Just kidding, folks. I'm LeMaverick's wife and wood-splitting partner.
A few years ago, even before we were married, we published an article on wood splitting at http://www.woodheat.org/firewood/splitting.htm (follow the link below). That writing began when we tried to describe to a friend, via email, how to split wood. There are a few things we might improve or phrase differently now, but most of the basic ideas are there. We are interested in hearing any input or feedback about the article; we expect to make a revision and resubmit it.
My favorite techniques are:
Focus, focus, focus - vision, mind and body must be well aligned with the intended mark. Accuracy - read the log for the best direction to split, then hit where you aim. Mentally aim through the log, down to the ground, or to the base of the log, where you want the maul to finish. Hit hard every time. Rest when you get tired rather than make weak blows.
Early in the swing I raise up on tiptoes (and sometimes come off the ground a bit during the swing) to get maximum speed then "snap" wrists right at the finish.
We taught my mother to split wood and she has become a remarkable splitter. She heats with a wood stove almost exclusively and does all her own splitting (except an occasional "tough one" that she leaves for us). My mother is 61 years old, never split wood in her life, and newly retired from 40+ years of driving a desk. I'm impressed!
Annie
