Block Splitter

['76swb]

G'day all,


Just wondering if anyone here has used a fiskars block splitter. All the reviews rate it highly, but they seem to be based on splitting what appears to be northern hemisphere conifers. I wonder how it would stack up against an old piece of yellow box or something.


I was in bummings today, but I baulked at getting one because of the weight. Maybe I'm too old school where a block splitter needs to have some weight behind it and splits with brute force.


The fiskars claim to have changed the design of the head and therefore splits easier, but it would have to be a lot easier to justify the price (about double what I had before)


Regards,


Marty.

[rangieman]

http://au.fiskars.com/Gardening-Yard-Care/Products/Wood-Branches/Wedgers-Log-splitters/121100-Fiskars-Log-Splitter
I guess it works like a slide hammer , Cant see why it would,nt work

[Vern]

Marty do you mean the thing rangieman linked to, or there axe type splitters?
If its there axe type, I baulked when I first saw one at a mates place, now this guy has a reputation around my way for his skill at falling trees, he's about 6'5" and bigger than a brick ****house, I picked his up and thought it was a joke as it weighed nothing, it was no joke, best splitter I've used (besides mechanical). Everyone in my parts use these now.
My wife does all the wood chopping and splitting around here, she has one and loves it, highly worth the $$$.

[460cixy]

Not to put a damper on the whole conversation i cut and split a ton of wood last weekend with just the saw and an axe started at 8 and done by 12 with few cold refreshments any decent weight block buster should get better results .

[Toxic_Avenger]

If I had wood to chop, I'd give something like this a go:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/07/555.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqsQ28Se9to

[Fausto79]

i have a fiskars medium size axe and it goes through big jarrah blocks like butter. i dont even bother with splitter. it is amazing. first time i used it i got hairs on my neck stand up at how scary it was.

just make sure you hit the wood, you dont want to miss with this thing.

['76swb]

Marty do you mean the thing rangieman linked to, or there axe type splitters?
If its there axe type, I baulked when I first saw one at a mates place, now this guy has a reputation around my way for his skill at falling trees, he's about 6'5" and bigger than a brick ****house, I picked his up and thought it was a joke as it weighed nothing, it was no joke, best splitter I've used (besides mechanical). Everyone in my parts use these now.
My wife does all the wood chopping and splitting around here, she has one and loves it, highly worth the $$$.

I hadn't seen the slide hammer type...interesting. I was talking about the axe type.
Hmmm... wife doing the chopping and splitting. I like it.

[warren9981]

I have been using a fiskars block splitter (axe type) for a few years now. Excellent piece of equipment. They make 2 different weights. I use the heavier one. I think the design of the head is what makes the difference. Goes through hardwood like butter.

[Lionelgee]

Hello All.

I did a quick browse on eBay and found a Fiskars X27 Long Handled Block Splitting Axe $124.00.

Or with the option of paying $55 more. at "Buy it Now" price one could get this 10 TON MANUAL Hydraulic LOG SPLITTER Block Axe Wood New $179.00
10 TON Manual Hydraulic LOG Splitter Block AXE Wood NEW | eBay :twisted:

How much wood are you splitting?

Kind Regards
Lionel

[sheerluck]

......My wife does all the wood chopping and splitting around here, she has one and loves it, highly worth the $$$.

You had to pay for your wife?? :eek:

[Vern]

She was cheap:-)

[jonesfam]

You had to pay for your wife?? :eek:



We are all paying for our wives!:angel:

[sheerluck]

Did you get a warranty? :D

[jonesfam]

Did you get a warranty? :D



No! And I wouldn't mind a newer model. I probably won't though, I know how to start the current one & she can really fly (off the handle) if you push the right buttons.:twisted:

[sheerluck]

No! And I wouldn't mind a newer model. I probably won't though, I know how to start the current one & she can really fly (off the handle) if you push the right buttons.:twisted:

I did think about getting a remap for mine, but it's kind of difficult to know how to drop it into the conversation.

Some bodywork and a respray probably wouldn't go amiss either. :angel:

[mattg]

8069680697
This is my new splitter it's an 8lb Gator Maul I got from the local Sthil shop for $39
Is this the same style as the fisker? Got an extra wedge on one side. Works a treat on brush box but there is a real dens Reg wood up here that everything just pings off. Burns awesome tough.

['76swb]

Hello All.

I did a quick browse on eBay and found a Fiskars X27 Long Handled Block Splitting Axe $124.00.

Or with the option of paying $55 more. at "Buy it Now" price one could get this 10 TON MANUAL Hydraulic LOG SPLITTER Block Axe Wood New $179.00
10 TON Manual Hydraulic LOG Splitter Block AXE Wood NEW | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10-TON-MANUAL-Hydraulic-LOG-SPLITTER-Block-Axe-Wood-New-/271492548851?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item3f363788f3) :twisted:

How much wood are you splitting?

Kind Regards
Lionel

She looks good, Lionel, but I wonder how fast it would be?
10 ton press... I stalled a 12 ton press trying to press the chassis bushes out of Bella:eek:
I reckon the gang has talked me into a Fiskars.
Regards,
Marty.

[Lionelgee]

She looks good, Lionel, but I wonder how fast it would be?
10 ton press... I stalled a 12 ton press trying to press the chassis bushes out of Bella:eek:
I reckon the gang has talked me into a Fiskars.
Regards,
Marty.


G'day Marty,

Yes it might be the way to go as I suppose you don't need a forklift to carry a Fiskars around either!

Kind Regards
Lionel

[Vern]

And I think you could split a barrow load of wood with the fiskars by the time you've split two bits with the other one:p

[rovercare]

I've got and used a few splitters....Buy a fiskars X27 and be done with it, awseome. don't bother with hydraulic splitter with one of these...I have my old one for splitting in the dirt, with really easy stuff to save putting it on a block

$100 ish busks and you'll have it for a lifetime, cheap

[Lionelgee]

And I think you could split a barrow load of wood with the fiskars by the time you've split two bits with the other one:p

Hello Vern,

However, would using a Fiskars be as much fun as pumping two levers? :p You could run a cam off it and combine arm pump exercise with a steps machine and get a pretty good work out.

Kind Regards
Lionel

[Vern]

Pumping two levers, didn't know you were that way inclined, not that theres anything wrong with that:p

[Epic pooh]

Marty, I've used an older version of the Fiskars Block splitter for about 6 years. It's brilliant. I used to routinely break handles on block splitters or have to reach for the axe/wedge/chainsaw, but not since I've had this one ... very happy with it. Gets a good workout each winter, makes mincemeat of the hardwoods I use in the fire ... all good ... would buy again ! HTH

[LandyAndy]

I recently got a Spear and Jackson splitter with fiberglass handle from the local rural supplies as they didnt have a new handle for my manual splitter.What a piece of crap,it just wants to bounce rather than split,despite looking to be a reasonable bit of kit,it will be replaced.Will look at these Fiskar units and the Sthil one.
Andrew

[moparrangie]

Fiskar is the go. I have used about 20 different splitters over the years. Fiskars are by far the best. Well balanced and easy to use with long handle. Just use a splitting block to keep the edge out of the dirt. It also works well if used like a golf club with logs in their side. Works well as an axe. Just touch up the edge with a stone after every use and cover with CRC.

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[worane]

I got a log splitter for my wife......................I thought it was a fair swap!!!

Hee Hee Hee!

[Epic pooh]

They hold up well too - here's mine after 6 years of use (abuse). 8076180762

[sheerluck]

They hold up well too - here's mine after 6 years of use (abuse)

I must admit Mick, that while I was waiting for the photos to load (slow interweb connection today), with the description you'd put up I wasn't sure if it was going to be pictures of your wife or your axe. :D

[Epic pooh]

Haha ! She's been holding up to me a lot longer than the splitter and looks better too.

Usefulness is a dead heat ... Haha

[Lionelgee]

Pumping two levers, didn't know you were that way inclined, not that theres anything wrong with that:p

G'day Damien,

Now keep it clean ... I was thinking more along the lines of an elliptical cross trainer. Unlike these machines if one were to hook it up to a log splitter at least there would be something produced - split wood. Much better than turning wheels around and no actually going anywhere and having your wallet lightened in the process! Gym membership :(

Kind Regards
Lionel

[LandyAndy]

Just split 2 Jarrah rings with my Spear and Jackson.
OVER IT!!!! The head must have 2 different angles the thing twists as it strikes,gets jammed way to easy.
Just ordered a Fiskars X27 from Ebay.
Cheers for the info chaps:cool::cool::cool::cool::cool:
Andrew

[Rurover]

How well would the Fiskars unit stand up to being belted with a sledge-hammer?

My wood is so damn tough that I use the heaviest splitter I can find, and then often have to belt the splitter head with a heavy sledge hammer because the splitter gets stuck in the wood block.

Which results in occasional broken splitter handles...not because I hit the handle with the sledge, but because the severe vibration causes the handle to split lengthways.

Would the Fiskars splitter stand up to this treatment?

Alan

[Vern]

I'd say yes! We used to go through a splitter a year, our fiskars is going great into its second year, and is still like new.

[Lionelgee]

How well would the Fiskars unit stand up to being belted with a sledge-hammer?

My wood is so damn tough that I use the heaviest splitter I can find, and then often have to belt the splitter head with a heavy sledge hammer because the splitter gets stuck in the wood block.

Which results in occasional broken splitter handles...not because I hit the handle with the sledge, but because the severe vibration causes the handle to split lengthways.

Would the Fiskars splitter stand up to this treatment?

Alan

G'day Alan,

Perhaps you could soften up the block of wood with the block buster and then use some steel wedges that are designed to be hit with a sledge hammer? It will preserve the life of your block busters.

No relationship to the seller - here is an example... LOG Splitting Wedge Firewood Splitter Fire Wood Split 4lb | eBay

For nasty stuff it is common to have a number of wedges on hand.

Kind Regards
Lionel

[spudboy]

The Fiskars instructions SPECIFICALLY say NOT to use it as a wedge.

I got one of the x27 splitters a week or two ago. HUGE improvement from my old traditional log splitter.

They have some sort of teflon surface that makes it slice through easily. The only down side is that, before if the splitter got stuck I'd lift the wood and the splitter and have another go (with the wood on the end of the splitter). The Fiskars is so 'slippery' that you can't pick up the wood - it slides out.

Also - they are very light (hollow handle) compared to a normal splitter.

[Epic pooh]

I've hit mine with a sledge a couple of times, wouldn't make a habit of it but it's survived no problems. Agree on the wedges, I use the backside of the fiskars on a wedge occasionally if I'm too lazy to get the sledge out.

Spud, after a few years the surface will come to bits (see my pics) and it will stick in more like a normal splitter (but not as much because of the shape I think).

Also ... There were instructions ... I don't read instructions for brute force tools ... Takes all the fun out of it ;)

[Redback]

G'day Marty,

Yes it might be the way to go as I suppose you don't need a forklift to carry a Fiskars around either!

Kind Regards
Lionel

It weighs 47kg, and has wheels both ends, also I thought I'd test out splitting some wood using a 2 ton jack on some of our firewood at home, seem to work with the primitive setup I made up.

We are thinking of buying one.

Baz.

['76swb]

So I succumbed to peer group pressure and bought one.

I raced home from work with the perfect test piece in mind...a piece of yellow box that was cut through where one trunk forks into two, probably about 70cm across the widest part of the "double trunk" end. Sorry does that make sense?? The missus burnt the bits before I got a chance to happy snap them.

On the outside edges, where the grain was straight, the fiskars was easily up to the task. Very different to swing than a more traditional block splitter but very nice. Where the two trunks met and the grain was all crossed up, the fiskars just seemed to cut a wedge shape into the block and stick in. I needed the extra weight of my old splitter to crunch the block apart.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not unhappy with my purchase but I thought it was an interesting test.

Off to split some more wood,regards

Marty.

[rick130]

Cheers Marty.

I've always wondered how a Fiskars would stand up to the gnarly White and Yellow Box around here.

Hopefully moving soon so won't have to deal with hard as hell Boxes, just nice, straight gained Gums !

[pannawonica]

I use a Speeco 34 ton rated block splitter, couple of litres petrol, best investment made in a while . Gave away too a mate the axe style , it was new but played havoc with me irritating my arthritis.:D

[Lionelgee]

It weighs 47kg, and has wheels both ends, also I thought I'd test out splitting some wood using a 2 ton jack on some of our firewood at home, seem to work with the primitive setup I made up.

We are thinking of buying one.

Baz.


G'day Baz,

The blurb on the website states that..."Please Note: This Splitter is considerably HEAVY and if getting this machine delivered, you are required to have a Fork Lift or Crane To assist with Unloading".

I figure they do not want to risk any injury to their staff.

Let us know if you go through with the purchase and how it performs. :)

You could contact Rover Rescue (Steve) who has a "Largish Hydraulic Press Build" who made an adaptation to his project that also split wood - check out the link http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-tutorials/185119-largeish-hydraulic-press-build-2.html#post2134210


Kind Regards
Lionel

[Redback]

G'day Baz,

The blurb on the website states that..."Please Note: This Splitter is considerably HEAVY and if getting this machine delivered, you are required to have a Fork Lift or Crane To assist with Unloading".

I figure they do not want to risk any injury to their staff.

Let us know if you go through with the purchase and how it performs. :)

You could contact Rover Rescue (Steve) who has a "Largish Hydraulic Press Build" who made an adaptation to his project that also split wood - check out the link http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-tutorials/185119-largeish-hydraulic-press-build-2.html#post2134210


Kind Regards
Lionel

Pick up is available from their warehouse, was going to pick it up myself, but then I saw they have the hydraulic electric one for $299, this may suit us better.

Thanks for the link.

Baz.

[Rurover]

G'day Alan,

Perhaps you could soften up the block of wood with the block buster and then use some steel wedges that are designed to be hit with a sledge hammer? It will preserve the life of your block busters.


For nasty stuff it is common to have a number of wedges on hand.

Kind Regards
Lionel

Lionel,

Yes agree, I should use wedges more often, I do have a couple and use them in conjunction with the splitter. However I usually need to use the splitter first up to create a crack in the wood, so I can insert a wedge or two.

I reckon I get two lots of heating out of my wood. One when I burn it and one when I expend a lot of energy just to split the stuff!

Alan

[LandyAndy]

I think that this Fiskars splitter will deal with any jarrah with ease.I have a diesel powered unit in the shed if the going gets tough.
Must remember not to leave the Fiskar around camp fires like Mick Marsh does:):):):)
Andrew

[Mathernet]

I have had one for a couple of years bought from Amazon for much less than bunnings. It does work very well. Relies on being sharp and the edge though it seems soft is very durable but prone to damage so I am alway careful not to let it hit the ground etc. I sharpen it after each use.
It gets used for splitting ancient power poles (iron bark etc) and does make lighter work of it. You still have to swing hard but because of the weight you expend less energy doing so.
One word of caution though which should seem obvious but maybe not to users of cheap heavy mauls - it is bloody sharp and will cut stuff you don't want to cut if it gets in the way. Blunt mauls are more forgiving in this area.

Cheers

[LandyAndy]

Mine turned up today.
What a loverley bit of gear to use.
Before I used it I used the Spear and Jackson full power on a block,it bounced,tried again it got stuck.
Layed into it with the Fiskars,same power,split the block,and the one underneath it,how good is that.
Was able to smash the ring quickly and easily with reduced power.Love the longer handle,makes a huge difference for a tall person.
VERY IMPRESSED.
Andrew

[LandyAndy]

Heads up for those in the Fiskars splitter club.
Whilst in Albany over easter I bought the matching sharpener,$29.00(I think) from Bunnings.It does knives on one setting and the splitter on the other.Wasnt too fussed on the job it did on a couple of gardening knives,will stick to using the bench grinder or flap disc for them.However it worked wonders on the splitter.In proper mythbusters testing conditions I split up a jarrah round,the splitter peformed as well as I suspected.I then gave it the 15 strokes on the sharpener as indicated.WOW,totally different splitter on a round from the same tree.Just shows as discussed in the past these splitters rely on being razor sharp.The sharpener does this well.
Andrew

[460cixy]

Handy to know I just brought one the other day but did not see any sharpeners there ile have a Internet search

[Scouse]

Handy to know I just brought one the other day but did not see any sharpeners there ile have a Internet searchNo sharpeners at the 2 Bunnings near me. I'll venture out to the nearest 'country' one later this week & see if they have one.

[LandyAndy]

No sharpeners at the 2 Bunnings near me. I'll venture out to the nearest 'country' one later this week & see if they have one.

They dont have them with the splitters.Look where all the Fiskars secatures and garden tools are;)
;););),should be a shelf full of Fiskars gear.
Andrew

[LandyAndy]

This is what you need to look for.
Fiskars XSharp (http://au.fiskars.com/Gardening-Yard-Care/Products/Tool-Care-and-Spare-Parts/Tool-Care/120740-Fiskars-XSharp-Axe-and-Knife-Sharpener)

Andrew

[Scouse]

They dont have them with the splitters.Look where all the Fiskars secatures and garden tools are;)
;););),should be a shelf full of Fiskars gear.
AndrewYep, been there done that, even checked them out on the Bunnings site first.
http://www.bunnings.com.au/fiskars-axe-and-knife-sharpener-_p3400240





I made the fatal mistake of asking someone.....


The person in the block splitter aisle said they're in 'Tools'.
'Tools' said they're down with the block splitters.

[Scouse]

My local Mitre 10 had the sharpener in stock & the assistant even knew where it was.

[LandyAndy]

My local Mitre 10 had the sharpener in stock & the assistant even knew where it was.
The Albany one didnt,I had seen it in their cattledog.The nuffy at the counter said I was dreaming,asked if he had the cattledog,yep.I want one of those.Didnt know they made one,we MAY be able to get you one wouldnt be for at least a month!!!!
Sorry,I dont live in Albany.Was rapt to find one in Bunnings down there!!!
Andrew

[huggies]

Great Thread and plenty of videos on YouTube showing the splitter in action.
Will grab one from Bunnings.

[Scouse]

Will grab one from Bunnings.About 1/2 price through Amazon, even with postage from USA.

[LandyAndy]

Great Thread and plenty of videos on YouTube showing the splitter in action.
Will grab one from Bunnings.

Make sure you get the longer handle version,I had a go on the shorter one.No good for me.
Andrew

[malleefowl]

My problem is splitting kindling wood.No trouble with the actual axe work but getting nervous about chopping the holding hand aim not as good as it used to be .Has anyone devised something to hold the wood on the block so one can chop without fear of losing a digit or two from the left hand
Thanks .Mary

[LandyAndy]

Pallets/packing pine make good kindling,drive around industrial estates they stack it out the front for people to take,it smashes up easy with the back of an axe.Wouldnt take long to get a trailer full.
Make sure they are the un-branded cheap looking versions.These arent treated for termites.The stronger returnable ones like CHEP etc could be treated as they are made for multiple re-use.
Enjoy
Andrew