In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Started laying the ground work last year

Discussion in 'The Wood Market' started by eipo, Feb 28, 2021.

  1. eipo

    eipo

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    Last year I wasn’t really selling firewood. I sold a cord here and there but wasn’t “in business.”

    I purchased a Wolfe Ridge HO splitter and found a brand new Timberwolf 12’ conveyor. As I was laying it all out in my head, the biggest production issue I had here was the time it takes to stack firewood. The market is getting flooded with people looking to make a buck so I needed to be as slim as possible.

    In comes the Dino bag. I built the stand yesterday to hold the bags open. Using 1/2” BIP, it turned out well and is quite sturdy. I’m going to add another bar across the front but above the “hooks” to help stabilize the front uprights. I’ve been using plastic pallets here for a long time and that’s what the bags will sit on as well.

    [​IMG]

    This also prompted the need for a larger tractor. So the B2650 got traded for an L4060.

    [​IMG]

    The Timberwolf doesn’t make grizzly bars for the 12’ conveyor, so I’m going to fabricate a set and attach them to the end of the table on the splitter. I know it’s not ideal, but I’d rather keep the trash out of the bags.

    My intention is to cover the tops of the bags as well as insert a tyvek label with the date it was filled as well as what’s in it.

    I’m not going for quantity, I’m going after quality. I’m also going to hit the bundled market pretty hard. I think there is a decent market for it here.
     
    Last edited: Feb 28, 2021
  2. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    Rock solid plan! :)
    Nice equipment upgrades! :yes:
    I wish you much success!!! :salute:
     
  3. eipo

    eipo

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    Thanks. Last year and the beginning of this year has been unreal.

    Job change after 19 years and a HUGE outlay of cash to get this off the ground without owing anyone a cent.

    Fortunately I throughly enjoy cutting and splitting. So hopefully it won’t ever really seem like work.

    The only thing stopping me from putting up a 16x16 roof over the splitter is the cost of materials right now.

    I am toying with putting up a smallish green house to use as a solar kiln but also so my wife can have fresh vegetables throughout the year.

    Lots of ideas.... the big stuff is out of the way.
     
  4. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    Have you priced metal carports?
     
  5. eipo

    eipo

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    I have, the downside to them compared to a post structure is having all fours sides be accessible.

    The layout of my processing area necessitates having all four sides open. Sure the sides of a metal carport aren’t closed off, but the height is limited and they aren’t clear open like a post structure would be.
     
  6. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    True story.

    But perhaps with a little ingenuity one could alter the prefab structure at the four corners (substitute taller 6x6 posts maybe) and fly some glue lams/LVL’s corner to corner....
    The roof structure alone of a prefab can be had cheaper than traditional stick/truss/ plywood/shingles...
    Just a thought.
     
  7. eipo

    eipo

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    That’s an interesting idea.

    At that point I may as well build.

    My design is basically a free standing lean too. 16x16, 8’ tall on the low side with a shallow pitch. Rafters and doubled carriers. Steel roof. When I priced it a few weeks ago, I was right around $1000 if my memory serves.
     
  8. eipo

    eipo

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    One thing a carport does have going for it is it is not permanent. The ability to move it is a definite plus.
     
  9. eipo

    eipo

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    I did break down and buy a 550xp II yesterday. Ive been a Stihl owner my entire life. A good friend of mine is a Husky guy and Ive often been intrigued. The Stihls work so I never had a desire to try Husky.

    It does sound better than the 261.... but I haven't gotten a chance to use it yet. Snow melt with the ground still being frozen makes a mess.
     
  10. cnice_37

    cnice_37

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    So I bought a bag, and it needed a new tractor....

    Wow, that progressed quickly. Gonna need some processing pics!

    Good luck on the new venture.
     
  11. brenndatomu

    brenndatomu

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    They will make them any height you want
     
  12. eipo

    eipo

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  13. Bill2

    Bill2

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    Good luck on your new business.
     
  14. eipo

    eipo

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  15. eipo

    eipo

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    Finally got into the wood yard. Tree service wood has started to show up. 1 load of hard maple and 2 loads of locust.

    Filled 5 bags today and a majority of that was 2”-6” wood so it was slow going.

    I’ve got a video of the operation running and I’ll get it up later, but for now....

    [​IMG]
     
  16. eipo

    eipo

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  17. cnice_37

    cnice_37

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  18. eipo

    eipo

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    First sold load ready for delivery.

    [​IMG]
     
  19. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    Most excellent, eipo :thumbs:
     
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  20. amateur cutter

    amateur cutter

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    Nice looking load. How many cord & how do you unload it?
     
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