just a quick one...

[DMadden]

I learnt to use an axe on a nicely sawn chopping block, be it either waste height, or ankle height (for kneeling).
My question is; what should I use as a 'bearing block' to chop against out and about. As I am yet to find any conveniently fallen trees with a brilliant 90o angle to cut against.
i.e. an exposed tree root?? a fallen branch?? etcetc

thanks alot,
Dan.

 

[SouthernCross]

A fallen tree branch works well for both splitting & chopping, although it will be easier on the back if you kneel.

[video=youtube;Kn-cyXPAjzg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn-cyXPAjzg[/video]



Kind regards
Mick

 

[MSkiba]

Improvise

I use whatever is available. If nothing, then I just stand up the long branch, hold with one hand and chop downwards. Not as safe but if you have good control it will be OK.

 

[Agile]

Improvise

I use whatever is available. If nothing, then I just stand up the long branch, hold with one hand and chop downwards. Not as safe but if you have good control it will be OK.

*winces*

Each to their own, but I find that any stable platform that won't damage your axe does the job does the job. Depending on the length of wood you are splitting, you can get away with using flat rocks - but again that's my own cheating method as you must be splitting long logs with the knowledge that your strike won't go all the way through. The best improvised item I often find is the flattest part of a fallen tree trunk.

I would probably say that if you're a beginner then denting your axe would be preferable to loosing a digit or two...

 

[Aussiepom]

As has been said, improvise. But do not use an exposed root, unless you can be sure that you won't be damaging a living tree.

 

[DMadden]

Nice info guys!
cheers,
Dan.