In another thread I mentioned how I need to scrounge some dead pine to get my supply going. Cut some today. But moisture readings are high 20s. D-oh So I felled a couple dead ash trees. My first time falling…biggest was 12” at the butt. But did it safely and felt good. I split most. Small amount sub 20%, rest mid 20s. Some pieces over 30. Punky and water logged I guess yeah my moisture meter reader works. The pic below, the small pile stacked in front in different direction is dry. Rest needs to season. Overall felt great being out cutting wood. Even though I am pretty sure I need to buy seasoned wood.
Good start! Everyone had to work to get on the 3yr plan. The last time I bought wood, I saved $'s by getting green logs. I CSS'd a cord and another cord of logs gets the ok to be delivered. Good luck!
Good start there GG! Sometimes the hardest part is getting started. Cant beat making firewood in the cold weather!
you got it. It was a super nice day. A bit cloudy when I was cutting. Sunny when I was splitting might do it again tomorrow!
It is hard to even come close to the 3 year plan. I retired this year and hit it harder than I ever had, hand split and stacked 6 cords, which might be two years worth. Not sure if I will ever reach 9+ cords, but will keep giving it the ole college try
You can do it. I was just over 60 when I made it to the 3yr plan. Hand splitting. The secret to getting there and staying there, is to have enough "inventory" onsite to keep splitting and stacking an hour or two, multiple times a week. Well, that and having enough property space to store it.
Oh that distance wasnt such an obstacle. It would be a blast to bring snacks and spend even half a day hauling and splitting....just to get the pile up a little. I remember in '19 our first loads of rounds coming in, no idea where we'd move them to process them and then season them.....one pickup load at a time. Then people began calling with trees down by storm or by saw, and we officially became hoarders . That'll be my prayer and your blessing, that folks will call you with wood on the ground, that some would even pay you to haul it off after a storm.... Sca
That's what's happening with me. Friends and family call me when there's a blowdown or need a problem tree removed. I haven't had to buy wood for a number of years.
Backwoods Savage you are very correct. Working a few hours a day and stopping when you get tired gets you good start on a 3 year plan or 4 year or 5 year or 6year........
I am envious Mike. I've got inventory out the wazoo & can't seem to get away from the shop long enough to get the splitting done. I do have about a 100 cord to haul back here yet though if you're bored.
If I can do it anybody can, and I have never bought one single piece of wood. Not too many trees around here to make it any easier. I think I like what Backwoods Savage said the best.
Mountains. In Town. Farmers and Ranchers. I scrounge anywhere I can. I even cut down several trees in the local cementary.
Well, I process wood just for us. I have rack/yard storage for about 12 cord. I burn 3-4 cord a year. I'm still able to do most of the physical.
Yeah I was planning on having the stove primarily for ambiance. Cozy nights etc. I also have a furnace. But with propane prices where they are, I plan on doing a lot more burning. Gonna buy this year. Work on next year’s supply this winter. Buying isn’t too expensive. I’m paying USD$60 a face cord. Maple & beech. Since I don’t have any beech on my propeerty, or much maple) I guess it’s a treat too
Adam, I wish I were a better man as I'd be there helping and I really would like to do that. My problem is probably 2-fold; my body hurts bad and I'm getting old so losing some abilities. Seems like when I turned 70 that is when my body really started to tire. Now at 79 is certainly is not getting easier. But then I watch Steiner who is 83 or 84 and I can't keep up with him...
No worries Dennis, it'll get done. You keep me well supplied with knowledge and ideas. That's more helpful than you know.