Good firewood preparation involves more than splitting a pile of logs. The pieces need to fit your heater, dry adequately and remain protected from moisture. Plan the cutting, splitting and storage stages together so your wood is ready when you need it.
Size your firewood for the heater and the machine
Check your heater manufacturer's recommended log size. Cut pieces short enough to load comfortably without forcing them into the firebox. Consistent lengths also make stacking easier.
If you use a powered splitter, check its maximum log length and recommended diameter before cutting the whole load. Current Forestwest 12 Ton and 18 Ton models accept logs up to 400mm long; the 26 Ton and 34 Ton models accept up to 710mm; the 40 Ton model accepts up to 650mm.
Match the splitting method to the timber
For regular firewood preparation, a powered splitter can reduce the repeated manual work involved in using an axe. Choose according to log condition, dimensions and your available power supply, rather than Ton rating alone.
Forestwest does not require all timber to be dry before splitting. Moisture content, species, knots and grain affect how a log splits, so assess the timber alongside the machine's dimensions and capacity. Drying firewood for efficient burning is a separate consideration from whether a particular log can be split.
Compare our electric and petrol log splitters for firewood preparation, or use the log splitter buying guide to narrow down your options.
Stack for airflow
Raise the wood off wet ground and stack it securely with room for air to circulate. Leave space between rows where practical. A sunny, ventilated position helps drying, while a stable stack makes handling easier.
Protect against rain without trapping moisture
Cover the top of the stack or use a well-ventilated shelter. Avoid tightly enclosing damp wood in a way that prevents moisture escaping. Separate wood that is ready to burn from newer loads so you can use the driest pieces first.
Allow enough seasoning time
Drying time varies with timber species, piece size, weather and storage conditions. Do not assume every load will be ready after a fixed number of months. Check the wood's condition and your heater's fuel requirements rather than relying only on how long it has been stacked.
Prepare the splitter for its next use
After use, clean away wood chips and store the machine under cover. Follow the manual for lubrication and other servicing. See our kinetic log splitter maintenance guide for the main checks.