DIY Kindling Splitter

[AKoz]

My wood burning stove has a catalytic combuster that is only supposed to be exposed to wood smoke. Hence I start my fires with real small pieces of kindling. I have used a hatchet to split these pieces but I figure that in the 35 years I've done this I've long ago used up my luck and it's just a matter of time before I chop a finger. I am looking for the smallest sizes of wood to be like a wooden matchstick or maybe 1/2 a typical no. 2 pencil. One match to light a fire is my rule. I want something to keep by the stove and I split what I need from lumber or pallet scraps before each fire. The welding is sloppier than I would like but as long as I don't paint it it's good enough. It stands about 9" tall. The rings are for keeping the pieces from flying off everywhere. The rings are on a threaded rod so I can adjust the height once I figure where the wood flies from the most. The threaded rod is removable so I can sharpen the head easier. Visual parts list below

 

[unclemoustache]

Very clever. The adjustability of it all is pretty nifty. I suspect the rings might want to twist as you bump things, though. Maybe a second nut to lock them in place.

 

[dave_dj1]

It looks nice.
I've always been a fan of this style

 

[nedsim]

My wood burning stove has a catalytic combuster that is only supposed to be exposed to wood smoke. Hence I start my fires with real small pieces of kindling. I have used a hatchet to split these pieces but I figure that in the 35 years I've done this I've long ago used up my luck and it's just a matter of time before I chop a finger. I am looking for the smallest sizes of wood to be like a wooden matchstick or maybe 1/2 a typical no. 2 pencil. One match to light a fire is my rule. I want something to keep by the stove and I split what I need from lumber or pallet scraps before each fire. The welding is sloppier than I would like but as long as I don't paint it it's good enough. It stands about 9" tall. The rings are for keeping the pieces from flying off everywhere. The rings are on a threaded rod so I can adjust the height once I figure where the wood flies from the most. The threaded rod is removable so I can sharpen the head easier. Visual parts list below
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I like it -- like an inverted froe. I made a batch of froes as Xmas gifts for woodburning friends and family this year...