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Log splitting wedges make splitting wood a much quicker task but sadly a lot of people don’t actually know what a log splitter wedge is, so I thought I’d answer the question what is a log splitter wedge?
This can be a difficult question to find the answer to since you will mostly find wood splitting wedges. These are similar in their purpose to a log splitting wedge but require a lot more physical work since you need to use a maul with them to split wood.
So stick around to find out just exactly what a log splitting wedge is and why you should add one to your log splitting accessories! and make your own life easier.
What Is A Log Splitting Wedge
A log splitting wedge is one of the best accessories you can get for your log splitter since they can cut down on time spent splitting. A log splitting wedge is something that will go on your log splitters wedge and will allow your normal 2-way splitter to split a log into 3 or 4 pieces.
As you may have guessed this will help speed up your splitting quite exponentially and get you back to relaxing quicker! Some log splitting wedges can more than double your output since you’re not splitting a log into 2 pieces, but 4 pieces. So you don’t need to run you splitter through it multiple times.
This is one of the reasons why I believe everyone who has a log splitter that allows a splitting wedge should have one. This extra speed is extremely useful if your job relies on splitting wood as it increases your output which can increase profit.
How To Sharpen A Log Splitter Wedge
If you’ve ever tried to split wood with a dull wedge then you’ve known the pain it can cause and how much extra time you spend splitting. Some people will go with the option of replacing the splitter which isn’t always a bad thing but can be very expensive.
Sometimes you have no choice but to replace the splitting wedge since it may be cracked. If it is then you don’t have any other option other then replacing the splitting wedge I’m sorry to tell you. While log splitters are great pieces of equipment when they work it’s when they go that you notice the real pain.
To sharpen your splitting wedge you will need a few different types of metal files. You will need a coarse and fine metal file before you begin sharpening your splitting wedge. Once you have your tools the first thing is to go over your wedge and look for wear and cracks. Finding some wear is expected so that’s nothing to get worried about.
You will want to try and find the imperfections of the splitting wedge and file them out with the coarse metal file. Just remember to keep the edge of the wedge level as this can damage the wedge if you don’t. Do this until you’ve gotten the imperfections out.
Now you’ve got all that done it’s time to start filing the whole splitting point. You do this with the coarse metal file and keep going until you’ve smoothed the sides of the wedge.
This is when you get the finer metal filer out and go over the splitting point. You do this over the length of the splitting point to try and get it sharp. The reason you do the entire length of the tip is that it will become sharp making your next splitting experience smooth.
For Beginners
If you’ve never done something like this it may be a good idea to find someone who has. Whether this is a friend or a professional who you pay to do it. Getting this wrong and ruining your wedge is something you’ll want to avoid as much as possible.
So It’s recommended for first-timers to look into getting someone to teach them in person or practice on a splitting wedge that’s not going to get used either way.
Log Splitter Wedge Construction
This isn’t going to be for everyone as it’s not exactly the easiest thing in the world to do and takes some knowledge. You can make your own splitting wedge if you have that skill and while it’s not something I really recommend it’s something some people can do.
There are a lot of ways you can do this so I won’t be going over them as it takes a lot more than just some info from me to help you build one. I can’t teach you how to use a plasma cutter or a grinder these are skills you learn by doing.
So while I can’t exactly teach you how to do it I can at least give you some ideas on what they look like and how they perform.
Below is a video of a very simple design that some people have done that is very simple but still takes some skill to do. But it might give you some ideas since it’s a very simple clever design.
Difference Between A Log Splitting Wedge And Wood Splitting Wedge
The number of times I’ve seen this question asked made me feel the need to answer. It can get confusing if you’ve never really been anywhere near the wood industry or split a log in your life. So I can understand why some people don’t know the answer to this question.
A wood splitting wedge is a simple spike-like tool that you use with the help of a maul. You tap the splitting wedge into the log you’re trying to split then hit it with the maul to split the log. It’s a very simple design but effective, if not a little physical for some people out there.
Then you have a log splitting wedge which I did go over earlier so I don’t think there’s much more to say. It’s a tool you attach to your log splitters wedge that allows you to split a log into more pieces to make splitting quicker.
Both of these tools are useful as they make splitting wood quicker which is something I’m sure most people are fans of. No matter what type of wood splitting you’re doing either one will be useful for your splitting needs.
Should I Get A Log Splitting Wedge?
With any tool that is going to make your life quicker and easier the answer is very simple, YES! If your log splitter manufacturer has a 3 or 4-way splitting wedge for your log splitter then I highly recommend picking up if you can. Quicker splitting is always useful in my eyes.
Disadvantages Of A Log Splitting Wedge
There is one disadvantage to a log splitting wedge which is frustrating. This is trying to find one that will fit your model and accepting that there might not be one for your particular model. Some companies like Boss industrial, Swisher, and Oregon all have their own splitting wedges.
One thing some people do is either fabricate their own or pay someone to do it. This is a good option if you have the capability to do so but not really easily available for most people. So this is something to consider when purchasing a log splitter is a splitting wedge an accessory you can get.
Who Has Log Splitting Wedges
This is the most difficult thing about log splitting wedges is finding if your log splitter is compatible. Most companies only make them for there own models which I can understand from a business perspective, not so much from a customer perspective.
There are a few companies that make log splitting wedges for there own log splitters like Boss and Swisher. Who both make some great log splitters with both making some exceptional electric log splitters. Oregon and Wallenstein are also companies that make splitting wedges for there splitters.
Some companies do include 4-way splitters with there log splitters when you purchase them such some Yardmax log splitters. Yardmax is a company that the more I’ve learned the more I’ve liked. They give a lot of extra features that other companies will charge you an arm and a leg for.
I’m sure there are other companies out there who do make and include log splitting wedges with there log splitters. But these are just some of the ones I know who I also trust with there log splitters.
My Final Thoughts On Wedges
I’m not going to lie I’m a big fan of wedges no matter the kind as both of them make life a lot easier. As you may have noticed I’m a big fan of making my life easier which I don’t think is a bad thing. I enjoy splitting logs but I enjoy having a beer by the far more!
So if you have a log splitter that can get an attachment I say go for it as it will only improve your wood splitting life. If your log splitter can’t get one then I would consider looking into getting one made or if you can, make one yourself.
