Last year an ash tree that was down for a few years was cut up by my father who stopped by and I stacked it in a shed. We started to really use the fireplace last year and my whole family was hooked. The kids would actually be willing to calm down and sit and watch the fire. My wife says it helps with depression and it got me outside more doing some physical work (I do computer automation for work so not much exercise there). Since then my father has taught me how to use the chainsaw after watching countless videos on how to and safety and I started to hoard. I don't own a tractor, truck or log splitter. I move everything with a sled or wheelbarrow and some people have dropped off logs in my driveway. Now to try and attach a few pictures of the progress I have made because a picture is worth a thousand words.
Looking great Gourley and welcome to FHC!!! I was in same boat few years back, burning wood, using a FP, splitting, stacking was all brand spanking new to me! I do computer work as well so yes it does get you out and keep you active. Besides that there is truly a big part of me that enjoys splitting, stacking, cutting, etc...and of course a nice hot fire when its bitter out!
Welcome. I am new myself, and I think you have me beat. Are you going to buy a wood stove, or continue with the fireplace?
Dude! You're hooked! There is no return from here. Being the fortune teller that I am, I see a couple of new saws, a splitter and .... looks like....hmmmm...yeah a trailer to extend your scrounge reach! Welcome to the land of wooden heads. You will get to know some great folks here. And you have already scorded major points by posting pictures. Just remember or it didn't happen!
Welcome Gourley and casualty - You’re both gonna like it here, I guarantee it. We like dogs, pics and beer. We also like to spend your money on accoutrements to further your addiction, er, hoard. (Just look above at co-conspirator/helpful guy Ralphie Boy post as exhibit #1) Nice, knowledgeable folks here happy to help and lend advice. Nice to meet you!
And there are no grammar correctors here. We all fat finger the keyboard or the autocorrect may put in an odd word, but the message gets across without someone playing helper. Welcome, and enjoy. I have found myself outside more enjoying my property since I started hoarding. Great exercise with a purpose. Plenty of help here. I generally don’t belong to any group who would have the likes of me as a member, but.......
Welcome aboard Gourley & casualty Looks like you've found the right place to hang your hat Gourley Although, I have to disagree with.. I have been known to harrass others over poor grammar, in good fun of course.
I have the 2 stacks top covered of ash, I hope that is all it takes for the season. We got a load of sun on our property so I am going to go for uncovered most of the year then put the cover on sometime in Sept or Oct.
I have the wife convinced we need to convert to a woodstove insert. The bank account is not convinced yet so it will be a few years.
Hopefully I can get some of the two oaks laying down in the woods next month when I can get out there and cut them up. I already know there is no turning back.
Acceptance is a part of the process. Once you can afford the insert, you'll get much more heat from your stacks.
Looks great. Welcome I am new to fhc aswell and my 1st year collecting firewood have gotten about 5cord up this year so far still have some left to cut and split.
Nice to meet you Gourley Great start towards building a hoard. And pics to boot We love when new members join up and have it going on already
Welcome new folks! We are glad to have you, especially when you come out with guns blazing firing off pics right away!
As already stated "Resistance is Futile"! I am looking forward to pictures of the new insert, saw, trailer and splitter! On the other hand, you can also just take it slow and enjoy the process. Each new step will come along naturally when things are ready! That is the nice thing about wood heat, whether just casual fires or hard core house heaters, there is enough wood for all. Nice looking splits! Glad to have you aboard!
It is great you and your father watched countless videos on using the chainsaw. However, if at all possible, I would highly recommend you get with someone that has used a saw for many years, preferably a logger or arborist or any pro to finish teaching the use of the saw.
