I know nothing of your heating requirements but there are major differences in efficiency of wood fired boilers. A high efficiency gassification boiler coupled with proper size storage would make a big difference in your wood consumption. It might mean a larger outlay in cash that you find hard to take but in the end over a period of time, you will really see a difference in wood processing and time spent.
Yes we did Walt but I was glad to shake your hand. I feel somewhat left out if this conversation not burning wood right now. Ill just go back to messin with chainsaws for the time being.
I have the Encore in the house which the wife and I really like, despite having the OWB. I could heat the shop and the garage with LP, but I'm figuring at least another $1000 a year doing so - that's assuming current LP prices which are great. I've considered selling the OWB as I know in another 10 years, I wont be able to keep up physically. The least 2 years I have cut, split and stacked nearly 40 cord - mostly very big wood to start with - trying to get ahead. I'm into year 3 now and have some good stuff sitting and waiting for this year. If I keep hitting it hard this year, I can slow down and only cut about 15 cord a year going forward....which will seem like an break for me. If I had to go back to my normal 1-2 cord a year for the inside stove, I could get that done in 1 weekend and still have time to get something else done. I suppose that's what normal guys do. Maybe the numbers will give some guys who gave me a hard time some perspective about the operation here and what it takes. I'm thinking an old saw and one chain isnt going to cut it.
Sawdog 20 cord a year without a processor and scrounging wood is a part time job probably 15 hours every week! a lot of work... what's geographic location for weather info.. I can see how it tires you out .... yeah getting ahead might help... everyone I know with OWB up here are 8 to 10 cord a year.. that's to meet demand not get ahead... How's insulation in buildings and are there efficiency rating for your OWB? I asked when I started after cutting hauling splitting and stacking 14 or so cord of sugar maple what break even point of wood heat was.. I think your asking same question...
For me, I wouldn't care if I had to cut split and stack 20 cord a year. I love wood heat, but I also love the exercise! My initial investment was probably in the thousand dollar range so it paid for itself the first season. Equipment wise, I had some to start and was already well versed in the art of making firewood. But even if I had to purchase the equipment from scratch, it would have been paid for within the first season. Of course I have added a couple saws, purchased new splitting axes because I broke the old ones, but that's all par for the course. I'm a good 6 years ahead in firewood, though the more improvements I make on my home the less I'll need to burn. So it is possible that I could be upwards of 8 even 10 years ahead. However, I really truly and firmly believe I NEED MORE WOOD!
Yeah this would probably kill me. If I cut that much I'd be thinking about the finances of the situation too, and also about all that time that could be spent doing other things that would either get me in trouble or make me less healthy! I wouldn't blame anyone at that point for turning to gas or oil for heat.
Yep, you got it...I'm asking the exact same question!! Those that don't process 10+ cord a year and carry a full time job (never mind 60 hours a week), have a hard time understanding. Hence the entire reason for the larger saw purchase. For the big rounds (100lbs and up , I like to noodle them into halves or quarters first and then split from there. Much easier that way. Speeds my processing time WAY Up. It sure as hell beats wrestling those big rounds to the splitter hoping they pop open when the first wedge goes down. If not, wrestle them back again and try another entry point. Fun stuff!! A pile of noodles that will fill a pick up is WAY better than anything else I've tried. Last weekend, my buddy come over with his new 661 and with my 461, we did some damage to a couple of cords of locust in short order. We moved the noddles with his tractor - lol. I live in northern IL. Insulation is rather good considering my house and garage is full 10" log. The shop was build with 2x6 walls and blown in insulation - it's about a good as it gets in conventional construction. The garage gets hit pretty good considering the temps plummets when the door opens and a 5 degree truck is parked in there, but we only keep the temp in the garage at 45-50 depending on the time of the year. The OWB is a new Hawken Energy. I also heat my domestic water with wood also.
hey my cousin came up with his 461 (6month old) and finished off 40 inch diameter oak.. I got a tractor to move rounds to.. he showed me I neat trick chained 20 foot popular 16 inch diameter to bucket and curled bucket. so log sticking forward.. real easy to cut rounds at waist height easier on back... then nate is 6 foot 7 or so...
I was born into this wood burning lifestyle and was addicted from birth. For me its for enjoyment and the benefits of testosterone enhancement. Sometimes I feel like a Viking on a raid and returning home with loot called firewood. And so hoarding is a means to itself for me. I think I would cut even if I didn't heat with wood. In my youth, I sold wood but now its just for my HOSS OWB. All the benefits listed in this post are ALL noteworthy. Although I spent around $9000.00 on my HOSS including installation and parts, all my other cost I have kept down. My single saw has been dependable and I split wood with a maul. I built my wood shed from demolished structures and so virtually no cost there. A lot of wood I get is pre-cut but the cost of running a saw is very small. It may have been mentioned but just having the expertise of falling trees and cutting wood gives me an opportunity to help others. When wind storms and tornadoes blow through Im in the position to help. If not for my "hobby", I would not be able to. I also like being prepared if the grid goes down. The wood heat is there no mater what. Another benefit that you can only get by wood heat is the moist warmth it provides. Gas and electric burns the air when supplied but, wood heat through a heat exchanger is very comfortable. My wife loves it and Her comfort is reason enough for me.
