Alot of you younger fellas who are also raising families are understanding the great "value" also... meaning you are saving money on things for your families instead if handing it over to a gas, propane, oil or electric company. I earn a decent living, "not rich" by any means but I "HATE" the thought of forking over $300+ bucks a month for some kind of heat when with some effort, all it cost you is some time! That's money in your pocket for your family. I think having all you younger guys and ladies here is a "OUTSTANDING" thing! And eventhough I'm not +60 yet, there is so much information here to learn every day from everyone!
I have slaughtered many, many, maples down here, it's my primary wood source. What I have found over the years is it splits best after sitting for about 6 months. I've tried fresh green to two years old... If you get it early in the year, let it summer, then split it about late September, it seems thats best results I've found.
First time I heard of him was a couple scenes in a early '80's Cheech & Chong movie...."Nice Dreams" I think it was...
I agree with the fun part but not the faster part. But only if the man running the splitter knows what he is doing and does it right.
Could be American, could be Siberian? Either way, I wasn't going for speed. Just tearing apart some elm.
Moved here in Sept. of '06. House came with a splitter, so that's what I use. Having never burned wood (to speak of) except while camping, I had no idea WTH I was getting into. I'll be 60 in .....uh, very soon, and have no interest in starting with a maul at this point.
Old saying goes...use your head and save your feet but I think what fits here is use you head and save your back. Hydraulics for me after many years of monster maul. Nerve in my back pushing against my spine almost had to go under the knife.
That looks like it's "noodling time" Some BTUs are better than other. That falls in the "other" category
Thats the thing in the nut shell about gum, It burns "GREAT" and long… somewhere on the lines of maple but a bit hotter. It's just a M@(*^#%@F#@!&^ to split If it didn't burn so well, I would'nt even mess with it, it's best to just take the smaller rounds.