1. Select the striking point with care by placing the wedge axe's wedge-shaped point precisely where you want to split the block of wood. Begin splitting the block of wood from the edges - it's easier that way;
2. Diagram of cutting process:
3. Lift the striking bar up. It slides up and down inside the tube extending upwards from the wedge-shaped point and the wedge blade remains constantly in place;
4. Strike the striking bar down and it will cause the wedge point to embed itself in the wood. You can strike softly or hard - just as you like - and use repeated blows as necessary.

Note on Logmatic advantages

• Each repeated blow targets on the same crack in the wood - no blow misses the mark;
• You do not disengage the wedge-shaped blade if making repeated blows;
• The wedge-axe is safe to use because the direction of the action is towards the ground. Thanks to this accuracy of the splitting action, you can benefit from existing cracks in the wood and also go around knotty parts;
• Your working posture remains straight and this means reduced strain on your back;
• The block of wood splits readily thanks to the weight of the striking bar, the Law of Continuity and muscle power;
• The split firewood is quickly formed into suitable piles for carrying and for drying.

Firewood can be split and stored at any time of the year. Firewood needs to be dry to burn well and give a good heat output. However it is far easier to split freshly cut ‘green’ wood than seasoned wood although this depends on the type of wood. Seasoned wood will begin to split and these splits can be exploited by the placing the blade of the logmatic in these cracks.

Ideally wood should be stored in dry conditions indoors, however this is seldom practical and a woodpile has to be made outside. The wood should be kept of the ground so that there is a airflow underneath and the logs are kept dry. Pallets are a cheap and excellent solution. The logs are piled up on top of them and topped with a tarpaulin to keep rain off.

Various studies such as by the Finnish Institute have found that the best burn is achieved if the pieces of wood are split into fairly small pieces. This is fine for woodburning stoves as the rate of burn can be regulated by the damper. However for open files larger logs may be preferred as they will smoulder for hours.

Although wood collection and splitting is seen mainly as a winter occupation as stated logs are more easily split green and will season and dry quicker in dryer summer conditions.