Anyone have a certain tool they like? Cost is always a factor. I think I want a tool to make wood handling, bucking, and splitting easier.
Talked my bride into taking a little drive out to Eddington last year. Peavey manufacturing is still going strong. I bought the wood handled Timber Jack and a small hatchet. I shortened up the lift "T" on the jack, to about 4" so I could lift heavier logs just a little off the ground or snow (using a small pc of plywood on the snow). I wasn't going to use it for bucking. It was perfect for that like it was tho. I really like it and I use it to roll some pretty big logs as well as lifting. Also bought a LogRite 30" hookeroon online, that is very light to swing at stuff (like my feet… ), and to pick up small pcs. Don't know how I lived without the ole picker.
A peavey or cant hook is an indispensable aid for rolling logs. I tried a timber jack for lifting but I didn't like it at all. What I find best is to either roll a log up onto a block with a peavey or I use a plain old 5' pry bar to lift a log and pop it onto a block or shove one under it.
Here is some information in this thread for you http://firewoodhoardersclub.com/for...ks-tools-etc-for-helping-process-firewood.92/
Logrite tools rock. Top shelf stuff, but pricey. But then, the handles are lifetime warranty, and every other part on it can be replaced. You can even switch between cant hook and peavey point, if you like. Timberjack can be added on. I'm a pretty big guy, and I've moved some monster logs. If I ain't broke it yet, I ain't gonna.
Most are more satisfied with a cant hook over a peavey. On the log lifter/cant hook, I found it to be the more worthless tool I ever owned. Had a tough time giving it away too. They turn out to be much more work than what it is worth and it also slows you down big time. Better to cut part way through. Do this all along the log. When you get a spot where you can cut all the way through, then use the cant hook to roll that thing and it is a simple matter of touching the top to finish the cut.
These look affordable. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/category_logging+logging-tools+logging-hand-tools
Sav's point above is right on the mark as far as my time with the timber jack. And, he's right… it can be clumsy and time consuming to get it to work for you. I only use it to lift the front end of a log enough to slide my plastic sled under it for hauling, and not for cutting. If getting the work up off the ground for cutting is your main goal… time wise… a cant hook for rolling, and a few short logs laid parallel to each other, to get the saw logs up off the ground… most of the time, those few parallel logs make your big saw log roll over easier too, for that final cut.
