Nope. Those look a million times better. I'm mad they take the bark off and give it that rubbed impression. Its like thats what made it expensive in the first place, unnecessary extra work!
Two trees, one standing dead was super dry and ready to go. The other dead but not as long, so probably those will need a year to dry. I simplified my operation also. The forstner bit I used for 2 inch center holes was cool, until it broke off on me. So I tested by just plain saw cuts. Two saw cuts on small logs and three on big logs. I then just put a couple of half golf ball cedar starters on top and it cranks right up. Point being a good dry log doesn't need much help. So my process now takes 6-7 minutes per log. I actually have been getting requests for them and since most are much bigger than the store bought ones that are 15 bucks and don't smell as good as they are kiln dried. So people have gladly paid 10 bucks. The few starters I give them cost me less than .50 So that's my story. If I can sell pine logs for 10 buck each I will keep making em for sure. Give away as gifts and enjoy ourselves too. Might even cl a few as winter approaches. Will keep you posted
Nice work Greg. Have been wanting to do the same as I have tons of dead standing pine also. You just gave me the push I needed to get at it thanks.
If you pretty them up with some ribbon and bows, you can probably get $25 for them, with the holidays coming.
Haha Actually that idea is good! The Swedish Torch basket, heck these could be great for making for auctions. You could get a little bit FHC style on the crafts.
Next time I run into elm I'm making Swedish torches! No more trying to split elm! Thanks for the idea Greg!
I'm gonna hafta try making one smell like nutmeg and cloves while it is burning. I could make millions.