Customer Reviews

Log Blaster Log-Splitting Maul, Model# M-10

5 star:		(2)
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3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
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I recently used a log blaster for the first time. It is well constructed and will undoubtedly last forever, but is it worth using? The log blaster is not practical for most people in my opinion. It is short and heavy. The laws of physics are working against this design. For me, a good splitting maul at 1/2 the weight with a virtually indestructible, lightweight fiberglass handle (not to mention lifetime warrantee and almost half the cost) works much better. I have studied splitting tools very carefully and have come to the conclusion that basically you want the heaviest maul that you can still swing fast (and something that won't cause excess muscle fatigue from the lifting alone). For most healthy men, this means using a 6-8 lb. maul. In my opinion you should study some technique, then go with a lighter model (maul or splitting axe).

If you are looking for a powerhouse maul for splitting firewood, this is it. With one not so hard whack, it will split up to a six or eight inch diameter log in half. For larger logs, a couple will knock off a good size piece of firewood. And it's true, it doesn't get stuck (occasionally, a little stubborn, but not stuck). I tried one of those typical mauls, and it wouldn't split difficult logs, but this one does. Of course, a 24" diameter log takes more effort, and more whacks, but it does the job, even with wood that isn't quite the right dryness. Highly recommended. Just be sure you're strong enough to handle a maul with a 10 or 12 pound 'head'.

this thing splits straight-grained red oak very well (recently felled, green wood). it comes ready to work with a sharp edge unlike other mauls that require a grinder to make sharp enough to use. the weight really packs a punch, allowing you to split surprisingly large stuff easily.

on the down side, if there is any deviation in the grain (such as twists or branches), then the log usually doesn't split cleanly on the first swing. the problem with this particular maul is the size of it's head. the head is a lot wider than an axe head, which makes it more difficult to get into partially split logs. a camp hatchet is handy to have around for finishing up anything that doesn't come apart cleanly the first time you hit it.

also, the size and shape of the head causes whatever does come off the log to shoot to the left or right with great lateral force, ie. it throws wood chunks and split pieces to the left or right a surprising distance.

the black grip is not glued to the handle at all. if the maul head strikes a glancing blow, then the weight of the head causes the handle to spin regardless of how tightly you grasp it, which means you never really have this thing under control due to the grip and the weight of the head.

finally, the weight advantage is lost if you're worn out after 30 minutes and have to rest. in all, it's a good tool, but not great.

I agree somewhat with Gordo. No matter how well it is constructed, I split logs a lot bigger than the ones show in the picture in one hit with a 8 lb splitting maul. I'd be using a 6 lb one since it is a lot easier to handle and also splits wood wonderfully, but all I could find to buy at the time was the 8 lb one.

This might be wonderfully built and very rugged, but why wear myself out trying to get all that weight moving. Like most physical skills, log splitting is far more about technique than brute force.

If you're trying to split logs with an axe or wedge/sledgehammer, then this is definately the tool for you. The heavy head effortlessly splits most pieces. I use it in conjunction with a hammer/grendade and I can get through just about anything.