when does a log splitter make sense?

[Leadchunker]

I burn about 2 cords a year. You can rent one and not worry about maintenance. You can buy a good one and take care of it, maintenance, and it will last a lifetime. I purchased one in 1997 and we all use it. Myself, son, friends, my tree company. I just split and stacked 4 cords of free hurricane firewood this past weekend.

 

[slow is slow]

We heat 100 % with wood as do my parents and theirs. I've always believed splitting wood by hand makes you live longer. When I was a kid I'd get tired of swinging that 12# hammer (yes that's right, 12 pounds) and would intentionally snap the hickory handle. After two or three times, dad welded a heavy walled metal pipe to the head and said "go ahead and break that big boy" He's still got that old "go devil" and I think about it from time to time when I'm splitting with my 9# maul and think about how the thirteen year old version of myself would whip my tail. My .02 is to skip the splitter until you are drawing social security.

 

[turkeydance]

"The splitter is cheaper then (than) back surgery.'
as button pusher said.

 

[Qball]

Splitting wood was one of Ronald Reagan’s favorite forms of exercise.

Several years ago, I attempted to take up the sport of golf. I could drive the ball off the tee in a way that would have impressed Happy Gilmore. However, by the time I reached the green, I would always be several strokes above par. In other words, I sucked at golf.

Every time I went golfing, the next day and for several days up to a week later, my neck and/or back would be killing me. One day, after playing a game of golf and suffering from the after effects, I went out to split some wood. I discovered that the swinging motion of the axe made my neck and back feel much better. It was kind of a counter motion to the intense twisting motion of a golf club swing. I don't golf anymore needless to say.