splitting logs?

[Jisch]

I have a bunch of 8 foot or so oak logs out behind my house that I'd like to link together in some kind of wobbly log ride - just an idea at this point.

Has anyone ever split a log lengthwise like this before? I have a couple of mauls and a splitting wedge. Could it be as easy as driving the single wedge from one end or do I need multiple wedges?

Thanks,
John

[pk]

I recommend 3. Otherwise they'll get stuck and you'll have a difficult time removing them.....

pk

[Jisch]

Its laid out pretty well here:

http://www.motherearthnews.com/DIY/1977-05-01/Its-Easy-to-Learn-the-Old-Time-Art-of-Rail-Splitting.aspx

John

[radair]

Oak? Damn, if you value your time at all, it'll probably be cheaper to buy a portable saw mill. OK, maybe not, but it won't be easy.

Let me know when you get it done, K?

[Husqvarna]

I recommend 3. Otherwise they'll get stuck and you'll have a difficult time removing them.....

pk

You can also cut some hardwood wedges to use a spacers and use the steel wedge for hammering.

Hope that Oak has a real straight grain, otherwise it will be a tough split.

[Brad C]

I recently saw some instructions on splitting off a part of a log. Can't remember where though. The instructions showed cutting slots with a chainsaw about 1 foot apart to the depth of the split. Then use the wedges and maul to split from cut to cut.

[talisman]

What Brad describes above is called 'facing' and is probably far easier than splitting some nasty and gnarly piss oak log as the grain doesn't have to be straight to face the log. Some wood splits really easily and gnarled oak isn't one. Green, straight grain wood on a very cold day does split easily with a four or five wedges and a big dude on the sledge hammer.

[Muddawg]

i saw a chainsaw. i made a bench out of oak nd cut it so theres a flat seat. work great.