>>2258735 Theres a couple ways to do it, my preference is as follows:
>Find some dry branches 3-5 inches in diameter>use the crotch of a forked tree to break them at about chest high lengths>if the branch has a natural split, make a saw cut perpendicular to it about 12-16" down the length > if it doesnt have a split, cut a kerf into the branch about one fist lenth from the end, then another about 12-16" farther down. Strike the branch against a rock, log or stump either at the midpoint (for the single cut) or the very tip (for the two cut method)
> watch as the split round comes flying out> repeat cut and strikes down the lengthBranches seem to split well (vs trunks) I think because they spend their whole lives under compression. If you can, orient your first cuts and strikes so the force is going the opposite of gravity (think pulling the branch up in relation to the trunk). If it still isnt working, try angling the cut so it finishes closer to the striking end, it seems to give the momentum something more to "grip".
Conifers and alder are my go to's, but any straight grained brittle wood near you probably works. Avoid dense and tough hardwoods like maple and ash.
>>2258741This works too, but is more work. Best suited for accurate splitting and large diameter stuff. I sometimes use a hybrid where in I'll break branches with the v tree until I get some nice tough splinters. Then I'll hammer those into existing cracks along the lenth and proceed with the w'hackin
