Splitting Oak Logs

Today we have been splitting oak logs for our latest commission – an entrance sign for the new Sylva Wood Centre near Oxford.

We start by  cutting a slot in the end of the log with a chainsaw. And then use metal wedges to start a split in the log.

Here Henry is chasing the split down the length of the log with another wedge. With just three wedges we can normally split any log – oak splits surprisingly easily.

And here is the log split. This one has come apart very cleanly – there are no big knots to throw the split off course.