video Chop and Store Firewood
This DIY video expertly covers the basics of how to chop, stack, and store firewood in the most efficient and safest way possible. Get answers to all of your questions about firewood, from the best tools and wood to use to building a log sled; all aimed at keeping you and your family warm this winter.
If the wood is hard to split, cut the pieces shorter. (obviuos I know, but sometimes people are set in their ways and cut it to the length of the stove/fireplace no matter what)
Never use the sledgehammer on the axe, it can send VERY sharp shards of steel flying, penetrating even jeans. Also the axe will break on the sides where the handle is going through the eye, possibly sending a sharp, heavy axehead at someone.
When stacking the billets make sure the bark is facing down or it will stop the moisture from evaporating - more than you would expect - and prolong the drying time.
If there is a knot in your log line up the axe with the knot, then the wood will split around the knot. Trying to chop it perpendicularly will only aggravate you :-)
If you chop shorter pieces of logs, use a chopping block to get the right angle of the axe and keep the cutting edge out of the ground and thus sharp. Of course you should alwas keep your axe sharp, as this makes it easier to chop and reduces the risk of injury as you don't have to use as much force. Let the wight of the axehead do the work for you.
These are some of the things we teach the scouts in our troop and I was taught by my grandfather growing up.
Have a nice time in the "bush"