I see so many who have no idea how to best use a sledge hammer or an ax. I grew up splitting wood with an ax and moreover learning to hit repeatedly in the same place. Splitting yellow cottonwood is a lesson in patience and frustration while walnut and ash were easy and boxelder and mulberry were ok unless they had a lot of knots. Then we come to using a sledge hammer to drive stakes or break concrete and the lack of control I’ve watched shows the lack of instruction and experience.
Aim is extremely important when working with tools that you have to swing… Or torque on, for that matter…
It’s how you learn.
He probably squeeled “Mommy”.
More likely had trouble catching his breath. And walking it out.
Ouch
I see so many who have no idea how to best use a sledge hammer or an ax. I grew up splitting wood with an ax and moreover learning to hit repeatedly in the same place. Splitting yellow cottonwood is a lesson in patience and frustration while walnut and ash were easy and boxelder and mulberry were ok unless they had a lot of knots. Then we come to using a sledge hammer to drive stakes or break concrete and the lack of control I’ve watched shows the lack of instruction and experience.
You should try Elm if you think cotton wood is tough.
I’ll see your Elm and raise you Willow.
You just know the guy holding the tongs is laughing…
Sweetgum is all mixed up grain going all over. will get your wedge stuck. And I agree with p2 above, that guy with the tongs showed great restraint.