Curious if anyone has any suggestions for a good affordable axe for splitting mesquite and oak logs?

A splitting maul works best IMO, I have hardly ever needed a separate wedge using a maul, but you also have that option with a splitting maul. If you can get one with a fiberglass handle, even better, I like the 8lb, usually a one swing deal. Make sure and read the reviews, some handle last longer than others

Good one at lowes
http://www.lowes.com/pd_274931-302-1113098200_0__?productId=3711114

One that will fit someone else's hand.

One with a Brigg's engine

Correct. I have even broken my log splitter several times on seasoned oak.

I use a sharp ax with a fiberglass handle. It's not meant for everyone though. Also a good stress reliever.

You must have a different oak than I have if you can split it with an ax.

You fellas got that right, I have Gas one now, but he said "cheap". I used a maul for years 1st

Yes, I have Live Oak here. It's easier to split than Post Oak for sure.

Never had much trouble splitting any oak with a maul, some of the knotty ones can be a MOFO. Elm on the other hand, damn that stuff is tough, got to where I avoided it when hand splitting, gas splitter eats it for lunch though.

Dang it you beat me to it.

What he said. A good splitting maul will usually do the job once the wood has dried and "seasoned" a few months.

But, if you have alot, best idea is to get a big stack ready, then rent a splitter. For about $60 a day you can knock out several chords worth.

Some funny comments lol some good ideas and TxAg never thought of renting a log splitter! I am liking that idea!

don't cut the pieces as long.
they'll split a lot easier.
keep a clear head while you're trying
to split wood so you won't have to go
to the emergency room and get them to
sew your toes back on, or your shin
back together.

Lol 10-4

If you have any questions on splitting wood, PM me. Cut, split and sold 143 cords since November 2014. Pretty sure I can steer you straight.

Tire Trick for Spliting Wood I have a Gransfors Small Splitting Axe

Sometimes I wish I had the bigger one though...

Your wife might wish that as well.

8 pound splitting maul, fiberglass handle.

Good exercise, and good stress reliver. But I'm only splitting half a cord for each winter, for the wood burning stove in the shop. Glad a guy I work with has a gas powered splitter he'll let me borrow when I need to get a big stack done.

Nice stack GUTIT! Nathan Nelson how much is that large splitting axe? Could not find pricing on that link.

I cut down and split wood twice a month or so. I just use a chainsaw to slice it up then one if those half sledge hammer half axe deals, works great. Mesquite wood goes to the house and smoker, oak wood is saved for the brick oven.

Gransfors Bruks Large Splitting Axe

Got a splitting maul in the garage I use quite a bit this time of year. Much better than an axe.

I do have this one though, and have split some small logs with it:

http://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/products/forest-axes/gransfors-hunters-axe/