I have trouble with fresh cut birch getting mold on it if it's a wet, high humidity year. After it's dried out, it's not so bad, but keeping it covered for long term storage is a must. You are making real headway Looking great !
Thanks. I've been out most of the day, and didn't get done what I wanted, but made decent progress. I'll go back at it tomorrow.
Sorry Dennis, but this doesn't always show alerts, even for threads I start. I came back to post about some more wood movement, and found your post. Anyway, yep, I bought one at least 2 years ago.........forgot all about it. Thanks for the reminder. Once the heat and sun hit, they aren't all that bad. Bad in the morning, then later in the afternoon and evening. I've managed to get all the r/h side of the shed filled, and almost 1/2 of the l/h side. Only thing that remains to fill is not quite 2 cord of Oak. I took some time to get about 1/3 cord of the split Maple stacked today too. Haven't kept up on the pics too well, but here's a couple of the Maple. Also took a little time to mow down some of the field while I was out there. Been mowing the lawn as I drive back and forth to the shed, too. 2 birds and all that.
Most of this Maple got split much larger than usual, so I'm going to re-split a couple pieces this fall to see what the MC is after a summer of dry time. The stacks are gettin' a little skimpy too, so I'll be going back to the woods ASAP for more Oak and Maple for '16-'17. I have almost 1/3 cord of Oak to split and stack, but I need a whole bunch more than that.
It was suggested that my splits were a bit small-ish for the 30, so I've amended my splitting size. I think I'll be re-amending the next batch to make 'em a little smaller, although I'm very interested to see how they'll burn. These are killing my hands, even with a regimen of IBU. I've done a bunch of the new Oak larger too, but not the size of some of these.
Been considering getting 2 of the 12" Husqvarna log tongs, may help the hands, gripping muscles & reduce back bending. $48 each pretty expensive , or the 12" to 18" TimberTough claw
I'll bet, using a back belt, or just a wide belt... you could easily use 2 of the ones on the right (one on each side of you) with hooks off the sides of the belt... to take the weight off the hands, arms and back. Kinda like a hip yoke instead of a neck/shoulder yoke.
These are only $39.99, same thing Jonsered® Timber Tongs, 12 in http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/jonseredreg;-timber-tongs-12-in
Dave, you are very correct about the log tongs. I had been looking at that second one you pictured but when I saw the Husky tongs I figured it would save me some bending. Boy I was right this time because most times there is no bending unless a little bend in the knees. In addition, you can actually lift more using them as the wood just feels lighter and that is a huge plus especially for guys like Papadave who has problems with his hands. Are you reading this Dave? btw, I do have 2 of the Husky tongs and yes, they are the larger ones. They will still pick up some pretty small stuff so no worry on that part. Also having two, when you have to lift a large round, many times you can use both tongs on one round and get the job done.
Yeah these are the same price as the small 8 inch Husqvarna I got my pair of used 12 inch off eBay for 20 bucks, sometimes I use them in one hand and an extra long hay hook in the other hand, great back savers
Okay, wait a minute here, description and specifications say 8 inch Edit : okay they are 12 inch I just measured mine and they are 8 inches wide with a 12 inch opening
The 8" look "ok" but to small for lifting round over 8" in diameter. 12" diameter would be better for me This picture gives a good size reference for the 8" ones Found the 12" husqy's for $45 on Amazon/ But they don't ship them to Alaska. Bummer 20" ones from Northern http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200612322_200612322 Kinda like these, may be better balance & walking with the round in the N/S direction. May see if they ship to Alaska
No tractor supply in Alaska?? The 12" I have will hook on to 3" stuff, and you can even get a hold of stuff bigger than 12" Used them today , bad pic though
Went out early today to avoid the heat and spent about 20 minutes stacking some more of that Maple, then went back out in the heat and sun later to finish. Still have the small stuff I split for kindling to stack, but the big stuff is done. By my calcs., there's about 3/4 cord of this. I'm planning to get more Maple put up this year also for winter '15 The two taller/darker stacks in the back are Oak that will be making a trip to the shed soon........one and 2/3 cord total. The small stack to the left is also some small Oak that's going in the shed too. I'm hoping to have about a cord left after winter '14 from the 5 and 2/3 cord I plan to put in there.
