I have a large pile of logs and I need to CSS them. I have a tractor with forks that I can move the logs with. What I would like to do is build a deck about 42" high and maybe 4' x 8' that I can set logs on to cut them up. I want to have my splitter close or even built into the deck so I can cut the logs and split them at the same time. I have wood racks on pallets that I can stack the wood on after its split. I want to be able to set 3 or 4 logs on the deck. Cut them 16" long and then split and stack them without them falling on the ground and having to bend over to pick them up. Any thoughts?
Sounds interesting. Is your plan to cut while standing on the ground? 42" may be a little high if that's what you want to do
The first that comes to mind is to have a slightly angled deck with the low end having a 2x12 up on edge at 90° to catch/hold the logs. Not a steep angle mind you, just enough to keep the log against the 2x12. Slide it 18" off the end, cut your 16" chunk and have the splitter slid right up under it so it can drop on to it. I would even consider experimenting with mounting the saw using one of those really simple bar clamps that's just a U shaped piece of steel with a bolt to tighten it down, that welded to a pivot point and you wouldn't have to worry about setting the saw down every time.
I've done that, the rounds fall on the ground, you have to keep moving left to right and back again because the log is balancing on the forks and the forks are steel and if you aren't carful the chain can hit them
How big are the logs? The Shawn Curry Signature Sawbuck can handle a mighty load! And the rounds stay put, for easy retrieval! Makes real short work out of a pile of branches as well! I have to agree with bigbarf48 on the height - 42" is way too high. I'm 6'3", and the crotch height of my sawbuck is a little short of 30". I designed it to match the height of the deck of my wood trailer, but I find it's a perfect working height for me too.
Cutting on a table would seem to be a little cumbersome. What about a HD saw buck to set logs into with pallets underneath slopped slightly towards an out feed table where you could locate the splitter. Probably need a good pickaroon to pull the rounds towards the splitter
The only reason I was thinking "table" is that it seems like logs might slide off the end (to be cut) a bit easier than if it wasn't a solid piece? Seems like branch nub's and bark catch on everything unless it's on a smooth surface.
Sounds like you want a scaled down and stationary version of Oliver's cutting trailer. http://firewoodhoardersclub.com/forums/threads/log-bucking-trailer-build.2785/
Sounds a little like the work deck I made to lay across my utility trailer Jack. Size is the same 4'x8'. I used 4- PT 4x4s at 16" on center going the 8' way... screwed a 2x4 across the ends... screwed a 3/4" sheet of PT plywood down for decking. It's very strong yet not too heavy to easily move around with the JD. I might use 2x6 PT with, an inch spacing, for decking on what you want to do... bark, crud falls down thru. HD horses under it to set it wherever you want to work... my 2 cents. Just found a pic Jack Straw...
I was thinking the exact same thing. At the least have the deck/platform be waist high, or splitter table height to work the rounds toward that area so there is no lifting onto a horizontal splitter setup.
