A real fireplace in the home is a wonderful feature, providing a very attractive talking point as well as a source of heat. But chopping the logs for the fire is much less attractive. Log splitters are a very handy piece of equipment designed to eliminate hours of backbreaking effort that chopping logs requires. Consisting of either a hydraulic or electric-powered rod and piston assembly, the logsplitter is normally rated by the tons of pressure generated. No matter how it is powered, the basic premise is that the logsplitter drives, via a piston, the log onto a stationary blade.

Log splitters are designed to be portable and easily moved. There are several types on the market depending on the size and/or amount of logs that require splitting. Most home log splitters range in pressure from 4 to 6 tonnes, which should prove more than adequate for most purposes here in the UK.

Good log splitters require two handed operation. This reduces the possibility of operator accidents, as when both hands are occupied in running the logsplitter, nothing is going to get caught between the log and splitting blade. Also, the behaviour of the log being split cannot be entirely predicted, so log splitters should require the operator to be at the opposite end to the log being split. If you have people helping to collect the split wood, they should stand clear of the log splitter whilst it is in use.

Maintaining your logsplitter as per the manufacturer's instructions is important in prolonging the life of your purchase. While the price of logsplitters has fallen, they are still quite an expensive purchase. Cleaning and oiling after use is usually recommended. Accessories are also available for logsplitters; a log splitter table is a good investment as it raises the splitter to waist height to eliminate any further bending.

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