Splitting blocks serve many vital purposes. First, by chopping on a wooden block, you’re sustaining your ax by avoiding rocks. Second, cutting on a block is securer. It provides the ax an exact landing spot far from your feet. A splitting block can keep you from too much bending over. Your back will thank you and you will be able to set aside cords of wood for your winter use.

Start by choosing a block that is at least 15 inches in diameter and 12 to 16 inches high. The knottier, the better. The knots will prevent it from breaking prematurely. Any type will work, but the preferred is sugar maple or elm. If you need professional assistance, go to an Orchard Park tree care company.

Making the Perfect Splitting Block

Find an old tire that’s just a little bigger than the diameter of your block. Drill 1-inch equally-spaced holes (4) in one sidewall. Use lag bolts to attach the sidewall of the tire to the upper part of the block.

Making the perfect splitting block

Via Tico Vogt Cabinetry

You created a topnotch splitting block that will keep your wood secure as you chop it — no more chasing runaway firewood or standing up fallen pieces. If you’re cutting small pieces of wood, you can put them inside the tire. They will sustain each other while you are splitting.

In addition to your tire splitting block, you might want to create another block with no tire for odd-shaped or large pieces. Tree professionals suggest setting a slight angle on the second one so that you’re able to line up a lopsided piece of wood with the slant of the block.

Splitting or chopping wood is a country pastime grounded in experience and tradition. An experience that’s measured in creative curses and broken ax handles directed at knotty chunks of cordwood. While the discussions over splitting techniques, tools, and preferred firewood species are probably going to continue, there appears to be agreement that making a solid splitting block is time well spent.

Reuse Old Tires

If you’re sick of chasing split wood, screw the sidewall of an old tire to the top of your block. Not only will it stop the wood from coming off, but you’ll also discover that an armload of wood is more straightforward to pick up.