What strange times we live in. While furloughed from work for 2 months, I was able to get a lot of work done in the woodpile. But alas, I went back to work last Monday and the woodpile had to wait for the weekends. To be honest I'd rather be swinging an axe or sharpening a chainsaw than sitting at a desk. I've even found myself venturing out to the pile after dinner, grabbing my hatchet, and hitting a few chunks for good measure just to keep myself honest. I left work a tad early today to get a few more loads of maple split for the pallet palace. It's just shy of being topped off with 2.5 cords (ish), so I grabbed my tools and a beer and went at it for an hour or so. I will say that I miss splitting some fresh, green red oak. Chunked up sugar maple that's been drying out for a year has been rattling my bones with every swing of the maul; it's a fight for each split, but at present it's good wood that's hovering around 20%. It'll be perfect in the fall. To the right of the pallet palace is 2.5 cords of mostly red oak, with a bit of ash, cherry and maple mixed in. I might burn some of the ash this winter, but the oak and cherry will have to wait. I want another year of seasoning before it hits the stove. On the other side of the shed is 3 (ish) cords of red oak, with the newly built box for chunks and uglies, which is all maple. The holz hausen is the 3 cord crown jewel of my back yard. I probably spend way too much time sipping coffee in the morning and watching the squirrels and birds pop in and out of it. The foxes are too big to get in there, but they've given it a sniff on occasion. I suppose a massive kindling processing operation is the next endeavor, as I've reserved plenty of space in the pallet palace. And by "massive" I mean me, with beer and hatchet, splitting pine slats while humming fiddle tunes. If that's not the definition of zen then I don't know what is. Stay classy everyone, be healthy, and be kind. The cosmic ballet continues.
Some great looking stacks and firewood. I love the pallet palace. Did you ever decide on what to roof it with? Have you tried noodling the big gnarly logs? I like handsplitting, i just hate killing myself doing it.
That is some nice looking work! I have been working from home, but still essential. I hit the 10 cord mark as the after work time is great. No travel, quick dinner, work done! Mine is not as neat and organized, not even close!!! Get a fever....few days off!
I started ripping some of the nasty pieces yesterday. I have the crotches and real knotty stuff put to the side and just started working my way through it with the saw. The stuff is insanely hard... hopefully I'll have it cleaned up this weekend.
I hear ya. I try not to take gnarly wood for that reason. I put them aside and noodle when i have a bunch.
The weather sure has helped out this spring in New England. Love the Holz Hausen! Very neat looking. That oak should be ready in about 3 years after splitting hopefully.
