Pete, it said it was basalt. I had to look that up. It is volcanic rock ground up. It oxidizes to that brown color.
Here is one thing we noticed about the totes. It is definitely harder getting the wood out of them. It wasn't too bad for my wife as she is smaller. I have not decided if we can make the door a bit larger without weakening the tote or not. We will use them again this winter and see how it works out and go from there. It does make it easier moving the wood though.
That's my worry the door. I'm considering that and have some ideas I'm going to try on one of them. Where the bar is seamed in the middle on top I think I am going to reinforce it there and see how it does. That seems to be the weak spot on the ones I brought home.
I made a removable "door" in one...just pick it up an inch or so and it pops out. Cutting that section out/loose didn't seem to make any real difference in the strength/stability of the cage at all...some people claim to have even cut a section out of the top bar without negative results...but I didn't do that. Basically what I did on this one was to cut a section of the bars out to make a door, then welded pins in place inside the upper and lower part of the North/South tubes. It "looks" completely normal when it is in place. But when you want to remove it, you simply pick up so the bottom of the removable section/door comes up off the lower pins (those are welded into the crate tubes) then pull the bottom out toward you an inch out so, let the whole section/door drop down so the top pins (welded into the door tubes) disengage with the crate tubing...wha-lah, easy access inside the crate clear to the bottom!
Yesturday was very productive and today hopefully will be as productive if it doesn’t get too hot. I hauled the bosses tractor home for my coworker / neighbor and then moved a lot of firewood for the bins to get set up.... I haven’t used the tractor for the wood we where leveling his driveway for a few hours and tilling his front yard to level it out. This morning I’m finishing moving firewood so the bins can get set up while it’s cooler out then headed to meet a lady in Alma. We found a new bathroom vanity top still in the box for $50! It’s going into the remodel pile! Then back home and on to the totes!
I think you can take out the entire narrow width, right to the corners; you would lose the retention/wood holding offered by the corners tho, and you could add a strap across the open side, at top. Here’s how much of mine are cut out- Still plenty strong, even for the heaviness of white oak.
I’m sorry I forgot to put the dimensions of the toy down! It’s 40” Tall 45” long and 38.4 wide It will hold 0.31 cord at the level mark but I intend to take the top off and fill it right up then put the top back on.
It’s looking like I can possibly put 16 out back of the garage. So about 5 cords total. Problem is I have around 10 cord but not all at my house. Still space defeats me!
I’m already gonna be pushing it with the city..... They gave me hell for a long time about the firewood till I got aggressive and forced them to back off.... Then the walking trail went through and they started up again I had to get aggressive and fight back. I’m doing the bins and can do them because they are not a permanent structure which is what has stopped me for years! They won’t give me a permit for the firewood shed I want to build and I have no choice but to apply because they are complete jerks and watch my property like hawks... Even after all the tree work I did find for them...
I like that Eric. I wonder though if it would be better to stack the wood in the other direction but can see that either direction will work. Just seems it might be easier the other way. But the way you stacked still has the advantage of not putting pressure against the sides and that no doubt is what you had in mind. Maybe Redneck and I will be looking at that yet this summer.
Usually you'll find it is one jerk that is complaining. But sadly, one bad apple can spoil the whole barrel.
What is up with these code enforcement guys...they always seem to have to "throw their weight around", no need for that 75% of the time, IMO. Our local guy is like that too...acts like he's in a perpetual wang measuring contest...sure glad I live outside his jurisdiction!
Thing is Dennis, the tote measures 38” x 46” so ~18” long splits fit better for us as shown.... but your splits being closer to 16” and whatever inner dimensions your totes are could make all the difference
Not to say that their job isn't important but they have to feel it is more important than it really is. In my little blip of an area on the globe we have that problem at times with conservation officers. The overwhelming majority are very kind and helpful folks. However there always seems to be one that likes to pretend he is the ultimate in law enforcement or something and gives everyone a hard time.
Well holy balls it’s hot out and I’m beat BUT it was worth it to see the finished product! It’s all random sized Bradford pear that’s for the smoker. I’m gone for 5 days this week so I’m over joyed to have one completed! My wife got into the act too and helped get it filled tonight... I was about spent but she got me going again. Let me tell you it’s HOT outside.... Here’s the stack on a pallet This is the tote after I cut a door into it. I left the top and bottom support and it’s more than strong enough! This is a sign of what was and what will be.... it’s all going to be a big line of totes!
You sir are a more stout man than I.. It hit 90°F here today, and I was inside with the AC running, only going out to check on the grill. Good on you and your wife for bringing in the wood on a hot/humid day.
