Awesome Modifications To Kindling Cracker -44
2022 ж. 18 Қаз.
80 519 Рет қаралды
Add modifications to Kindling Cracker to make it more efficient and functional. Simple improvement makes it easier on the back.
#kindlingcracker #firewood #arborist #homesteading #prepping #treecutting #kindlingcracker
Small Kindling Cracker:
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Large Kindling Cracker:
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Fiskars X27:
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Fiskars 3lb club hammer:
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(Commissioned Links)
Daddy makes me do the picking up of stuff, he says I’m closer to the ground.
Ha ha Millie, I’m going to have to use that one on my daughter. Thanks for watching 👍TCT
Hi Tony, I had a break from KZhead because of health issues, but I will be catching up on your posts that I have missed.
Adrian, I hope you’re feeling better now. Appreciate you letting me know. Thanks for always watching and commenting 👍TCT
I finally bought one of these Kindling Crackers (large) years ago. My modification: set up a base by crossing 4 4x4’s put a “slide” 4x4. In between. Drill a utility bin onto the center slide 4x4. All chips fall in bin more bin and more kindling. Pick-up the bin and you can move to wood stove. Not original but credit to another KZheadr Sharing this! With a Fiskars small maul - great combo! Happy burning.
Hey thanks for sharing, I love getting all these ideas from viewers. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
@@TonysCoolTools I am really enjoying your posts. You have a nice way of communicating and sharing. Good tools shared!
@@RAMPHD Thanks Richard, really appreciate your kind words.👍TCT
mine is similar but much larger. I have a larger stump. I cut multiple buckets and screwed them on. I also got rid of the metal hammer. No matter how safe you are it still would hit and dull the blade on the splitter. I use a log I formed to do the job. Works perfect every time.
Tony glad you show that truck now I know what to do once I get back to making firewood again. Have a great day be safe
Thanks Arthur, I appreciate you watching and commenting. 👍TCT
Although I watched your last video I didn't comment but now I would like to congrst your daughter on her upcoming marriage and wish her and her husband years of happiness. Until the next time have a great day
John my daughter says she really appreciates your well wishes. So nice of you to comment. Thanks again for watching 👍TCT
Great idea Tony- I place milk crates on each side of the Kindling Cracker and just let the kindling fall into the crates.
Richard, now there you go, another great idea shared with me and my viewers. Thanks much, I appreciate you watching and commenting.👍TCT
Tone! If the cracker was somehow attached (epoxy?) to the bottom of the bucket and not through it into the stump, you could simply dump it into a hopper and keep moving. Reaching into a bucket full of pieces looks cumbersome. I used to follow a carpenter whose specialty was installing knotty pine tongue and groove walls, cut the waste to length that would fit into a tin, then hatchet split into 1/2X1/2” pieces of perfect length kindling for Christmas presents for my woodstove burning friends and family. They were always pleased to see me coming! Reno
I noticed as well as several viewers. I’m working on a slightly larger bucket so it’s easier to pull small pieces out. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍TCT
I have both a large and the small Kindle cracker. I use the small 99% of the time. I have both mounted on two large oak rounds outside. I love them. I use a 2lb and a 2.5lb hammer for most of the time, but I do use that 4lb sometimes when there’s the knots. I also have every size axe / maul that Fisher makes. My go to is the x25. You can’t have too many axes or chainsaws.
Craig sounds like you’re a serious Woodhound. You can never have enough good equipment to make the job go easier and safer. Appreciate you sharing! Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Great idea Tony! I make a lot of kindling because we do sell it! I looked at the kindling cracker but right away noticed the problem you had with it. Chasing pieces and bending over! Problem solved. Thanks for sharing👍🏻👍🏻-TOA
Like the old saying “necessity is the mother of invention “. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Another Great video and idea!!! Congrats on 3K!!!😁👍Thanks for the video Tony🚜💨
Thanks Mitch, I can’t believe I hit 3k. Glad you enjoyed the video. Appreciate you watching and commenting.👍TCT
them wedding party favors turned out gorgeous! that's a heck of an idea with that bucket....and I bet your back thanks you too 🤣🤣!! stay safe my friend
Yeah Tim both my wife and daughter were very satisfied with the wedding projects. Oh yeah my back is definitely thanking me😂 Appreciate you watching 👍TCT
TONY, TONY, TONY do you realize you are responsible for a lot of guys getting in hot water due to the amount of tools they buy as a result of you demonstrating how we NEED more tools! 😎😜😇 THANKS for all your tool reviews, Tim in northern TN
Tim I’m Oh so sorry, my goal is making your life easier and safer. I’ve also been contacted by our government to help kick start our economy by personal spending.😂😂😂 Appreciate you watching and commenting 👍TCT
Simple solutions are the best solutions
Jeff your words are so true. As the old saying “Keep it simple stupid”! Appreciate you watching and commenting 👍TCT
Thanks Tony, makes life alot easier. Steve
Steve, my pleasure, glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Tony, I have had a kindling cracker for a couple of years and I appreciate that you made an improvement on what I was doing. Thanks for sharing
Chris we all learn new things from each other. Like my motto “Pass it Forward “ . Glad it was a benefit to you! Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Tony, great video! I always liked your ingenious ideas when you were working with Chris! Now that i found you on YT, i will have to catch up. I have the Large kindling cracker, so this will give me an idea. Thanks again Tony!
Craig thanks for your kind words. Several people including Chris suggested I start a KZhead channel so I did. I appreciate you watching and commenting. I have just under 50 videos so you should find something to interest you. 👍TCT
Yeah wish i would have found it a bit sooner, but so much easier to catch up that 800 videos lol. Glad to see it! You are a wealth of knowledge.
@@craigwilson9560 Craig, glad you found my channel and enjoy my video’s & content. Appreciate you watching 👍TCT
My old man dad manages the wood stove for the lower level of our home during the day, while I'm at work. This setup is PERFECT for him. Comfortable, safe, and very handy. We already have an off-brand version of the Kindling Cracker that works pretty good. He just needs a folding chair and a bucket. He's gonna love this! Thanks for sharing!
It doesn’t matter if it’s a Kindling Cracker brand, home made or knockoff. All seem to work very well and make the job of producing kindling faster, easier and safer. Appreciate you sharing. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
I love my kindling cracker!
Harry I wish I had bought one when they first saw it at Northern Tool which was one of my accounts. But at that time I thought it was just a gimmick. Boy was I wrong!!! Thanks for watching 👍TCT
@@TonysCoolTools I also wish I bought the large one to begin with.
Good day to you also. I have noticed that you are a gentleman, and a scholar. And maybe a good Boy Scout, too. You know, 'Be Prepared', and, 'Do a good deed every day'. I'm still amazed at all that wunnerfull stuff , lumber and pallets, you got for Chris! Gotta say it, you are a good man! You remind me of my own humble self!! I'm wondering why the ring at the top is so far away from the splitting edge? For myself, I get way too much kindling already, but if I need firestarter, I rake up all the noodles from quartering the big rounds with knots and what nots. If it's a dry day, about 15minutes before gathering it up will be dry enough. Then any container, trash can, plastic bag, cookie tins will keep it dry. Then just grab a handful for starting your fires. Your method will prob make better gifts. And likely keep you out of your wife's way (keep you out of trouble!). One should always be aware of personal safety when firewoodin'!!
Ha ha thanks for your kind words. Karma works both ways, for good and bad. I try to practice what I preach. I love the noodles and agree they do make incredible fire starter however now that I have the Eastonmade Axis I don’t have to quarter my wood anymore. I prefer it being larger since I have a log lift and working platform. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Hello Tony, what a great way of making kindling. 2 years ago, I sliced my thumb to the bone while making kindling with a small axe. I will be looking into your method.
Adrian I’ve had my share of bloody fingers as well. The kindling cracker or some home made version like it is a game changer. Best part, it’s safer then anything I’ve been doing in the past. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Thanks, I got the large racket, thanks too you. I went too a nursery and got a 16 gallon used bucket for free. However it doesnt fit inside. Need too find something else. I love ❤❤❤❤ it though. Thanks…..
Glad you enjoyed the video. The kindling cracker (either large or small) are both awesome tools. One of my viewers told me to check out farmers and ask for a used mineral bucket they use for cattle. You may want to try that. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Steve appreciate your comments, thanks for watching 👍TCT
Good job. Thank you 😊
Gary, glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Great information will use your idea
Richard, I’m glad you enjoyed the video and idea. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Ill have to get a 4 gallon bucket. Really like this idea!! Stay Hydrated and Have a Safe Day
David glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching 👍TCT
Good stuff! Thanks for sharing.
I’m always looking for ways to help in clean up. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Great set up Tony 🪵🪓👍👏 Rick
Thanks Rick, glad you enjoyed video. Appreciate you watching 👍TCT
Ive been thinking about buying one of those but wanted to see it in use first. I was hesitating because I have a bad back and anticipated much stooping to be necessary, also I've tried a few other methods of producing kindling and found all to be unsatisfactory in some way. You've shown me it is a good tool and also how to solve the stooping problem. I shall buy a kindling cracker today. Now where is my club hammer? Thank you and greetings from an old English geezer in Slovakia (neighbours to Ukraine if you're wondering).
Philip I'm glad you found my video informative. The kindling Cracker is an awesome tool. I'm eastern european as well from Poland. Thanks for watching and commenting.👍TCT
@@TonysCoolTools Ah so woodland work and log burning is hardwired in your DNA. For me it is all new, but fun, as I'm a city boy really, from London. Very best regards to you Sir!
Great idea! Looking for a bucket now.
Anthony glad you enjoyed the video. Your back will thank you for modifying you splitter. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
hi there well done john
I call that my John fix, keep it simple and use what you have. Thanks for watching 👍TCT
Great idea Tony i will be installing that at my cabin on my Kindling cracker. Hated bending down looking for pieces…
Randy, your back will thank you for it. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Good idea Tony. I like that tool. It allows Lisa to make kindling even if I am on the road.
Darrin you better be careful, you bought the bundler and Lisa and your daughter are doing most of that work. Now you’re gonna buy Lesa a Kindling Cracker to split all the kindling.You can only use the excuse of “I gotta travel for my job” for so long. At some point they are going to catch on and you’ll be doing all the work😂😂😂😂😂 Be safe my friend… Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
@@TonysCoolTools in fairness, I bought the cracker before I did the wood business but it does sound like I have a master plan. 😂. Great response!
I’m a sucker for cool tools - great idea Tony - thanks for sharing - enjoy the journey - cheers
Bob glad you enjoyed it, we both are “suckers” for cool tool. Appreciate you watching 👍TCT
Okay Tony, how do you think Chirs is going to make out with his new woodyard location? Me, I don't think it will. He's way too independent and set in his own ways of doing things for that to work out for him. I gave him a suggestion on his channel that he and you team up and buy some land and build a bigger and better woodyard for you both to work out of. You have said you were looking for some land and he has said he's always looking for some help. You both could do your own thing and at the same time help each other out when need be
Boy that would definitely be nice. Though I haven’t stopped by Chris’s new Woodyard I have talked with him about it and it definitely sounds like a GREAT opportunity. Chris has a golden horse shoe stuck up you know where. He seems to always find great people and opportunities. I’m sure he’ll do well on this property and his “new, new” best friend's. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
That’s a good idea
Tony I’m glad you enjoyed the video, Thanks for watching 👍TCT
Tony I have not liked watching TV in Years. Too much junk being shoved down my throat, in place I watch KZhead than I don't have to worry about the extra junk.. Keep the content coming 😁👍
Daniel I agree 100%, If you heard me say I turn TV on for White noise😂 Thanks for watching 👍TCT
@@TonysCoolTools : I caught that detail.. but someone else may not..
A friend of mine has 2 of the small ones he used a galvanized bucket for one he keeps outside on porch and a brass bucket on a nice skinned log with a clear coat for inside near his stove with glass doors. Looks really nice.
Jimmie I like the idea of the one inside. Thanks for the idea. Appreciate you watching, offering suggestions and commenting 👍TCT
@@TonysCoolTools 👍
Great video. I just ordered a Kindling Cracker today . . . and I plan on doing something very similar to your modifications. Thanks!
You are going to absolutely love it. It will make splitting kindling safer and faster. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Great upgrade to your kindling cracker Tony! The wedding decor turned out awesome👍👍
Jeremiah my daughter and wife were extremely satisfied with the wedding favors and discs. I’m sure we’ll be doing more firewood craft projects now that they saw how much fun it was. Thanks for watching 👍TCT
Great idea, Tony I totally forgot we talked about this at the Paul Bunyan show. This was all the proof I need to do it to my own kindling Kracker! Keep up the great work buddy!
Jake, it sure will save your back! Sarah will like you because you won’t make as big of a mess in the garage. Thanks for watching 👍TCT
Good one Tony....Simple and effective!!!
Mitch that’s the name of the game, don’t over complicate things. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Good idea ! Lehman's hardware is 5 minutes from where I live , nice store . $$$
Hey Bruce, Lehman’s is on my wife and my bucket list to visit. I’ll have to stop by and say hi when I do. Thanks for watching 👍TCT
Love your review thank you for sharing this great idea watching in IRELAND
John, glad you liked the video. I’m happy I have friends from the Emerald Isle! Ireland is on my bucket list to visit. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
I have bad news with those that have the large kindling cracker. The base is in a shape of a H with corner-to-corner length of 15”. A standard 5 gallon bucket is just less than 12”. Maybe a milk crate might work?
Ahhhh thanks for checking Dave, I was going to pick up my buddies XL Kindling Cracker and check it out but you’ve already done that. Appreciate you watching and commenting👍TCT
@@TonysCoolTools I failed to mention that only the base is a problem. So a possible workaround would be cutting the bottom off a 5 gal bucket and drop it over the top of the cracker and just let it rest of the top of the base.
@@davidn1369 Good idea David👍 TCT
An update to what I did to help with the XL model. I just put in in a cardboard box that was slightly wider than the base. Worked well.
What a great idea, Tony! You bring so much value with your videos. Thank you!!👍
Steve appreciate your comments, thanks for watching 👍TCT
Good job thank you for your time and work on the video.Its as good of a reason for getting out of the house as well as making kindling in a safe quiet place.thank you again and stay safe 👍
Thanks Don, I’m glad you enjoyed the video. It’s always nice to do mindless, stress free projects. Appreciate you watching and commenting 👍TCT
Thats the way to do it ! I considered the kindling cracker but usually use my double bit axe stuck in the chopping block and use the other side of it just like a kindling cracker. But alas the wood does fly off using this method into the abyss once split lol.
Oh well Geoff there is more then one way to skin a cat! As the old saying, whatever works for you😂 Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Nice video. I think I would cut the bottom of that bucket off so that you can remove it easily and show the cracker off. As long as the log that the cracker is mounted to is greater in diameter than the bucket, the bucket will stay in place.
Craig no one has come up with that idea and definitely sounds like it would work. Thanks for watching, commenting and sharing your idea👍TCT
Awesome, I think I'll be doing this too. Thanks for sharing.
if you find a bucket that has a base a bit larger than a 5gal bucket it will be easier for your hands to pick up the small piecies. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Great stuff Tony 👏 Work smarter not harder Thanks for sharing 👍
Frank my motto as well, smarter and safer is the goal. As usual Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Good idea Tony, it works great.
Terry it really does work great, plus I’m nowhere near the sharp blade. Thanks for watching 👍TCT
I screw my Kindling Cracker to an old 2x12, the set it across saw horses. Place a wheelbarrow under the Cracker between the horses and voila, the kindling goes into the wheelbarrow.
Timothy now that’s a great idea and a back saver as well. Thanks much for sharing your awesome idea. Appreciate you watching and commenting 👍TCT.
I have a kindling splitter for splitting wood that is safe rugged and productive.... and you can use 16 inch long rounds or sections...
Now that sounds pretty innovative. If you get a chance would you email me a picture. I’m always looking for new and different ideas to share. Thanks👍TCT
@@TonysCoolTools I just posted a video on my channel... with your permission I will post the link... one of my few videos
That's our Tony, always thinking. I love my Kindling Cracker too. Pretty handy idea. One use case where this might not work is if you get a tough piece stuck on the wedge. That's happened to me and I've had to loosen the piece from the bottom of the cracker. Granted those are pretty large/tough pieces I get in trouble with.
Hi Tony, I know exactly what you mean, I do my best to sort my kindling splits with as straight grain as I can so I don’t have to many pieces getting stuck but I’m sure it will happen. Oh well that’s why I got a bunch of free buckets. Thanks for watching 👍TCT
Nice idea Tony, I have looked at those still they came out, but never got one yet. Thanks
Larry you’re back will thank you for it, trust me you’ll say why didn’t get one sooner. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
@@TonysCoolTools I am cheap, that why I did not get one
Nothing like cool toys
Dave that’s what it’s all about, cool tools to make our job easier and safer! Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
@@TonysCoolTools my pleasure
Another good use for cedar is throwing the splits in a closet. With fruit and nut woods I use in my smokers. I made my spliter. It fits in a 5 gallon bucket but I made it waist tall. I sit on a bar stool in my shop and split.
I’m going to have to do that with the cedar splits or I may put them through my chipper and then package them up. I too use fruit wood for smoking especially apple. Appreciate you watching and commenting 👍TCT
Thank you for sharing!
I’m glad you enjoyed the video. The Kindling Cracker is an awesome addition to my firewood arsenal of “Cool Tools”. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Well Done. Great video.
A shallower wider bucket would even make it easier to retrieve pieces that need a second chop. You have to contort somewhat to get in that 4 gal. bucket.
You’re right, a wider bucket definitely would make life easier. One person suggested contacting a farmer and getting a used mineral block bucket. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
I had a similar idea a few years back. I bought a splitting wedge. I then cut a round disc the diameter that fits inside the bottom of a 5 gallon bucket and welded the wedge vertically to the disc. I cut the bottom of the bucket out, set it on my concrete floor and set the wedge inside the bucket. You can use the hammer of your choice to split with. They fall inside the bucket when split. When you have a full bucket you can lift it up and retrieve the wood. Works pretty good for me. Thanks for your videos and keep ‘‘em coming.
Jay, from your details your design sounds like it works better and easier than mine. I appreciate you sharing. Hopefully other read this post. Thanks for watching, commenting 👍TCT
Genius.
Yup something as simple as a bucket to save time and more importantly my back! Thanks for watching 👍TCT
Great idea!
Thanks, Really enjoyed our chit-chat this afternoon. Stay in tough! TCT
A splitting trick I saw was putting timber into two tires and then continue splitting with hand splitter, the wood doesn’t fly around hence splitting it down to small pieces.
Rick I have one of those as well and have a really neat trick for cleaning the small wood that builds up at the bottom. Appreciate you watching 👍TCT
I would have thought you'd come with the best way! Square up a round any length. Slab off the width you want with a splitter. Stack the slabs and multi-cut the size you want. A lot faster and no bending over....what do you think?
James It sounds feasible but would need to give it a try to see how easy it is. Thanks for watching and commenting.TCT
I have one just like that . I use it to process pine pallets ( they are free ) .
John “Free” is always good! I bet The bucket and Kindling Cracker Splitting pallet wood works really good. Appreciate you watching and commenting 👍TCT
Talk to a local rancher about used mineral lick tubs, they are always in abundance.
Thanks for the suggestion, I’ve not seen that. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
@@TonysCoolTools you'll get a little more working space around your kindling splitter, & a better angle to reach in to grab the pieces for re-splitting. You could even cut the side out of the mineral tub and mount the entire apparatus higher to allow you to stay standing upright.
Looks like a good idea. I sawed some ibc tanks in half and Swiss cheesed them like you showed a few videos back. I fill them with bark and splitter scraps. Works good. Do you have any problems lifting ibc tots will unseasoned wood with your little tractor? Not to full height but to like pickup bed height? Keep up the good work. Nice video
Dan it all depends, my Kioti 4010 (40HP) is rated to pick up 1835 lbs. Two factors to consider, what type of wood (oak or popular) and second I use mostly 275 gal IBC totes. Even though I have loaded rear tractor tire I also have a 500 lbs weight on my 3 point arms. I can typically lift a load of green split oak off the ground but have never lifted it on to a truck bed. If you do the math a cord of green red oak weighs 4,900 lbs so a face cord (which fits in an IBC) should weigh about 1,633 lbs which is well within the capacity of my tractor. Hope this answered you questions. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Stealing the bucket idea. Question about the Kindling Cracker - I have the larger size of the Kindling Cracker or a different brand and the wedge part is bent up a little from driving wood through it for the past couple months. Should I use a rotary tool to clean up the bent-up parts of the wedge every once in a while?
To answer your question the wedge is similar to an ax and if you want it to split wood easily you will need to “tune it up” or sharpen the edge every so often. The rotary tool with a sanding drum or stone should do the trick or you can use a flat file, either I’ll work. 👍TCT
Just got one today for Christmas. Was wondering if you cracked the bottom of the bucket yet from splitting the wood. Would it be better to cut the bottom of the bucket out.
Tom I’ve had the kindling cracker in the plastic container for a year with no problems. Seasons greetings to you and your family. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Chris needs to put a link on his channel. Wondering where you went.
After having so much fun with Chris I decided to start my own channel. Thanks for finding my channel, appreciate you watching and commenting. 👍TCT
I need the Beaver hat
@@lanningjw Regarding the beaver hat, call Kenny at 715-661-3238. warmest hat you’ll ever put on your head!Regarding the beaver hat, call Kenny at 715-661-3238. warmest hat you’ll ever put on your head!
@@TonysCoolTools can you have Kenny on your show as a guest star. He is a tool... Lol
How I make kindling with my Cracker XL: I put the Cracker in a cardboard box slightly wider than the H-shaped base because it won’t fix in a standard size bucket. Since I am working off standard 16” firewoods pieces, after I split everything down to 1-2” diameter, I cut those splits in half with my battery powered circular saw.
David, as I usually say I learn as much from my viewers as I pass along on my videos. Appreciate you watching and sharing your process.👍TCT
Hi cousin from across the pond. Great presentation,, as always, and it's great to see your on camera confidence growing week by week. Are you sure that your not still a sales rep for Fiskars? Joking! They are definitely great cool tools. Ever tried a Stihl or Husqvarna splitting axe? Take care good sir!
Ha ha Laurence, great to hear from my good friends across the pond. Appreciate your kind words. As I always say I’m non denominational when it comes to “Good” tools regardless of the brand. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Coud you screw the bucket down and leave the splitter loose, so you could take it out to make it easier to remove the smaller pieces?
I’ve not tried that but I fear it would break the plastic bottom quicker if it wasn’t screwed down especially in sub zero weather. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
A while back I thought of using one of those snow saucers for a similar solution. The splits would fall out of the splitter, They would only fall to the height of the top of the stump. Theoretically you could split three times as much without cleaning up the splits as often. Nice video good job,well done. Are you by any chance a Gemini ?
Jean the snow saucer is a good idea and definitely could work. You were a couple months off, I’m a Virgo. I appreciate you watching and commenting 👍TCT
@@TonysCoolTools you are welcome
Once you use a bucket it would be easier if you removed the iron top ring. It’s just in the way.
You are so right about that! I finally did that after the video. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
just asking why not use a wood splitter ? We make planks & stack four / five planks and split kindling into a wheelbarrow so much faster that the device shown above - just wondering
Boyd without a doubt your method is faster. When I make a batch of kindling I to use my splitter but for times I need some quick kindling the Kindling Cracker is awesome. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍TCT
Would you recommend a dead blow ball pin hammer for splitting the wood? I have a 3 pound mallet and I get a bounce on hard wood when using the cracker. I’m thinking a dead blow hammer with the metal on it might do a better job. Trusty-cook has made and USA hammers and want your opinion before I try one. Ty
There are very few metal dead blow hammers out there, most are plastic and loaded with lead shot. I would go with a 4 pound long handle club hammer or masonry hammer. I’m using a 3 lb metal club hammer and don’t have any problems unless I hit a crotch at which point it does bounce back. 👍TCT
@@TonysCoolTools looking at the trusty -cook brand. They have some metal flat faced ball peen hammers with flat faces on both sides. With dead blow. I think I’m going to bight the bullet and buy one. Unfortunately 50oz is the biggest . Oh well. Ty for responding
It seems like if you could mount the kindling cracker about half-way up the bucket that it would give the longer pieces of wood more room to finish splitting.
I haven’t tried that yet but I think you’re onto something there. Thanks for watching, commenting and 👍TCT
I like the idea, but I'm thinking if you could find something with a larger diameter than the bucket it would be easier to reach down inside to pull the shorter pieces out. Just a thought.
Jason I agree with you, With fat hands like mine it is a little tight getting stuff off the bottom. Will have to think on that one. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Try to find a rancher who uses protein tubs for his cattle. I have hundreds laying around. Those would give you plenty of room for your hands and you wouldn't actually have to pick them out. It would catch enough to fill the little cans but still be easy access.
@@CH-um4iy CH thanks for that tip, I’ll be on the hunt for a bigger container. Appreciate your suggestion and thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Hey Tony, recently I helped a buddy get his little echo limbing saw running again, and it was the first time I ran an echo saw. Been watching videos of the 7310 echo, looks like it has a sweet air filter set up, good warranty, well built, but it comes in close to 1 lb heavier than our 500i chainsaws. Have you cut with the 7310? What are your thoughts? Quite a bit cheaper than the 500i. Hope you're having a great day!
Fred I have not had an opportunity to run the Echo series of saws. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Echo. One thing guys are doing is buying them and immediately sending them out to be modified since they are cheaper. And with the muffler and engine mods the saws really perform well. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Wow! Interesting! By the time a feller gets done porting and upgrading the 7310, gotta be close to the 500i price, and you've got a saw close to 1 lb lighter!
What if you used a wash tub to catch some? It has low sides😊
Tim, I’m sure it would work, and the low sides would make it easier to get the split pieces. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
👍👍
Hi Bill, thanks for watching 👍TCT
This is a cool system, to be sure. Nonetheless, an 11-minute video just to say "I put it in a bucket"?
John, thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
I guess the bucket has to be bigger and has a form of cone so you can easily get all small pieces in just one turn upside down.
You are correct, I haven’t found the perfect bucket yet which as you point out needs to be smaller at bottom and wider at top. Currently the 5 gal bucket serves my needs. Every so often I turn it upside down and empty the little piecies. Appreciate you watching and commenting 👍TCT
How about removing the metal hoop and legs protruding above the splitting wedge, these seem to be redundant and in the way of retrieving the kindling once split now?
There is a good chance you will hit the wedge with the hammer if the ring wasn’t there. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
I’ll buy fire starter chips. They go a long way
I’m going to have to buy some and test them out. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Great stuff!! Unfortunately, I just switched to a wood boiler. There's no need for the small stuff anymore , wish I seen this when I had the stove
Ha ha Sean always a day late and a dollar short!😂 Since I have both an outdoor wood boiler and inside fireplace I’m always in need of kindling and find the Kindling cracker invaluable. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
One thing to add: assuming this works, and most of us would keep this thing outside, drill holes around the bottom to drain rainwater. That would avoid corrosion and mosquito problems.
You are 100% right, to eliminate standing water holes or slots at the bottom would do the trick. Thanks for pointing that out. Appreciate you watching and commenting 👍TCT
What size is the handle on the club hammer.
I have 2 different 3lb club hammers and both are the same size. The overall length (handle and hammer head) is 11”. If I only measure the handle it’s 9”. Let me know if there are any other questions you may have. Appreciate you watching and commenting 👍TCT
Does the cracker ever need sharpening?
if you should hit metal in the wood or the hammer hits the splitting wedge otherwise it’s stayed pretty sharp. But it doesn’t need to be super sharp to split wood. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
What brand of Kukri knife are you using...thank you.
It was a Gerber knife company Kukri. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
looks to be discontinued now:(
@@newcopperpenny Pam, I worked for Gerber before I retired in 2019 they just introduced the Kukri the year before. I wonder why they discontinued it? I’m sure you can find a comparable one out there. 👍TCT
Hello tct
Hi Steve how’s it going? Thanks for watching. 👍TCT
Or you could just wear supportive knee pads and do it on your knees. You have less distance to bend. At some point you have to bend right!
When you get over 60, knees just don't work very well. I have used foam pads to kneel on but found standing works best and I don't have to bend a lot. Thanks for watching and commenting. TCT
I have one too... but a 11min video to put it in a bucket? lmao
James Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
From what I see tossed into the burn piles everyday...to buy a tool is not smart when all you have to do is pick through your debris once in awhile. All of it burns...
James, you’re right it all burns. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
Isn't that thing made out of cast iron dangerous? one strong blow and it could bust into pieces in your face?
Nope not that I’m aware of. I’ve never heard of one shattering. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT
A taller piece of wood, not as much bending over
You are 100% right, i just used what I could find and haven't changed yet to a taller piece of wood. Thanks for watching and commenting. TCT
Cut the unnecessary ring off the cutter… Get it out of the way.
Cliff I’m glad the ring is there to protect the wedge. I know if it wasn’t there I would have hit the wedge multiple times. I use a 3lb or 4 lb club hammer to split my wood. depending on the species of wood it can split easy or hard and I have limited control of the hammer so I’m glad the ring is there. hope I’ve explained myself. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT