Raise Your Log Splitter And Save Your Back

The whole point of a log splitter is to save your back from the stress of trying to cut up firewood by hand. Some of the smaller models, however, sit so low to the ground that you may as well be splitting logs with an axe – your back won’t be able to tell the difference anyway. To prevent this, you should lift your splitter up to waist height, making sure that it is stable and sturdy.

Step 1: Place two sawhorses parallel to each other on a flat and level surface. The top bars should be about 40 inches apart. Place a piece of plywood over the sawhorses so that either end is flush with the top bars.

Step 2: Clamp each end of the plywood to the top bar of the sawhorse to prevent it from moving; the screws should face downwards. Failing to do this could cause the splitter to slip off the platform.

Because even small machines can weigh 45kg and a good size piece of wood can add on up to another 15kg, it is important that you are using high quality sawhorses and plywood.

Step 3: Have someone help you lift the log splitter up and place it onto the middle of the plywood. You could also place a ramp against the wood and push the splitter up it if you don’t have a helper.

Step 4: Firmly wedge chocks under both sides of the splitter’s rear wheels; use a hammer to tap them into place. Failing to do this could cause the platform to collapse as you’re working.

It is possible to purchase a steel mounting stand that will allow you to achieve a similar height. These stands feature wheels that you can use to move the machine around safely as you work.

Once your log splitter has been raised to about waist height, you will find that there is plenty of room on the plywood for a few pieces of wood as well. This will save you from lots of bending over as you cut the wood up. Just keep in mind that elevating the splitter increases the risk that you will drop logs on your feet, so make sure that you wear steel toed shoes just in case.