Learning to Chop Wood: A Girl's Guide

How to Chop Wood: A Girl's Guide

Chopping wood is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, and it can also be a lot of fun. But if you're not careful, it can also be dangerous. Here are a few tips on how you can properly chop wood. I am also pretty honest about what I do vs. the best recommendations: 

1. Choose the right type of wood. Not all wood is created equal when it comes to chopping. Some types of wood, like softwoods, are easier to chop than hardwoods. But hardwoods will give you a better workout. I honestly don't know what kind I get from my neighbor but I get a great work out. 

2. Wear the right safety gear. This includes gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots. You should also wear a helmet if you're chopping wood above your head. I use gardening gloves and really cute pink glasses. I sometimes forget about the boots but I do try to give myself plenty of room between me and the wood I am aiming at. 

3. Sharpen your axe. A dull axe is more likely to slip and cause an injury. Make sure your axe is sharp before you start chopping. I don't do this myself. I go to my local sharping store. In Orem, the Cutlery Corner is my best option. 

4. Position yourself properly. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Hold the axe with both hands, with your dominant hand on the handle and your other hand on the head of the axe.

5. Swing the axe in a smooth, controlled motion. Don't try to force the axe through the wood. Let the weight of the axe do the work. I do the best work when I practice on a larger piece and go at the wood in a vertical pattern instead of across.

6. Finish chopping the wood. Once you've made a cut, step back and assess the situation. If the wood is still too thick, make another cut. Once the wood is the desired size, you're done. I keep going until I can fit it in my firepit. I am not too picky but I only recently started to get enough control over the sizing. 

Chopping wood can be a lot of fun, but it's important to be safe. By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of injury and have a great time chopping wood.

Tips for Chopping Wood

Here are a few additional tips for chopping wood:

• Wear gloves. This will protect your hands from blisters and cuts.

• Sharpen your axe regularly. A dull axe will make it more difficult to chop wood and could cause injuries.

• Start with small pieces of wood. This will make it easier to control the axe and prevent accidents.

• Take breaks if you get tired. Chopping wood can be a strenuous activity, so it's important to take breaks if you get tired.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure there are no people or objects in the area where you are chopping wood.

• Have fun! Chopping wood can be a great way to get some exercise and fresh air.