All Knotted Up...

One of the problems with splitting the big spruce rounds are the knots. The larger spruce branches are 3-4"  thick where they come out of the tree and extend into the tree at least half a foot. Sometimes when the splitter hits one, it just stops. At first I tried repeating, just backing it up and splitting again, but that just got it stuck worse on the blade end. The problem, I think, is that the tractor 's hydraulic pump only makes about 14 gpm and most splitters like at least 20. The other thing is the design, the blade starts fairly narrow, then widens abruptly where they welded on an angular metal piece to expand the crack. This is where it always gets stuck.

After beating on it with a sledge to no effect, tried splitting it with an axe. After breaking two handles (note the shiny new handle on maul), started using a metal wedge. Once positioned just above the blade, it only took a few whacks to open up the crack enough to allow the splitter to pop the log apart. And do they pop, some have shot apart, flying several feet, once hitting me. It didn't hurt much, but surprised the heck out of me. Now I stand well back, it's ballistic splitting!

Midsummer...

Summer up here starts in mid-May and pretty much is over by mid-Sept, so I figure this is midsummer, more or less.  The big thing that's happened,  I think I've sold the rest of the Triumph  stuff, parts, bikes, and tools, are all headed for Texas!

The garage'll have some more room when all the stuff in the far corner is gone.

The other thing has been raising the pup. He's grown quite a bit, well at least his ears and feet are a lot bigger, and we've nick-named him Sharknado after the B-movie. He races around the house, like a whirlwind,  then attacks us with his razor sharp puppy teeth and claws.

Andy has to put a chew toy in his mouth to keep his jaws busy.

He likes to explore the furniture.

And enjoys chasing his new best friend Jack Black.