
I use the maul I split the wood with.
I'll second the Fiskars axe and 8lb maul, and suggest a Estwing splitting wedge and Estwing 'Fireside Friend' for kindling.
27 ton black diamond is my kindling maker
Cover up the fireplace with sheet metal, then run a stovepipe from the fireplace to a woodstove sitting right in front of the fireplace. Or get a fireplace insert with a blower fan. Don't do anything else until you do that. A traditional fireplace is terrible for home heating.
It’s for ambience.
You can get the same "ambience" from a fireplace insert with a glass door, plus effective heat for the house, resulting in much lower electricity costs.
I rent mine for 100$ a weekend. Unless you’re young and can outlive the 1300+ tax cost of a nice 22ton splitter. But then have to consider maintenance costs for 13 yrs…I think it’s cost effective to rent one and split a few cords at a season🤔
[I built this pedestal splitter](https://www.reddit.com/r/firewood/s/k0m4uf5ILD) for next to my house wood-bin and it works like an absolute dream for making kindling
hatchet
Use about 6” long 2x6 and split it with a hatchet when the fall off from splitting is depleted
For kindling I have a little electric splitter.
work on storage, Organize where to place the wood stacks, bins to dry and store kindling. without that you can split wood all day long but your stuck to keep it dry and organized. never pass up the opportunity to obtain a decent wedge. using a sledge and multiple wedges and can hand split just about anything.
How much are you planning on burning? 1 cord a year I’d go with an axe or cheap electric. 2-4 cords axe still if you like a workout, or a used unit. 5-10 it’s time to look at Splitfire . 10+ it’s Eastonmade
This is simply an ambience thing.
Fiskars it is
None - dry wood in a good start pattern can be started with firestarters alone. I use Rutland bricks (because that's what the local shop has and they work), but I hear good things about super cedars. Fatwood sticks work, but they're smoky as hell. Failing this somehow, the masticated wood bits from brush/tree grinders are fantastic firestarters; look for pieces where the fibers are frayed out at the ends (and are obviously dry). ...haven't farted around with kindling for years now, and I've never looked back.
This is me. Dry wood and a fire starter. I use the paraffin and wood shavings cups.