2. Chip-free machining

2.1 Splitting

Splitting separates the wood along the grain. This is achieved by driving in a wedge. Splitting is impossible in the direction perpendicular to the grain. To facilitate penetration, the wedge has a very small taper, from 10 to 15°.

The split propagates well ahead of the corner edge, in the direction of the plane of least resistance. The fibers are not sliced, but separated.

In addition to the preparation of firewood, this operation is also used to shape cooperage components (staves). In this case, splitting is retained because the fibers are not sliced as they would be by sawing. The quality of the staves (and above all their watertightness) is thus improved.