splitting wood

[yeggous]

O-ring = not easy to replace? Sounds like someone previously had really beaten it down...
You're a good employer yeggous....I'd split your woodpile for $20/hr, not a problem8).

The splitter's owner picked up a new O-ring but it didn't properly seal. I'm not sure what went wrong, but he's looking for a whole new assembly for the hydraulic switch.

Minimum wage is about to go to $11 / hour in a few months. Given the amount of work involved, I think $20 / hour is totally fair. Hauling, splitting, and stacking wood all day deserves more than standing beside a cash register in an air conditioned store. Plus I want to make sure that I'm paying enough to get someone to actually care to do the job right.

I work for an employer who compensates and treats the employees well. I can see the difference in the commitment of the workforce here vs in my previous company. I want to foster that same environment.

 

[freeski]

Don't use anything but a wedge to hit with a maul. Axes are not hardened metal and they can splinter and ... If you're having a hard time splitting the maple wait for a day well below freezing. If no knots it will split like butter. I split about a cord and half every year by hand (an old hickory handled maul). Yep, about as manly as it comes. Old saying, wood heats you three times: when you cut it, when you split it and when you burn it. The ability to take a standing tree and convert it to a well burning fire is sadly becoming a lost art.