How To Swing An Axe!

[@MrJoeakd]

Best thing... Firewood makes you lazy. Ha.. it so does. The more you do it the more you look for energy efficient ways.

[@HomesteadJay]

Hello again Joe! I see you are on a Homestead Jay marathon lol I appreciate that for sure! I couldnt agree more, the more you work at it the more you want to save energy! Thanks for binge watching :)

[@MrJoeakd]

@@HomesteadJay I would be on a real marathon if my 2.5 year old son wasn't jumping all over me and making me show him Bob the train cartoons.

[@kencur9690]

Isn’t the most energy efficient way to just simply buy them precut and prepackaged?

[@steveallen9581]

I'm not going to lie to you. 3 shots of whiskey turn any man into a wood splitting machine! For about a half hour anyways, then its time for chicken wings and a nap. Keep up the good work my friend.

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey Steve! Now that sounds GREAT! lol thanks for watching!

[@shermanhofacker4428]

Three shot might get a guy on the dance floor (speaking from experience) but I don't think it would be conducive to starting wood splitting, more likely to lead to sitting and having shots 4, 5, and 6!

[@faithsrvtrip8768]

Thanks! I grew up splitting wood as a teen, 40 years ago, and forgot how to do it. The swing was critical! My chores, at the age of 13, including splitting rounds into quarters. Used to stand out there and do it until the pile was done. I had a younger sibling that was terrified of the axe. Four girls, no boys, we did the work. Yep you nailed it I forgot how to do the hand slide. That was what I forgot how to do!

[@HomesteadJay]

Thats awesome you are getting back into it! its such a fun exercise! I love it! I dont need to split for the outdoor wood boiler but I sure enjoy it! Hope this helps! Please subscribe to the channel!

[@positiveego5397]

How do you really forget to swing an axe if you used to do it as a kid? I mean, even if you wore sandals more than half your life, you would still be able to tie a shoe lace.

[@vince4578]

Finally, a thorough instruction! Safety, ergonomics and efficiency explained in detail and in less than 10 minutes. A++!

[@HomesteadJay]

Thanks Vince! Subscribe for more!

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

I used to have a 16 lb monster maul. That teaches you really quickly how not to swing a maul.

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey Gary! Im sure real quick! LOL thats like a workout dumbell on a axe handle lol

[@eddyde115]

This guy knows what he's talking about. He shows exactly how to swing an axe properly.

[@HomesteadJay]

Thanks brother!

[@benscottwoodchopper]

You are absolutely right about not bringing behind the head and pushing it out. Thats the most powerful and efficient way. Its how i was taught to swing for woodchopping competition

[@HomesteadJay]

Thank you! Glad I was correct!

[@TheTektronik]

Learning to swing an ax properly is a skill one can learn. Thank you for this.

[@HomesteadJay]

You're very welcome

[@apollo2419]

Using a heavier axe teaches you really quickly how to swing properly because it will cripple you if you don’t use proper form thanks for the tips👍

[@HomesteadJay]

Yes this is true!

[@camslumlord]

Just wanted to let you know that I went out and tried your method of axe swinging on old fallen tree; great results. Just came in from quite a few minutes of chopping and I am no where near as exhausted as when doing the “Attila the Hun “ barbarian swing. Thanks for a very useful video.

[@HomesteadJay]

Yes indeed! Chopping wood is fun and rewarding but its good to do it efficiently!

[@pavpav1426]

I've been using your technique since last spring when I started to split wood. Went through a few videos on KZbin, tried a few methods, yours made the most sense. Safer, more efficient and easier to aim. Guess many years from now my bones and joints will still be owing you a beer! Good job! :)

[@HomesteadJay]

Yes splitting wood is an awesome thing but good form and technique will keep you in the fight for a long time! Stay safe!

[@pavpav1426]

@@HomesteadJay At the moment I am mostly collecting rounds, both seasoned and green, from my mom and her hubby's property, and stacking and using them in my summerhouse, where I spend most weekends. It's all fun and a great workout. Makes beer taste better too! ;) A couple of stacks are slowly getting bigger and I just love to heat the house with seasoned wood that I knew I brought from my family and split myself. Damn, I won't be surprised if once I run out of this firewood, instead of buying split firewood I'll just start buying 10-feet logs offered by the local State Forest Management Centre, just to have a reason to cut and split the stuff :)

[@benjaminfranklin8326]

Game of Thrones style kills shots! This is really helpful, thank you.

[@HomesteadJay]

Oh yes!

[@SkillCult]

That is very similar to how I split most wood as well. I have seen people though that seem to do well with longer, fuller swings. but they don't do it like you show not to do it. They use momentum of the axe, swung behind them in a longer, gentler arc like swing. And not all of them do it all the time. Speaking of saving energy, I think one of the most energy saving factors is eliminating picking the wood up to put it on a stump. I've split the vast majority of my firewood on the ground for a long time and it saves a ton of time and effort in the long run. I can split it where it lays in the field, or just toss it all out in the driveway at home. I don't have to move them all to the splitting stump, or stop to put the axe down to pick them up and then pick the axe up again. I just start splitting. I rarely let go of the axe, it is either resting on the ground while holding the end of the handle, or I'm holding it similar to you right at the head. You don't even have to set them all upright. some can be split as they lay in the pile. splitting blocks can be handy, and there are some theorectical advantages that people will often cite, but in reality, I find it much easier and faster to split on the ground most of the time and set some up on a splitting block occasionally, when it seems like the best or easiest thing to do. Like you said, firewood makes you lazy. Over time, I just figured out I didn't have to do all that annoying and time consuming lifting of rounds over and over to get them to the stump. I can usually generate a little more power when ground splitting too, since the face of the wood is lower to the ground, allowing a longer swing to gain more momentum. Check out this playlist I put together of woodsplitting videos that are worth watching. A lot of them are showing off and wasting energy, but they are all legit good at splitting wood. Very few splitting blocks involved. kzbin.info/aero/PL60FnyEY-eJBEqSSPEPbpfNHoOHiKb72p Regarding holdig the axe near the body, I totally agree with that. An important diesign feature for me is that I can hold the axe right up at the head, where it is very balanced to handle between actual chopping or splitting. I don't want anything in the way there, such as a clunky guard, or wrap, or piece of metal shielding. holding right below the head is much easier and makes for fast, easy handling. Having a smooth path all the way up the handle, allows to get that hand in position without any speed bumps and without having to think about it. Cheers.

[@pitchfordfamily8306]

I have a pine tree that was felled the other day, and now I have a chore in front of me to chop it all up... Thanks for the great vid.

[@HomesteadJay]

Haha enjoy! Its a fun workout!

[@justzeus5501]

Mind blown🤯 I can’t believe how big of a difference that makes. Thank you so much.

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

The most practical way for me to use an axe or maul now is to let someone else do it. Great video Jay.

[@HomesteadJay]

HAHA that was a good one lol! Thanks for watching!

[@mclovinlife4018]

Wow, I thought I knew the best technique to swing an axe, but it was definitely not this way. Your way makes more sense. I definitely didn’t think about throwing straight above my head though

[@HomesteadJay]

Indeed! Glad to help!

[@elizabethbarker9739]

Thanks for the video. I was glad that I was already doing some things right. But i was able to use your tips and improve my accuracy. Excellent video.

[@HomesteadJay]

Glad it helped!!!

[@creqture]

Your video is very helpful! I was able to chop wood well thanks to you!

[@HomesteadJay]

Glad I could help!

[@robertbehan9186]

I've never been good at chopping wood. Never needed to. I've tried the swing from being your head technique. If you don't land a solid hit on the wood, the axe head has a good chance of following through towards your shins and feet. I did see one guy post the ace head up, then pull the handle downward. Seemed pretty efficient.

[@HomesteadJay]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@Finleypug]

Thanks man! I really appreciate the advice

[@HomesteadJay]

Happy to help!

[@Finleypug]

@@HomesteadJay I tried out your technique and it works great! Still got a lot of practice to do but I can see a huge difference. Thanks again

[@boytmsword9209]

WOw, even though I have never touched the axe throughout my entire life but this is so fascinating video and gives me useful tips

[@HomesteadJay]

Great to hear!! Glad you enjoyed!

[@martymcdonald3187]

Thanks for the tip worked well

[@HomesteadJay]

Great to hear!

[@unluckyblanket2779]

Thanks man. Much appreciated.

[@bwbmx1nj]

Great info. Thank you

[@HomesteadJay]

Thanks for watching!

[@talenkleck1459]

Thank you very much for the advice.

[@HomesteadJay]

You bet! Thanks for watching!

[@jobchawang8229]

Thank you so much. This helps me a lot.

[@HomesteadJay]

Any time!

[@johng873]

Yes, exactly this technique is correct. Same for using a sledgehammer, slide your hand down the shaft as you swing, holding it relatively close to your body.

[@krysan893]

that was fun and great to know

[@drejtoman2974]

Nice . Well explained 😀

[@HomesteadJay]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SkillCult]

I didn't see anything I'd argue with there, except use of the concept proper and to say that there is more than one way to skin a cat. I do know competent people that swing way behind them, but it is a fluid motion using momentum, not dropping it behind the head and then lifting it back up as you showed. I do it more or less like you do usually. Also, I would add that any kind of bumper or wrap or guard that prevents me from holding an axe or maul right up snug below the head is a deal breaker. I handle the axe there all the time with one hand, for instance when picking up a piece of wood, or flipping the handle around from one side of my body to the other. Holding it even 3 or so inches below is much more work on the wrist and harder to manipulate and that is more relevant when it comes to splitting mauls vs axes. It is possible to use protection, but if it is bulky like paracord wraps or rubber bumpers, or god forbid metal, it is just in the way and makes handling clumsy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5PSiH6nft6ph6csi=oPQ2g14b5UQWirFe

[@HomesteadJay]

Thanks for your feedback brother.

[@raye1631]

Thank you for your video. After watching other how to swing an axe videos, your's is my #1. It is very logical which I liked, then when I tried it, it was proven great advice. Thanks again.

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey Ray! I am so happy you learned something. This is why I do this, is to help for sure! Please subscribe to the channel for more! We have a TON coming up! Thanks again!

[@baileydombroskie3046]

My dad taught me to swing an axe this way too. I was curious if it was the best way or just 1 that works really well but not perfect. So i looked it up. The 1st vid i watched was a 1min more scientific style display of it where they said to have the 1 hand up the shaft at the start, start the axe head at 10 o'clock and lv, then bring it down starting w using the hand that is up the shaft to force it forwards while sliding the hand down then using the other hand to give it speed as u bring it down. Idk, to me that 1 also sounds like a good option too. It looked like the center of mass was inches above the guys head.

[@HomesteadJay]

Some methods are a tad different but swinging the axe head behind you is a waste of energy!

[@chasegodwin8257]

Great advice! Thank you!

[@HomesteadJay]

Glad it was helpful!

[@williampenrose696]

Lololol 😂 😂 I was that barberick guy, but after literally 4 swings my lower back wanted to kick my ass! I'm gonna try ur way, I'm a logical guy and ur way makes sense

[@HomesteadJay]

HAHA well hope this helps!

[@RICHIE_RICH89]

Drop your knees and hips , more power and safer closes the arc

[@HomesteadJay]

Makes sense! Thanks for tuning in! Please subscribe!

[@MrJamesferry]

Love it! Smarter not harder

[@HomesteadJay]

Indeed brother!

[@jamestropicals8262]

Yeah I agree if you try to swing the axe behind your head especially with a heavy one your making it move up and over really slowly over your head because of how heavy the head is and then down

[@HomesteadJay]

Yes for sure!

[@davidterell]

Good video...especially for a new lumberjack like myself. Lol. Glad I saw this video cause I was definitely doing a terrible GOT impression chopping wood...lol...thanks for the tip✊🏾

[@HomesteadJay]

Thanks for tuning in Dave! Glad you learned something!

[@michaellavery4899]

Thank's for the video and the tips. I'm in my first year of dealing with approximately 2 tonnes of logs for my wood burner. Please tell me there were some bloopers that you didn't show?

[@HomesteadJay]

That sounds like a lot of wood! Not sure on the bloopers this video was a while ago lol!

[@alwoolhouse6255]

I watched the entire video three times just to make sure I understood correctly. I think, make sure to hold the axe head away from the body and start from behind your head. Like a barbarian. Is that right? Seriously, good technique, thanks for posting.

[@HomesteadJay]

Glad to help! Stay safe swinging an axe!

[@Redneck_Ed]

That's a really great explanation. Now I have to reshoot my last video though because the axe head was out of frame so you couldn't see that I was not arching the axe behind my head. One thing I will say though is that I use the X27 which is so light that endurance isn't a factor.

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey Ed! Thanks for tuning in! Nothing like swinging an axe for sure! Warms the soul! Thanks for commenting!

[@shane4176]

All looks good and practical. Good form and good advice. Although I think putting wood on blocks to split is way to time consuming. Picking split pieces up and putting them back on a block. I like to split on the ground. Not saying one way is right and one is wrong. I just don't like to handle wood that many times.

[@surreyarborist]

Well done you are talking sense, I would also add prepare to do some tapdancing if the axe follows thro to your legs so always be aware.

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey Surrey! Thanks for stopping by! Please subscribe if you havent! You are correct if you miss or are not using a stump noone wants an axe in the foot or leg!

[@TheKeysToWisdom]

Nice video. Just starting out splitting some serious cherry wood and the he man style forced me to quit after 8 big logs and take a day off from the soreness. I figured how hard can it be. But with the crap technique I used it was super hard. I'm gonna get at it tomorrow copying your style. Tks for the tips. Wish I had watched before day 1 of the fiasco it turned into.

[@HomesteadJay]

Yes proper technique will carry you a lot farther then swinging like a barbarian lol

[@paulhomsy2751]

Good instruction. One thing you should say is that you're a lefty which is why your right hand is the lower one on the handle...so viewers understand that it is the opposite for right handed people.

[@HomesteadJay]

I should have thank you!

[@paulhomsy2751]

@@HomesteadJay Can't think of everything, I enjoyed the video !

[@mywifesson5173]

Glad to know I was doing it right

[@HomesteadJay]

Glad you were!

[@AppalachianLife]

Agree with you except splitting on a block. You can deliver more power with less energy splitting rounds on the ground.

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey John! Yeah that can be the case but a small 4 inch block wont make too much a difference! if you have a 18 inch splitting stump of course thats robbing power LOL thanks for stopping by and please subscribe if you havent!

[@connormclernon26]

This is pretty much the technique I was taught when I was in the Boy Scouts.

[@HomesteadJay]

Good stuff!

[@PopleBackyardFarm]

Definitely something that needs to be done correctly ! Ruthie :)

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey Ruth! Thanks for stopping by! Please subscribe!

[@rbc626]

Do you use dominant hand bottom or top of handle of axe?

[@shayn4220]

Nice job 👍🏻

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey Shayn! Thanks for spending time here!

[@shayn4220]

You do everything I do in my day to day chores lol

[@HomesteadJay]

@@shayn4220 Rock on! Nothing wrong with some chores to keep you busy LOL

[@shayn4220]

Homestead Jay ice fish a lot too been hitting it hard last couple weeks 👍🏻

[@HomesteadJay]

@@shayn4220 Thats awesome! My dad has a camp up on lake here in NH and would love to do that LOL

[@hotpoker4212]

Good technique,🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮

[@HomesteadJay]

Thank you! I try!

[@wibblewobble1934]

Fantastic video, i've got some logs coming in this week which some will need splitting, only problem is I don't have a tree stump base to place them on, so what would you recommend as an alternative base to place the logs on and split them?

[@HomesteadJay]

Cut a 6” piece off one of the larger logs you get and use that as a base. You don’t want the logs that need to be split sitting on the dirt by using a 6” base it will help transfer all the energy into the log your splitting! Good luck

[@1wibble230]

@@HomesteadJay thanks!

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Good video Jay! You must have been cringing watching my splitting video. LOL! I had a few guys comment on technique, so I guess I need to try something different. Have a good one!

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey Phil! This wasnt directed to you LOL trust me. Your splitting video was great comparing axes and what not! I enjoyed that! Its cool to see how different axe/maul designs split various woods! Now take what you learned here and film another splitting video LOL! Thanks for watching!

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

@@HomesteadJay haha. I didn't take it personal. I'm always open to finding a more efficient way to do things. I'll do an update, for sure.

[@HomesteadJay]

Hell ya!

[@I_leave_mean_comments]

THANK YOU!! I've been saying this for years. And I've been chopping wood since I was a kid. I see all these goofballs online holding the bottom of the axe handle with both hands, swinging like a caveman... it's insane. No, here's how it's done: Dominant hand near the axe head, weaker hand holding the bottom of the handle, push up over your head, then slide your dominant hand down the handle to the bottom as you chop. It's SO much more efficient and powerful. It used to happen when I was a kid too. Bigger kids would be at the carnival trying the "ring the bell" thing... and I would beat them EVERY TIME because I used the hand slide technique. So much better.

[@HomesteadJay]

oh yes indeed! Thanks for sharing your story!

[@DrUltrabyte]

thank you! very well explained and systematic. I have a question... what do you think is best for minimizing bodyimpact and improving chopping results, to have a stance with open parallel legs or one foot in front of the other?

[@HomesteadJay]

I think a parallel legs is better. Much like if you were in a shooting stance with knees a tad bent leaning forward etc.

[@In2investing]

Glad I watched this, with your pointers and really thinking about how I'm swinging the maul, my splitting game is on another level. Every wood guy should see this.

[@HomesteadJay]

Just trying to help! Glad it did! Stay safe!

[@theoisaac3564]

Correctly done

[@HomesteadJay]

Theo! Appreciate it! Glad you enjoyed!

[@theoisaac3564]

@@HomesteadJay Yup

[@MrSmoothasf]

I've only just started chopping wood but I have much more success pulling down through my legs than you are doing here, is my technique wrong? I can split my logs in half quite easy with this technique and feels less likely to miss?

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey there! Sinking down (soft bend in the knees) is actually reccomended for sure. This video was primarily about not having the axe head go PAST your head as that is extra strain and less power! Seems like you have a good method going! Keep it up and happy splitting!

[@MrSmoothasf]

@@HomesteadJay cheers fella! I spent 6 years chopping up animals when I was younger so I've hopefully got a decent swing. Cheers for the reply

[@marinetrax]

Just bought the X27 splitting axe. Would that technique still work seeing you have to swing the x27 much faster as its much lighter?

[@HomesteadJay]

Same technique regardless of the weight of the head!

[@marinetrax]

@@HomesteadJay Thanks so much mate. Just bought the X27 and isocore Maul. Wow, best investment!!!

[@Andy-zl1rp]

That's exactly what did today like Conan barbarian 😂 thanks.

[@HomesteadJay]

Hah dont be that guy!

[@gusswenson7811]

Hey Jay. Good advice. But at my age a wood splitter is my way. Hahahah Keep up the great work. Go 603..

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey Gus! Welcome back! I agree the wood splitter is efficient but sometimes its nice to get the blood flowing! Go 603 is a cool slogan! I like that my friend!

[@80hdpadre66]

THANK YOU

[@HomesteadJay]

Thanks for watching!

[@invisiblerevolution]

Good video

[@HomesteadJay]

Thanks for the visit!

[@TheTrainstation]

It's very much about the slide down of the hand

[@HomesteadJay]

Yes it is!

[@anderclayton9856]

I don't generally split wood that way. I do start the same way. Your stance is good but instead of just going straight up and down, I shift the axe behind me as I bring the hand close to the blade to meet the other hand at the end. Then I keep the axe moving in a circular motion over my head, continuing the movement. it uses the end of the axe as a fulcrum and doesn't waste momentum by fighting against the axe's motion at the top of the swing. No Game of Thrones flash involved. Downsides? Until you get used to it, it can be a little less accurate. Also it does give you a fair bit more power with your swing which might not always be what you are looking to have I'd be happy to link some other videos but not trying to really get into a whole 'this guy is doing it better' sort of thing.

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey Ander! Thanks for chiming in! Everyone has their own ways indeed!

[@tomaszwida]

I would add 1 more thing to your stance not that its bad or anything. but I have seen it first hand it happen to my brother during power swing (when splitting 2+ ft diameter logs). when u swing and a miss axe tends to go to your left or right side. when u standing straight (both legs in the same line) there is an opportunity axe hits you in the leg. what I do is a step forwards, the leg depends what is your dominant hand. For me as right hand it person, my left hand is closer to a blade and right hand is holding the back of the handle so, the leg goes first whatever the hand is closer to a blade(for me it would be left. if u left is dominants hand u step forward with your right leg). when u swing and a miss blade cant go to your left side as u are blocking it with your right hand and the body, and when it goes to your right side there is no leg there, as it is way behind the reach of the blade. I hope this make sense. it easy to show harder to explain

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey Tom! Thanks for sharing I believe I knew what you meant! Tough to explain versus visual lol thanks for tuning in! Happy splitting!

[@thekiddocook1554]

I have never split a log bfore and i wanna know how to grip it properly and i also cant get access to a maul so what else could i use. Should i use a log splitter or use an axe? Would love to know.

[@HomesteadJay]

Did you watch the video? A log splitter is way more expensive than a splitting maul. I did a video on splitting axe versus maul if you can find that video it will help!

[@thekiddocook1554]

@@HomesteadJay alright thnx

[@chicoonyt3948]

I was chopping branches today and I was swings my axe the wrong way and the back of my shoulder hurts

[@HomesteadJay]

Yes swinging an axe the wrong way is tough on the body!

[@PeterEmery]

Exactly how I learned in Boy Scouts 52 years ago.

[@HomesteadJay]

Glad you held onto good methods!

[@Back40Firewood]

Yo Jay...good vid & great tips. How did you know I've been watching Game of Thrones...lol...I'm only on season 6 tho! HA. Just to play devil's advocate...I don't split much by hand, but when I do I actually like to do it as a replacement 'workout' from the gym. I try to get as many muscles as I can working together from my shoulders to my arms, to my core and finish in almost a squat position to bring my legs/thighs into it. That's why I don't like splitting blocks, stops your swing before the real 'power' of the swing can be delivered. I think of getting as full range of motion as I can...much like doing a bicep curl. You start with weight and arm extended as far as you can...then finish the rep with your arm pulled in as far as you can - full range of motion. Like I said, if I'm out swinging an axe I want the workout...I want to work hard, which maybe isn't smart....lol...but that's just me and how I approach it...again great vid, hope my response doesn't come across the wrong way. Stay safe, have fun, be cool.

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey Dan! Nothing wrong with what you said! It can DEFF be a full body workout haha Ive done that before too when im splitting for pure exercise! This video was just for a more efficient method but doing what you said can deff make it a more full workout! Thanks for tuning in! Keep on firewooding!

[@tablighibayans]

2:15

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Splitting wood is labor intensive. I haven't hand split wood in a long while!!! Take care!!

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey Mike! It can be intensive but manageable with proper technique! Thanks for coming by!

[@johngreen5837]

Are you lefthanded?

[@HomesteadJay]

I am a righty I throw with my right hand and write with my right hand so in this case I keep my right arm on the bottom and left hand above it. Same as if i was to swing a baseball bat I would keep my right hand on the low part of the bat!

[@johngreen5837]

@@HomesteadJay I'm a lefty and I played baseball Jr high thru high school and a lefty's right hand goes on the bottom of the bat. That's why I'm confused.

[@HomesteadJay]

@@johngreen5837 That makes sense. Righty right hand on bottom. Lefty on the bottom

[@johngreen5837]

@@HomesteadJay no sir. Righty, left hand on bottom. I know it seems not right but grab a stick and swing it.

[@martinlynch7384]

As a non- professional I would add 1 tip: bend your knees and drop your weight into the swing instead of using your back and shoulders so much.

[@davidcamell4424]

Took me 2 seconds to realize you were a fellow New Eglandah

[@HomesteadJay]

New eglandah clam chowdah

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Good day Sir, great ergonomic tips !!! and If I may kindling had always look were the axe go if you miss the log ( land on the ground than on your foot are leg !!! ) Keep up the great work Sir !!! Cheers !!!

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey Dave! Thanks for tuning in! Yes an axe to the toe or leg is not a good thing!! Thats why I always use a stump to split on!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

@@HomesteadJay Keep up the good work !!!

[@blakemcmahan3960]

Basic physics good stuff

[@HomesteadJay]

For sure!

[@hotpoker4212]

Axe head speed,just goin into wood,is very important,

[@HomesteadJay]

Indeed!

[@alanross3435]

Hey Jay, Thanks for the tips!👍🏻 I'm going too keep the axe close to my body from now on! I use a large round with a truck tire screwed to it to contain the wood rounds. Have you tried the buckin Billy flick when you split? It works great for me! Enjoy your Sunday bro. 🏈✌🏻️

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey Alan! Thanks for watching! I hope this helps for sure! I have tried the "flick" that method was actually common practice for double bit axes back in the day! Buckin has sure mastered it for sure but ive done it with my 4lb splitting axe and it works good! Not so much for the maul but they are different tools for sure! Hope you had a great weekend!

[@bigrich7026]

So what your saying is that because your wood takes a certain amount of force needed you minimize your swing to reduce energy loss at that level? Your not saying that your swing is as powerful as the silly overhead swings your talking about right? Compared to say Bucking Billy? Do you think your shorter more efficient stroke could split the same wood as his swing?

[@HomesteadJay]

Hi rich thanks for tuning in. What im saying is if you have a 8lb maul like I use and any time that maul is behind your head your are using all that energy (fighting gravity) to bring it back over your head and then swing it down. Pushing up with my left hand and then swinging it down is basically going to be the same amount of force but your not exerting all that energy to get the maul back above your head. If that makes sense. Thats my main premise is you shouldnt need to make this giant over the head kill shot to split the wood. Buckin doesnt do the over the head dramatic split either if you watch him and hes been doing it longer than I been alive so he has admitted to it as well. I like his "flick" method as well that is a game changer as well!

[@Three-leggedRanch]

Work smarter, not harder! Thanks, Jay.

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey SEK! Thats the name of the game! Thanks for tuning in!

[@tested123]

are you right or left handed?

[@HomesteadJay]

right

[@BrendonHoppy]

Are you left handed?

[@HomesteadJay]

I bat lefty, Write righty. Throw righty. lol

[@BrendonHoppy]

@@HomesteadJay I am not being funny but I see a lot of right handers swinging an axe/maul the same way that do and I am right handed for everything but I hold/swing the maul with my right hand lifting the head and my left on the end of the handle,,, I am just curious if I am doing it wrong 🤣 as I am a newbie,, any advice for me? Chopping makes you lazy,, when you've done it a few times,, you don't want to do it again 🤣🤣 hahahaha,, doesn't look like we have much choice though, so learning the technique is important,, thankyou

[@HomesteadJay]

@@BrendonHoppy Haha I can help no problem. I am opposite of you. I am a righty ( right arm is dominant and stronger) so I want my right hand (strong hand) on the bottom of the axe. My left hand is the one that actually moves the axe up. In my opinion, not a fact or rule but however you would swing a baseball bat you would hold and swing an axe. Take a baseball bat and pretend to swing it like your splitting wood. You will feel what feels more comfortable.

[@BrendonHoppy]

@@HomesteadJay thanks,, I will now have to try both ways and see,, I only just got the practice to hit where I am aiming,, when I hold a cricket bat 🤣🤣🤣 hahahaha,, it's the same way I hold the maul.. if the maul bounces too many times,, I noodle it with the chainsaw,, specially th 40- 60 inch rounds

[@HomesteadJay]

@@BrendonHoppy Yes well 60" piece is no joke lol. Im assuming your working your way from the outside. Dont be trying to split that size from the middle youll be swinging for the end of time lol

[@ezetram774]

1:55 when I went through basic in 2019 my drill gave us all pencils an hour into a squat with your arms out that pencil weighs a ton 🤣

[@HomesteadJay]

"ounces turn to pounds" learned that hiking as a kid!

[@utbutch13]

Tried to tell people this all the time. So basic, slide the hand down from the axe head for the swing… and use your knees!

[@HomesteadJay]

For sure!

[@faithsrvtrip8768]

Are you left or right handed?

[@HomesteadJay]

Righty!

[@pokedude104]

use the leg muscles not the back! Goes for so many other physical tasks too

[@HomesteadJay]

YEs!

[@dennisdier9904]

I split wood for 1 day and figured the exact same thing. This is the most efficient way or you will be using too much energy any other way

[@absolutelynot6546]

Thank you for the demonstration! My stepfather would teach me how to gather and split wood as a teen and I never really got into it, but it was fun, and we spent time together. He passed away January 5th this year from cancer and I found the axe he taught me how to split wood with. I remember almost hitting my shin once because I wasn't paying attention. The ass chewing I got was well deserved... 😂

[@HomesteadJay]

Im sorry for your loss but glad you have some memories indeed. Ive hit the shin before and yeah it sucks LOL

[@darskixc]

God bless you❤️ May your step dad rest in peace.

[@malcolmknight345]

Henry forn based his hole production line of the layest man on the line it all comes down to economy of movement .

[@HomesteadJay]

Indeed.

[@daftcowboy2990]

Instructions unclear. Barbarically chopped firewood, game of thrones style

[@HomesteadJay]

Thanks for watching!

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

Power splitter is easier

[@HomesteadJay]

I have one and agree but sometimes swinging the axe/maul is nice!

[@Pr0noTrigger]

Game of Thrones kill shots lol

[@HomesteadJay]

Hahah yupp

[@chrisy4011]

Easier to split it when it's on an angle against another piece. This way it won't fall over

[@HomesteadJay]

Thanks for watching my friend either way stay safe swinging an axe!

[@DMalenfant1]

I have tried to find a video of properly swinging an axe and yours is one of the better ones but you are still not fully efficient. Instead of bending your back, you should drop your butt as the axe comes down like you are squatting weights. This way you are using almost no energy, you are letting the weight of the axe do the work for you. 2nd when you were talking about the axe should not come from behind your head. Well that is true except advance technique. You can let the axe drop while holding the end and the hand that slides down bar is also guiding it, letting the momentum carry the axe in a circle and therefore once again you are not using your back and more of your wrist.

[@HomesteadJay]

Hey There! Good points for sure! My video was just a general helping video to aide in the swinging of an axe! I appreciate you tuning in and invite you to subscribe to the channel for more wood heat and splitting!

[@heididaniel1539]

I olso thank that if you swing an axe it might hit your back and if its a 2 heded axe, then that will be bad.

[@HomesteadJay]

Yes that would not be good! Double bits can be dangerous!

[@wpdjs626]

Hey, is it barbaric or ridiculous to swing it behind your head?

[@matstevenson5972]

That's cool you think you found the best way to chop wood. Yeah me too, this one time I saw these old-timey guys on a real, swinging giant skinny hammers making railroads, so I do it like that, without moving my grip and it works way better than what you're doing. LOL JK. For real though, it's my favorite way to do it 🙃

[@HomesteadJay]

Thanks for watching my friend!