garyhaupt wrote:
For those that like to chop.....
http://www.geek.com/news/physics-exploiting-axe-splits-wood-in-record-time-1591725/
Gary Haupt
Looks very interesting and effective, but also very expensive.
I did see that he is chopping knot-free paper birch. And it is probably somewhat seasoned already (before chopping). Paper Birch is pretty easy to split. Now if he was chopping some elm and having those results...I think I'd buy in a minute!:)
And as for the OP's investment in a sledge and wedges: Remember, you will have those for many many years, so don't try to amortize them off against a 2-3 day supply of campfire wood. Also, if you don't already have these, also get yourself a splitting maul and a regular axe. Most wood doesn't require a sledge and wedges to split. If it isn't too big in diameter, and doesn't have a lot of knots or forks, many species split pretty easily.
If you have the choice, try to have most of your wood less than 1 foot diameter before splitting, and cut in about 18-24 inch length.
You will get much more efficient with practice...and your muscles will get more attractive too...bonus for the beautiful lady you will attract. She stays warm by a raging fire and gets a hunk as a side benefit.