While most people may think that fire is a luxury others realize its importance especially those who are avid outdoor activists. The flames of fire can generate uplifting discussions, inspire great stories and help in building camaraderie among people circled around them. Fire in its full entirety has many advantages some of which include curing hypothermia (lack of body heat), dehydration and much more. In this text, we’re going to look at how to split wood and make a campfire.
SAFETY TIPS BEFORE STARTING A FIRE
Campfire safety is of utmost importance while carrying out activities such as cooking.
First of all, it’s worth noting that the wood you intend to use in lighting your fire should be available for you. Never cut down trees or remove branches from one while preparing a campfire. At best, a freshly cut tree can be difficult to burn in a campfire. Also, ensure that you do not pick up fallen wood unless it is authorized by a campground authority. Most forest beings rely on crumbling tree trunks and branches for their food and shelter. If you’ve sought it from the right places, follow the following steps for chopping the logs.
TOOLS NEEDED
- A sharp axe or maul. A maul is a cross between a sledgehammer and a single bladed axe. It basically puts more power behind your swing. Here are some of the best manual log splitters.
- Sturdy leather gloves
- Safety glasses
- A cellphone for communication in case of an accident
- Protective boots
HOW TO SPLIT WOOD FOR YOUR CAMPFIRE
Seasoned wood splits easier, so ensure that you start with it. Make sure that it is free of screws, nails since they will damage the edge of your maul or axe. Your “rounds” as the logs are popularly known, should be in 16 to 20-inch sizes with square and flat ends to enable them to stand on end while being split.
Set up a large section of a tree trunk as a chopping block. The chopping block will raise the logs from the ground level and enable you to swing your axe. This will also save you from painful straining of your back.
While splitting your log hold the axe with both hands. Place your dominant hand closer to the head. Raise the axe above the shoulder of your sturdier arm and swing it down quickly towards the log in a smooth motion. This would deliver a powerful blow and maintain control rather than keeping both hands together through an entire swing.
IMPORTANT SAFETY MEASURES WHILE CHOPPING WOOD
- Don’t use asphalt or concrete slab as a chopping surface. The blade of your axe will be damaged if the axe passes through the log. It may also send asphalt chunks flying. If you do not have a chopping block, place your logs on the bare ground.
- Work in an area that is safe and gives you steady footing. The area should be free from debris, overhanging tree limbs and power lines. Ensure that you work away from buildings, windows and windows as these would be damaged by flying wood.
- Ensure that animals and people are free of that place. The axe could accidentally slip from your hands and injure them.
Author Bio,
My name is Angela Williams, I am the founder of outdoorgardencare.com , I adore gardening and I really enjoy to invest almost all of my time in gardening.
