The Official Axe Cordwood Challenge
- Thread starter Multifaceted
- Start date
Help Support Arborist Forum:
I would ask a friendly mod to use their superpowers for good instead of evil and just change the title of this thread.
Multifaceted
Firewood Hoarder, Axe Enthusiast
I like the idea too, especially since this thread has gotten good participation already. No superpowers required, I'm a mod on another forum, it's just just a few clicks and keystrokes is all...
I don't know any of the mods. @svk used to be a mod here, perhaps he has a connection?
Could we please have the title of this thread changed to “The Official Axe Cordwood Challenge”
Thanks in advance!
@pioneerguy600 @TonyK
Thanks in advance!
@pioneerguy600 @TonyK
I rang the bell for them.
Thank you!
Multifaceted
Firewood Hoarder, Axe Enthusiast
Dang, that was way easier than I thought. On some other forms you have to message the mods and/or state a reason. Thanks, mods, and thanks for ringing the bell, Steve!
The mods on here actually care about this site, great bunch they be.
DSW
Addicted to ArboristSite
The day was January 1st. The weather, mild and sunny. With most of the country suffering from the brown bag flu, my number was called. With a Plumb on my shoulder, I headed to the woods.
Axe Cordwood Challenge 2020.
First drop. Boy, look at that notch, I haven't missed a beat.
Nevertheless, the tree surrendered.
As if a gift from the heavens, a green Poplar with a hollow base.
The wood fairies blessed me
And a pile appeared.
Silly White Oak.
Impressive bend.
Now bend to my will!
Feeling adequately accomplished and tired, I took a rest on one of my fine logs, admired God's beautiful serenity and scenery and headed back in.
Gonna be a good year.
Axe Cordwood Challenge 2020.
First drop. Boy, look at that notch, I haven't missed a beat.
Nevertheless, the tree surrendered.
As if a gift from the heavens, a green Poplar with a hollow base.
The wood fairies blessed me
And a pile appeared.
Silly White Oak.
Impressive bend.
Now bend to my will!
Feeling adequately accomplished and tired, I took a rest on one of my fine logs, admired God's beautiful serenity and scenery and headed back in.
Gonna be a good year.
DSW
Addicted to ArboristSite
Boys, nobody stands a chance against this machine... glad he's on our team!
From the time that was cut til now, I've hurt my off hand temporarily. Completely unrelated to axes of course. So I'm on the injured reserve right now.
I'll probably do the handle challenge since that's more my speed right now.
This year I have some different axes to play with and I won't be chopping in the rain or below freezing, or well below freezing as was the case last year.
Nice, leisurely pace.
Multifaceted
Firewood Hoarder, Axe Enthusiast
DSW
Addicted to ArboristSite
Did the handle challenge. I had a head that's waiting on a new handle anyway.
I chose to use no tools at all but instead use the axe head itself. A way to simulate a true on the spot scenario. The head has an aggressive profile and was sharpened the night before so it lends itself to this more than some other axes. I can't foresee a situation where I would need this but it was neat challenge all the same.
Pro tip: wear a glove when it's cold outside and you're gonna hold a piece of steel for an extended period of time. In case you're an idiot, not that I'm speaking from experience or anything.
The head and the piece I chopped out.
Peeled that then I shaved it down for the head.
Next I took it over the shop vice built for fitting axe heads.
Look at that fit.
No problem, I'll just shave a makeshift wedge. At this point the head would already stay on for some light tapping, choked up, so it was already an improvement.
Did one piece, both ends and then started on the next piece when it came off.
Took the axe head and lightly split the end of the handle, then I took two of the thicker shavings from the handle and used them as wedges.
Banged that in then finished chopping the second piece and did a third piece. All small pieces and tame one handed swings but it did stay on
Fun, little challenge.
Head is still on, gonna chop it with it soon but I don't expect it to last long. Then I'll just put a regular handle on.
I chose to use no tools at all but instead use the axe head itself. A way to simulate a true on the spot scenario. The head has an aggressive profile and was sharpened the night before so it lends itself to this more than some other axes. I can't foresee a situation where I would need this but it was neat challenge all the same.
Pro tip: wear a glove when it's cold outside and you're gonna hold a piece of steel for an extended period of time. In case you're an idiot, not that I'm speaking from experience or anything.
The head and the piece I chopped out.
Peeled that then I shaved it down for the head.
Next I took it over the shop vice built for fitting axe heads.
Look at that fit.
No problem, I'll just shave a makeshift wedge. At this point the head would already stay on for some light tapping, choked up, so it was already an improvement.
Did one piece, both ends and then started on the next piece when it came off.
Took the axe head and lightly split the end of the handle, then I took two of the thicker shavings from the handle and used them as wedges.
Banged that in then finished chopping the second piece and did a third piece. All small pieces and tame one handed swings but it did stay on
Fun, little challenge.
Head is still on, gonna chop it with it soon but I don't expect it to last long. Then I'll just put a regular handle on.
Multifaceted
Firewood Hoarder, Axe Enthusiast
Finally got a start today, but it got cut short after my wife got called in to work...
One small tree felled with an axe I restored for my boss.... it's a little unwieldy, 4.5 pounder on a 35" stick. I really don't like long handles, and it shows in my accuracy.
One small tree felled with an axe I restored for my boss.... it's a little unwieldy, 4.5 pounder on a 35" stick. I really don't like long handles, and it shows in my accuracy.
DSW
Addicted to ArboristSite
Nice.
If I use nothing but a 36 I don't even think of it. If I switch between them the 36 feels weird. I can pick up a 25-28 right off a 36 but not the other way around. Also with felling I think it's a compromise even if you're used to it.
If I use nothing but a 36 I don't even think of it. If I switch between them the 36 feels weird. I can pick up a 25-28 right off a 36 but not the other way around. Also with felling I think it's a compromise even if you're used to it.
DSW
Addicted to ArboristSite
The weather has been identical to last year. It's either rain, break up, or below freezing. Mostly below freezing, which is the lesser of the evils.
Little start. This is separate from the logs I cut.
Little souvenir.
I'm going to bring up some logs near the house so I can chop a little or go out to the woods depending on time and weather.
Little start. This is separate from the logs I cut.
Little souvenir.
I'm going to bring up some logs near the house so I can chop a little or go out to the woods depending on time and weather.
DSW
Addicted to ArboristSite
Doing some downed and dead chopping.
Little bit of variety already. Dry beech, dry red oak, no fun. Small stuff, time consuming. Bucked up the fresh poplar from the other day, dream.
Didn't get pictures of all my piles.
Other pile is nearly identical to this one. Then got a pile of beech and it's much smaller.
Probably a 1/3 of a rick, maybe a 1/2, all together. Satisfied for axe work. For saw work I'd have to fire myself.
Little bit of variety already. Dry beech, dry red oak, no fun. Small stuff, time consuming. Bucked up the fresh poplar from the other day, dream.
Didn't get pictures of all my piles.
Other pile is nearly identical to this one. Then got a pile of beech and it's much smaller.
Probably a 1/3 of a rick, maybe a 1/2, all together. Satisfied for axe work. For saw work I'd have to fire myself.
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