I want to make a hand operated kindling maker. When I split logs, I split some about 1? thick, kind of like planks. But I don't like using a hatchet, knowing me and the laws of probability will probably get me the nickname of Stumpy eventually.
Anyone see or could suggest a model for just splitting off small kindling sized pieces of wood? I was thinking of making a hand model like the old beer can piercers of the 1950's with a lever and a wedge, putting the piece of wood close to the attachment point of the lever, where there's the most leverage. Or make a hatchet that would have a bolt through the end of the handle, and just drop onto the end of a standing piece of wood to cut off a small slice.
Looking for something slightly automated, as carpal tunnel getting real bad.
Steve