I always waited until Labor Day weekend to bring in my wood but that always means going like a mad fool and not being able to enjoy the last long weekend of the summer. It's usually hot then too. This year I decided to get some in this week while I'm holidays and can take my time and only work in the morning while it's cool. Every bit that I can get in now frees me up for the long weekend plus I didn't have any major projects to do this week for a change. Here how much I've gotten in so far. This is what was left from the spring. Trusty tractor doing the real work. And this is the basement today since the first load on Monday, eight loads in all. Almost three rows, the other racks laid out on the floor for the next three rows. BTW, has anyone else here replaced their flourescent fixtures with LED's? I've replaced three of the four downstairs and it's a lot brighter and they use half the power. Only 40 watts. Here's a close up pic. I buy them at TSC when they're on sale and plan on replacing the six out in the garage as well.
Not really, but it all adds up. All the lights upstairs have been LED bulbs for awhile now. The biggest watt pigs here are the electric hot water heater and electric dryer. Having the daughter move back in doesn't help either.
Nice basement stash ! About the lights , I replaced about 20 4' flourescent tubes with LED tubes, went from 40 watts per tube to about 18 watts or 20 watts per tube with much brighter light. I bought them on ebay for less than $7 per tube. Reuse the same fixture. They connect directly to 120 volt, so you just rewire the fixture and bypass and remove the ballast. They say they will last 20 years, and removing the ballast greatly reduces the fire hazard. I highly recommend changing from the flourescent to LED. These are the ones I used. 10/25 Pack 22W UL 4Ft LED Day White 6000K LED T8 Fluorescent Tube Light lamp UL
Hey no reason not to if you have the time - as long as you don't mind the heat. And Labor Day doesn't feel like a time to be rushed to me so if you can get some of the work done ahead of time go for it. Looks like a good start. Weird time of year now because it got up in the 90s today but in about 6 weeks I'll probably be burning so best get ready.
I bought two LED tubes similar to that to try and I find they're not as bright as the T8's they replaced. They also cost $25 each at Home Depot so I wasn't very happy about them.
Here's the fixtures I've been buying on sale for $49.99. SHOPLIGHT LED 48" 40W Keep in mind these are Canadian prices...
The ones we have at work lowered electrical bills, and are much brighter than the fluorescent bulbs they replaced. I don't have many fluorescent lights here at home, but the few high use incandescent bulbs that were swapped for LEDs has made a dent in the electric bill. Next up, downsize my saltwater reef tank in the basement and move it upstairs where I can enjoy it. It will go from fluorescent lights to LED, and old low efficiency pumps to high efficiency ones. Each pump I have is about 100 watts, and they are in 24/7. Newer tech pumps are 70-80% more efficient, and move more water in comparison. Sunday, I might do some wood work too.
Nice work! How do you store your wood to keep it so clean?! Those LEDs will last forever. When we move I plan to bring mine along.
Nice stacks! Do you bother to move the leftover stuff from last year to the front of the pile to be burnt first. Theoretically it should be the most seasoned.
Yes, the LED tubes, do connect direct to 120 volt, just at one end. Use the same tombstone lamp holders, cut the wires going to the ballast and just wire nut them to hot and neutral. You can remove the ballast completely. It's easy and they work great. The LED tubes are also plastic and unbreakable.
