Currently I'm dismantling an old pine tree (think 40ft tall blue spruce downed) and I'm buckin the trunk and everything that's good and usable. I'm also buckin the radial branches, when it hits me, what diameter do you guys usually cut down to before its considered not worth the hassle? Usually, I only keep things that are around 3 inches or more and split when its over six inches, but maybe I'm missing a resource that's in that range between splits and kindling. Whats your thoughts?
If its Oak (or somthing as good) i will save to 2 inches or so, otherwise i do the same as you. That does not include bark, so 2 inches of solid wood.
2 inches sounds about right. If here onsite, smaller is designated for firepit. If in the woods, It's left behind.
I try and save the small stuff for the top of the row plus the not so straight pieces. Oak and I have a relationship. LOL
When I cut up a pine tree (eastern white pine) I de-limb at the trunk and then either: 1.) pile up the branches or 2.) spread them out on the forest floor to stay wet and rot. I'll revisit a pile I made the next Winter and, with a maul, bust up the dried, now brittle branches for kindling. Dry pine has no needles on the branches. ( It takes a while for them to turn brown and then a few months more to fall off) ANy pieces that are too big to break easily either get abandoned to natural processes on the ground or, if I have absolutely nothing better to do and feel like it, I might cut some of the bigger ones with my smallest saw. I can usually find better things to do though.
Exactly. The fire pit burns that stuff just fine. If it's on the house property. If it's in the woods, it stays there.
I keep it about 3 inches and above but if it's dogwood, I keep it down to about 2 inches. For some reason, I don't want to waste dogwood, lol. (I don't cut living dogwood unless it fell over and will die.)
That's a good idea. The tree I'm doing right now is one that has been down for a few years but was semi suspended, so there is plenty of dry little branches. I might take the maul with me as well as the saw and see what busts up.
I've just stomped on them with my foot too . I highly recommend tough work shoes and not cheap sneakers, flip-flops or topsiders for stomping.
Good footwear is a must. My job buys us steel toe shoes/boots every year so I always wear a pair of Keens when I cut. I've been tempted to wear some sneakers before when I wanted to cut something quick, but then I remember what chains moving really fast are capable of doing and then remember that the "convenience" is not worth it. Same with chaps. Speaking of chaps, I did find a pair of jeans with chaps built in and I am really curious about them. I could really love them if they are what I think they are.
I think it was used in tools long ago because it's pretty hard and resilient. I don't waste it because it is such a pretty tree in the spring with its blossoms and just one of my fave trees.
Depends on three factors for me: 1. How far ahead I am 2. The source of the wood 3. How lazy I am My friend is taking down oak and maple, and right now I'm in a position to only take the primo stuff; everything else 6" and under goes in the chipper. If I'm in ultimate scrounge mode I'll take whatever I can get my hands on.
Yeah, those are whole other factors there too. I'm currently in scrounge mode, so I'm trying not to be lazy about it. In my position, I cringe at the thought of 6" going to the chipper. LOL
Typically about wrist diameter and below does not get brought home. Pine would be about 10” and above as the only use I have for that is testing “race” chains.
2-3"...depends what kind of wood it is, where it's at, and how much trimming it needs... not much, I might take smaller stuff, very brushy, I might call it good at 3" diameter...
