Not only does that cast iron ring make this log splitter so easy to use, but it also plays a key role in safety too. It enables you to keep your hands well away from the blade, preventing accidents. The blade itself isn’t very sharp either – this log splitter has been designed in a way that enables it to be effectively used with a blade that isn’t dangerously sharp. Whether you need just a few logs each winter weekend or you have a forested smallholding to clear, there is a log splitter for you here. When it comes to price, this log splitter does cost slightly more than an axe, but it’s cheaper than the other kindling splitter I tested. While you are slightly limited when it comes to the size of wood you can split, it does make life so much easier (and less painful) if you use a lot of kindling. This isn’t a tool that you’re only going to use for a short while – it’s sturdy enough to last for years, and its blade can easily be sharpened at home once it starts to blunt. There isn’t much assembly involved with this wood splitter. It comes with four screws that you use to attach the tool to a base log – choose one that’s relatively tall to save you from having to stoop over. Ignore the metal pipe that comes in the box – this isn’t needed unless you also have a tool called the Smart Splitter. The Forest Master FM16 Log Splitter can be run in either single blade mode or twin blade mode. When in twin-blade mode, it splits the logs from both ends using the Duocut blade that is attached to the other end of the log splitter. Not only is this faster but it serves to split logs that are difficult to split with just one blade.

Other improvements with this model include the two-speed option. The fastest speed does a full split (on small to average logs) in only five seconds. However, you can slow the splitter down to split larger logs safely. I wouldn’t try splitting more than a ten inch diameter either. I’d like to see the bar push a bit closer to the axe head. This would definitely help break down more stubborn knotty logs. Though with those constraints I will say it’ll handle just short of half a metre so if you cut or are supplied with long-ish logs with medium diameter then this is just the kit.To determine the best log splitters, I conducted a comprehensive evaluation, assessing each model on its assembly, design, performance, ease of use, safety, and value for money. These categories were chosen to provide you with a well-rounded understanding of each log splitter’s capabilities. Here’s how I tested each element: Although all of the log splitters that we’ve reviewed are much easier than using an axe, some still require significantly more force than others. When it comes to the crunch, you’ve got two good options for log splitting both manual and powered. Manual log splitters are great if you’re tough and love your exercise. For me though, an electric log splitter is the preference all day long. Are electric log splitters any good? The answer is a definite “YES”. Not only are they quieter than petrol log splitters and remarkably produce just as much cutting grunt they are considerably cheaper as well as save my shoulders from hefty axe swinging. There’s probably a handful of important things to consider when choose a log splitter. Convenience is one, are you headed to the forest or just comfortable at home in the shed (so you’ll almost certainly go for a manual or electric log splitter. If the location is remote, you’ll want a petrol most likely.

The impact of 8.5 tonnes allows this Portek splitter to slice through knotty wood as a hot knife cuts through butter. It’s enough force to deal with logs up to 30cm in diameter and 40cm long.If the logs that you’re splitting are large, around 30 cm in height, you’ll need a hydraulic log splitter or a large manual splitter. On the other hand, if your logs are only about 15 cm tall, then a manual log splitter should be suitable. These limitations apply to the diameter of the logs as well, so choose a log splitter with appropriate specifications. Forest Master FM8 is a suitable option for homeowners with a wooden stove. It’s a hydraulic log splitting beast which takes from electricity. This model can deal with logs up to 370 mm in length and 250 mm in diameter. The Duocut blade serves a special mention because it splits the logs from both the sides, which simply adds to its power to offers excellent chopping results. You might have noticed that sometimes single blade splitting tools jams when it encounters a knot while tearing the log apart. What was most impressive was how easy it was to use this log splitter. Simply dropping the weight down the pole a few times is all you really need to do to split most logs. Larger logs, as well as knottier logs, may require you to push the weight down the pole a little more forcefully, but the amount of effort needed really is minimal.

Forest Master have fitted their heavy duty log splitter with a powerful 2200 watt electric motor that is capable of 7 tonnes of splitting force. So, how does this log splitter hold up when it comes to performance? In my experience, very well. I used this log splitter on logs of all sizes, with the largest being around 14 inches in diameter. It also performed fantastically on both green and dry wood, and, as promised, it was able to split logs as well as smaller pieces of kindling. The Handy log chopper comes with a 1.8-meter power lead, which gives you the reasonable distance from the electrical outlet, that also without any extension cord. At 59 kg, it’s no lightweight. However, you can easily transport the machine using a pair of inbuilt wheels and handle. This is another electric log splitter from Forest Master but is more powerful than the previous model. It can handle 50cm logs (diameter) and is built for power. Interestingly it has a ‘duocut’ as they call it. To you and I that is essentially an axe head both ends. This definitely helps with the speed of cutting and a very nice idea. It’s also capable of handling 45cm long logs, more than the 30cm of the model above. I know that I sound a bit over keen on these, I just want to show you what other people are cutting with these so you can understand my enthusiasm for them:Compared to some of the other log splitters that I have used in the past, this one is pretty compact. It’s very sturdy when standing on a flat surface, yet it’s fitted with two wheels and a handle so that you can easily move it around. One of the top choices on our comparison table for manual log splitters, the AGMA Swedish log splitter, is an efficient, effective, and safe solution for splitting logs. Easy to set up and use, you can easily transform large logs into smaller kindling without having to pay the cost of larger electric hydraulic machines. You simply lift the weight and sling it down. With both hands firmly on the weight. Personally I would wear gloves in case you slip or run your hand into the base as you throw the weight with an over follow through. Here’s a look at that with credit to Forest Master as this is a snap from their video that simplifies the process:

A hydraulic log splitter in the UK is probably one of the best tools you can have for heavy-duty work. Stronger than manual log splitting tools, hydraulic systems can significantly reduce the time and energy you devote to splitting firewood. This Forest Master Lightweight 2200 log splitter will transform the way you split wood in a matter of seconds. Most of the users who invested on Logmaster 5 tonne says that it’s an amazing log chopping tool. Why? Because it has the power to deal with all the wooden types, including the green and hard ones. Moreover, the built over a stand for added stability and balance. The two-handed operation ensures simple usage. Plus, the tool has an inbuilt safety guard that contains all the logs while they are being cut. So, the guard restricts all the debris and adds another layer to your protection. According to Forest Master, the FM5 Log Splitter is best suited for soft and green wood. I used it on both soft and hard wood, as well as both green wood and dry wood, and didn’t really notice a difference in performance. It took the same amount of time and always gave me beautifully split logs, no matter what I put into it.Incredibly, each pump on the foot pedal exerts 1.2 tons of pressure without you having to lift a finger! No upper body strength is required. Supplied ready assembled, the log splitter doesn’t require any fuel or electricity and thanks to its clever construction, it folds down for easy storage. Made from powder-coated, heavy-duty steel, the log splitter also features a handy safety clip for when it’s folded and not in use. Guaranteed for 12 months. One cool thing I like about this log splitter is the angle of the blades. One aims downward and it’s obvious the idea is to pin the log into position and stop it jumping out the table and I have to say it works nicely. If you need more than that you’ll need to go with the next model up which is the review below. However, for a log burner or open fire it’s pretty much bang on the money and why I’ve rated this the best log splitter in the UK for us householders. And let’s face it electric is far more convenient than petrol. If you really need the flexibility to move around then a portable generator plus an electric log splitter is still cheaper than a petrol version.