Splitting tool handle shock

[AmateurSawer]

I still split most all of my wood by hand.8lb maul with a hickory handle.I like traditional things even though I do use a chainsaw instead of a crosscut.
With some arthritis or whatever starting in my shoulders,I'm wondering about the composite handled maul or axes such as Fiskars or Husqvarna.For those who use them,do you notice any difference in the shock transferred to you?.My only experience with these was trying someone's Fiskars Super Splitting axe on some downed sugar maple limbs he had cut up.Maybe it was me but I wasn't impressed with the splitting ability.I read a lot from people who really like them and the Isocore so they must have had a better try out.Our wood is mostly oak with a little hickory and black locust.

 

[AGoodSteward]

I always felt that the gloves I wear have the most effect. I've got 5-6 different axes with a variety of handles. I used to split 5 cords a year by hand for home use. Now I run a log splitter.

 

[AmateurSawer]

Do you use regular gloves or anti-vibration?

 

[s sidewall]

When I was able to split wood with my maul, I started out with a wood handle then later on I switched to a composite handle. I've always worn just regular leather work gloves for wood work. For saw work I wear padded protective gloves.

Steve from my moto g(7) play using Tapatalk

 

[Jere39]

I still split 12-16 cord by hand. I have a re-handled hardware store maul I use to split the rounds I no longer want to lift. This replacement handle is a synthetic of some sort. I do not find much transfer of vibration. That handle has a HS-2 Handle Saver on it to protect against over-strikes.

Then switch to the Fiskars splitting ax on a block to complete the splitting. Again, no noticeable vibration.

I usually wear light Atlas Nitrile glove, mostly to avoid slipping and splinters. In the sub-20° weather, I wear the heavier Grey gloves.



Leather gloves wear out way to fast on my hands.

I always wear out the left glove, and I have taken two pair and turned one of the right hand gloves inside-out to remake a useable pair:



But that only bought me a couple more hours. The Nitrile palm gloves last a month or more.

Edit:
Final caveat: 90% of what I split is nice straight grained Red Oak. Might be the most important part of my success. Splits nice, usually pops on a single swing. I have gotten pretty good at gauging just how much oomph I need to apply to each swing so that I get a nice split, without flinging the pieces far from the block.

 

[babybart]

I still split 12-16 cord by hand. I have a re-handled hardware store maul I use to split the rounds I no longer want to lift. This replacement handle is a synthetic of some sort. I do not find much transfer of vibration. That handle has a HS-2 Handle Saver on it to protect against over-strikes.
View attachment 857584
Then switch to the Fiskars splitting ax on a block to complete the splitting. Again, no noticeable vibration.

I usually wear light Atlas Nitrile glove, mostly to avoid slipping and splinters. In the sub-20° weather, I wear the heavier Grey gloves.

View attachment 857585

Leather gloves wear out way to fast on my hands.View attachment 857586

I always wear out the left glove, and I have taken two pair and turned one of the right hand gloves inside-out to remake a useable pair:

View attachment 857587

But that only bought me a couple more hours. The Nitrile palm gloves last a month or more.

We should get together, your lefts look like my rights! Funny, that was the first thing I noticed in your pics.

 

[babybart]

I occasionally split by hand using a composite ax and a wood maul. The only noticeable vibration from either is from an awkward strike.

 

[sean donato]

Only maul I use anymore is my wilson. Cant say I've ever noticed, any vibration coming back the handle. Dont typically wear gloves for hand splitting work.

 

[AmateurSawer]

I occasionally split by hand using a composite ax and a wood maul. The only noticeable vibration from either is from an awkward strike.

I think I might borrow that Super Splitter again for another try in some seasoned oak I have but it seems,since there's no noticeable difference in handles,I might have saved some money by asking.

 

[echomeister]

A sharp edge reduces shock. When a dull edge hits the wood it crushes fibers instead of separating them. With a sharp edge the wood
will absorb the energy with less bounce.

 

[David Henry]

I always wearing gloves when I split wood because they make me feel very comfortable and may prevent some unexpected injuries.

 

[svk]

I do not notice any ongoing shock transmission from splitting. However if you have an overstrike with a composite handle tool, that will transmit shock through your arms/hands like crazy. I have totally abused a number of Fiskars products and never broken a handle though so they definitely impress me.

 

[Sandhill Crane]

I no longer split by hand, however, when I did I used a windmill motion vs up and down. On large rounds I'd cut the depth of the bar and then use a maul to halve the rounds.