Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Smallhold Farming and Rural Living => Property, Buildings, Equipment and Alternative Energy => Topic started by: Spana on October 08, 2011, 20:37

Title: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Spana on October 08, 2011, 20:37
Ours are, so bring it on :D

OH's been cutting and splitting logs for the last week.  He's filled 20 big feed bags with split logs. That should be enough for this winter and some for next.  :happy:

By putting the logs in the bags he can pick the bag up with the spike on the tractor and dump it at the sitting room french doors.  Its easy then just to stack them around the log burner. :happy:

Have you got your logs done yet? :)

(http://i52.tinypic.com/34ihbv7.jpg)

(http://i52.tinypic.com/34pj7fo.jpg)

JRT just checking hes cut the sort that burn well :lol:

(http://i52.tinypic.com/2uhu7ao.jpg)
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Goldfinger on October 08, 2011, 20:42

Grand log splitter!  ;)

Borrow it??  :lol:
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Spana on October 08, 2011, 20:44
Will you pay the postage :D
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Goldfinger on October 08, 2011, 20:55

More like, haven't got the space in the back garden.  :(

And I don't think it would fit through garage door then onto through utility room door.  :tongue2:

Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Spana on October 08, 2011, 20:58
Looks like the chopper for you then :D
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: compostqueen on October 08, 2011, 22:59
I stacked my logs, I also split most of em  >:(  My OH says I make a better job of it than him  :nowink:   I like stacking logs into the new log store but one or two did fall on me when I was filling the lower tiers.  Note to self to start from the bottom next time. Ouch  :blush:
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Spana on October 08, 2011, 23:10
I stacked my logs, I also split most of em  >:(  My OH says I make a better job of it than him  :nowink:   I like stacking logs into the new log store but one or two did fall on me when I was filling the lower tiers.  Note to self to start from the bottom next time. Ouch  :blush:

 :lol:
I love chopping kindling, I'm better at that than OH.   :happy:
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Kleftiwallah on October 14, 2011, 15:47

Where you have really large logs to split, it is far easier with a couple of wedges, far safer too.    Cheers,    Tony.
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: arugula on October 14, 2011, 16:02
I presume this is a pto log splitter pictured? The tractor gives a clue.  ::) Does it have a wedge or spiral or what shaped splitting surface?
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Spana on October 14, 2011, 16:18
I presume this is a pto log splitter pictured?

No, it has a coal chisel point.  OH made it himself 30 years ago :)
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: arugula on October 14, 2011, 16:20
Made to last.  :)
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: sunshineband on October 14, 2011, 19:47
I can feel myself going green
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: sion01 on October 15, 2011, 06:33
A forest near my home was thinned last year and the contractor left tons and tons of lengths all ovet the place(to lazy to get out of the machine probably).Theres also three stacks with about 5 tons each of timber in them.I asked the owner if I could collect some bits for the fire and to my surprise he said'take it all if you want' so for the last year I've been cutting a chainsaw tankfull every weekend.Its amazing how much you can cut in 45 mins.

I really love the birch.I though it would be a * to split but you just have to show it the axe and it's split.

I like the shed.Is that a fordson major or 65x tractor
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Mosslane on October 15, 2011, 07:33
We had 8 cubics delivered about 6 weeks ago and it is all cut, chopped and stacked ready for the winter. We had a new burner complete with oven installed on Monday so bring on the snow.
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: sion01 on October 15, 2011, 07:53
I've always wanted a woodburner with an oven and a hotplate.I've seen one with the oven to the side of the fire and the hot plate on the top but wifey won't have it at all.I'll just have to build a log cabin in the woods ,grow a beard,get a pet bear and get an old man with a mule called no7 to call now and again. ;)
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Spana on October 15, 2011, 09:14
.Is that a fordson major or 65x tractor

Its a 1956 fordson magor diesel.  OH paid £170 in1968, and its still used daily  :happy: He says it gains in value every day  :happy: :lol:

Mosslane, I love your new log burner :happy:
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Mosslane on October 15, 2011, 11:51
So do I Spana, oven cooks stuff beautifully. Made casseroles and cakes and a rice pudding, all of which turned out great. Just have to watch the timing as it does get hot.
Total cost of fitting it here in Bulgaria £202. Same stove alone in UK £489 and thats before delivery. It is a Prity FG. We are very lucky because the factory is only 10 miles up the road and you can buy direct from there.
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: richyrich7 on October 15, 2011, 13:33
Finished mine about a month ago, my log store is about 180 cubic feet, it's packed to the roof even the cat cant get in lol.
Just got some more off freecycle last night and have some more to pick up later.
I split all mine with a maul, thought about getting a splitting machine then thought of the extra cost lol
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: arugula on October 15, 2011, 13:39
I got OH one of THESE (http://www.log-splitters-for-sale.co.uk/wolf-10-ton-hydraulic-log-splitter/). We usually get our "logs" in 3 metre lengths of tree trunk and he uses it in conjunction with the splitting axe. Thinks its great and its all still exercise. :)
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: compostqueen on October 15, 2011, 22:06
 :D

I sometimes use a grenade to split logs but I often get it stuck  :D I once split apatio  paving slab though  :ohmy:
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: richyrich7 on October 15, 2011, 22:16
:D

I sometimes use a grenade to split logs but I often get it stuck  :D I once split apatio  paving slab though  :ohmy:
:lol: :lol:
you dont use a stump ?
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: sion01 on October 15, 2011, 22:54
In compostqueens defence I've broken a large part of the patio even with a stump.I didn't notice with al the sawdust about :(
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Trillium on October 16, 2011, 04:22
We used to rent a splitter and always ended with terribly sore backs from all the bending up and down.

Now we try to stick with widths that will fit inside the burner with no splitting. Otherwise, I simply use the chainsaw vertically  8)
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Gwiz on October 16, 2011, 13:59
We had a customer order one of these a while ago, I thought it was a bit, well, you know....
But now having seen one demonstrated I'm kinda thinking where I could put one at home. :) ;)

Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Trillium on October 16, 2011, 16:19
Interesting splitter, Argyllie. It'll keep you working even if the power ever goes out  ;)
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: sion01 on October 16, 2011, 21:43
We used to rent a splitter and always ended with terribly sore backs from all the bending up and down.

Now we try to stick with widths that will fit inside the burner with no splitting. Otherwise, I simply use the chainsaw vertically  8)

Be really carefull trillium .Most chainsaw chains are made for crosscutting wood.That is cutting across the grain of the timber.There is a special chain called a ripping chain for cutting along the grain.You can get away with useing a crosscutting chain for ripping timber but the chance of the chain snapping are greatly increased.The crosscutting chain can't clear the sawdust efficiently when ripping which effectivly is what your doing so the strain on the chain increases a lot.You're chance of kickback(chainsaw guidebar kicking upwards uncontrolably) are also greatly increased.If you insist on carrying on doing it make sure the chaincatcher is intact just incase the chain snaps and wear a helmet with with a visor at least that will slow down the chain in the event of kickback if there isn't an inertia brakeing system on the chainsaw.If there isn't a chainbrake with an inertia system on it buy a new one.I've worked in forestry/sawmilling for 20+ years and have seen what a chainsaw can do to flesh too many times if used incorrectly.Dont be complacent it only takes one mistake.
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: compostqueen on October 16, 2011, 23:08
I'm scared of power tools to be honest. A hatchet is a lethal weapon in my hands  :ohmy:
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Val H on October 16, 2011, 23:22
I'm scared of power tools to be honest. A hatchet is a lethal weapon in my hands  :ohmy:
I've now got this vision of you as Lizzie Borden!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: compostqueen on October 16, 2011, 23:24
 :D  :D

Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Aled on December 09, 2016, 09:49
Thought I'd join in here as (I know the thread has been quiet for a while), I enjoy cutting stacking and splitting my own logs. I don't do enough for the entire and winter, but it is quite satisfying to see a nicely stacked pile of logs drying nicely in preparation for the winter! Starting a pile now safe in the knowledge it will be at least 12 months before they heat the house!
Cheers
Aled
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: jezza on December 10, 2016, 22:53
hi just a reminder that if anyones using a chainsaw wear a good pair of chainsaw trousers, I know the invincible (shorts and sandels brigade ) will be sick of me mentioning this chainsaw trousers are cheaper than an afternoon out with a undertaker  jezza
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Aled on December 12, 2016, 14:32
Always! Plus gloves and eye protection.
Cheers
Aled
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: jezza on December 26, 2016, 19:57
hello does any one know of a very strong log splitter that can cope with a lightning struck tree its as hard as iron and blunts the chainsaw in seconds we used a 7 ton splitter on a 250 horse power tractor last week and bent the bed and ram banana shape the log was 20inch long and 10 inch diameter    jezza
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Aled on April 22, 2017, 18:42
Well spring is here and I'm flat out getting the log pile up to scratch again. 8 wheelbarrow loads done this week, cut, split, and stacked so its a start!
Cheers
Aled
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Aidy on August 31, 2017, 15:57
Spent the other day building our new supersized log store ( had to wait for thumper to pass onto meadows new) as that is where it was going, thought I had loads of logs ready but only just half filled this now.

By chance a new load of wood is available for me to collect and chop (and cut a few longer bits) so looks like next few weeks will be busy but as we dont go below 35c until mid Dec  :wub: here in tropical Blackpool there is no rush.
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Aunt Sally on August 31, 2017, 16:14
Don't you mean 35F, Aidy?  :lol:
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: jaydig on August 31, 2017, 18:53
I've always wanted a woodburner with an oven and a hotplate.I've seen one with the oven to the side of the fire and the hot plate on the top but wifey won't have it at all.I'll just have to build a log cabin in the woods ,grow a beard,get a pet bear and get an old man with a mule called no7 to call now and again. ;)
Talk of the oven to the side of the fire brought back memories of my nan's old blackleaded grate.  It had an open fire in the middle, and an oven to each side of that.  There was usually a rice pudding in one side, and the other was often used for casseroles.  At times there was a string mop head resting on the hearth with fluffy yellow chicks nestling in it to keep warm, and the mantle shelf above was covered with a piece of fringed burgundy chenille, and the gas mantles made the fringe cast shadows on the ceiling.  Life was much simpler then.
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Aled on September 01, 2017, 09:48
Finished last weekend! The log pile looks good. I've got three separate piles which are date timed and will be burned in date order, as soon as I've emptied no1, i'll begin to fill it in for the following winter.....and the yearly cycle starts all over again!
Cheers
Aled
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: cc on September 01, 2017, 13:50
I think I have about 2 years worth now. An options on some more. Some green heart (Grimsby dock...literally). Pallets of course and Recently loads of Alder, not rated by a lot of people but I like it. Although you can't leave it to close to fire as it will burst into flames if touching the sides. Even started to smolder when 18" from fire. Use to be used in gun powder and highly rated as charcoal. Also holding up Venice (piles). WILL have to take some crack Willow, very long drying time. Will have to leave it in a friends field (pit really). Stacked one lot between 2 garages boobed as I could have stacked much higher. Built a wood store on side of house and have had to build another store out of pallets. Alder has to be split quickly as it is terrible if left a year.  I cut mine down this past winter and have had to use a borrowed electric log splitter as  a lot of it is already to hard to split with a maul. Also collect kindling virtuality every time I go for a walk (daily). Now it is not kindling anymore its firewood!! Don't need that much kindling. Pick up some when I cycle to pub for the landlord in the winter for myself in the summer. I will get a pint out of him eventually!!
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Aled on September 05, 2017, 11:40
Drove past a skip with a lot of wood off cuts today....some of them are now in my car boot and will be cut into kindling!
Cheers
Aled
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: rowlandwells on November 08, 2017, 21:00
what a lovely picture a man splitting wood with that vintage tractor music to my ears we cut logs for our log burner I bought a couple of trees when the tree surgeon was felling them he cut them in rings so we could handle them

then I decided to buy a log splitter to fit one of my vintage tractors and its stood in the yard sheeted up for two years now never used because we had wood given us from the farm that we could cut up with our chain saw

but I really must get round to fitting  the wood splitter to the tractor good topic  :)
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Aled on November 09, 2017, 09:49
Sounds good rowlandwells. I did some tree surgery on some trees overhanging our lawn on Saturday, I have a few more branches to cut stack and split for next winter now.
Cheers
Aled
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: cc on November 13, 2017, 10:26
See how much more I could have got between the garages? Last photo.
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: cc on November 13, 2017, 10:54
I bought this recently https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Oregon-Power-NOW-Battery-chainsaw-36-Volt-35cm-Track-with-Powersharp/122754393956?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648
Always wanted one just waiting for the right price. Came with spare battery and a very reasonable price. Not the fastest chainsaw but the stay sharp chain will make up for it. All you do is pull a lever send the chain round 2-5 times chain and it's sharp again.
I have 4 chainsaw now. One an old Aldi needs some adjustment to the engine which I can't get right. The 3 year guarantee meant I got a new pull at 2 years and 9 months.
A stihl which I bought in an emergency, as in loads of free wood. They don't cut any better than the Aldi one but so much easier to start, something I for some unknown reason always struggle with. A Aldi or lLidl electric chainsaw. My first choice at home. I like to bring wood home longish length and finish cutting at home. Cheap to buy cheap to run. And now my battery one. I need this many as I am an addict....firewood addict.
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Aled on November 13, 2017, 12:16
Nice posts guys. I've gone through a fair pile of wood this weekend.
Cheers
Aled
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: rowlandwells on November 13, 2017, 19:45
from experience I sharpen my own saws by hand but after several times sharpening the saw didn't seem to cut as it should so I asked my mate that is well into chainsaws and he told me to get a saw gauge that fits  over the gain and you file down the guide this keeps the chain from ridding up and helps cutting so I bough one of those guides and filed the guides after that the saw was like cutting butter

maybe this mite be a bit of useful info to all our chainsaw users?

PS
 I think stihl  is the best buy in chainsaws although I have two Husqvarna's that are equally as good had no problems only to replace the chains one is ten years old still going strong  :D
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: jezza on November 15, 2017, 20:24
hi have just seen on a news clip a inquest about a tree surgeon who was killed on 15th of February with a chainsaw that kicked back  please remember to wear protective gear when using chainsaws, I know people who think they are invincible when using chainsaws and get very aeriated when I tell them that chainsaw trousers are cheaper than  half a day out with an undertaker, it was drummed into us at college to wear safety gear the tutor forgot he tried sawing a piece of wood with ice on it the saw slipped into the top of his leg he bled to death within a few minutes    jezza
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Aled on November 16, 2017, 09:41
Good advice jezza.
Now my logs are nicely stacked and sorted, but there has been a change in circumstances regarding kindling. Until last year we had a recycling tip on our doorstep, and I'd visit the bottle bank, and at the same time take a load of wood off cuts to cut into kindling. That recycling place has closed and I don't have access to those wood off cuts as often as I used to.
Cheers
Aled
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: cc on November 16, 2017, 13:53
Looking good. AND some sycamore (aka weeds) to cut down close by. I need to use the bit between the garages first. For a start of I have idea what type of wood is at the back? And next time I will it build it higher. After all you can't have to much firewood just to little space to store it!!
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Aled on November 16, 2017, 14:19
Looks good cc.
Cheers
Aled
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: rowlandwells on November 16, 2017, 19:56
i to seen the inquest on that poor chap who unfortunately lost his life only doing his job cutting trees although I have been using chainsaws for many years both cutting wood for the fire and hedge cutting in the winter months

chainsaws need to be treated with respect there not a thing to be used and abused having said that two years ago I was splitting a large piece of tree wood with a not so good iron wedge my wife and grandson where standing watching a short distance away I struck the wedge with some force with a sledge hammer and the wedge flew out hitting my wife in the eye

I thought the worst when I saw blood coming from her head luckily the wedge had struck her just above the eye damaging her glasses leaving her with a black eye for several days  possibly the glasses saved to much damage

it really shook me up for several days and made me more aware of safety when cutting any wood I also use a large axe that is razor sharp for hedge cutting that would certainly take ones leg so always thing safety and don't cut corners when using your chain saws
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Aled on February 19, 2018, 09:11
Good safety advice rowlandwells.
Got the chainsaw out yesterday, needed to thin out some Willow and a pine tree needed to be cut, so I cut split and stacked a good pile of logs yesterday.
Cheers
Aled
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: rowlandwells on February 19, 2018, 10:05
well done Aled I to was using my chainsaw seasonal hedge laying it beats swinging that heavy axe cutting about two chain as a please and thank you job for our local amenities park my way of doing a bit for the community

you know thin willow sticks or binders as we call um round hear are one of the best for binding hedges  :D :D
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: Eblana on February 19, 2018, 11:42
We are sorted and didn't have to do any work :lol:  There is a chap up at our allotment who took retirement had a lot of time on his hands and was finding it tough financially so he rented some of the rough land that wasn't in allotments off the owner and is splitting and selling logs, he was bagging them and driving around in a small van selling them door to door.  But so many people at the allotments wanted trailer loads that he is now only delivering to a few elderly people that he had on his rounds.  We got a trailer load off him last week and we have booked another trailer load for a couple of weeks time.
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: cc on December 11, 2019, 12:40
Got about a year and half worth all collected on my bicycles. Electric bike with trailer or just fill my pannier (4 large ones) On normal bike. Use battery chainsaw one battery does two loads for trailer.  Battery ones are up to it now, although the one I have is a little outdated but the updated one is 40% more efficient and it just arrived 10 minutes ago. Not opened box yet. Mainly go for fallen branches/trees which are generally dead anyway or put another way seasoned.  At the moment I appear to be nearly keeping up with use. Also I don't generally go out specifically to collect wood I am exercising my Springer Spaniel which I have to do anyway.
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: rowlandwells on December 11, 2019, 17:24
yes log cutting in full swing CC I've always bought and used  a petrol chainsaws Husqvarna but the Husqvarna was bit heavy for me to use last year after I came out of hospital so I bought a stihl msa120c battery saw much lighter than the petrol Husqvarna and it cuts lovely logs so long as i keep the chain sharp and the chain oil tank toped up

my granddaughter bought me a spare  battery for  the saw so  it cuts for a longer time depending on the size of the wood the two batteries last around an hour i worn out one chain and it cost £20 .00 to replace but considering what that chain had cut it was well worth the price of a new chain

also i am now able to use the petrol saw so I can cut up large  logs with that saw because it really drains the batteries out of the little stihl we use nothing but logs to burn and i built three sentry boxes to store my logs anyway good logging with that new saw  ;)

Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: grinling on December 12, 2019, 22:10
recently collected a tree for winter in 2 years time
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: rowlandwells on December 13, 2019, 08:55
not sure I understand your reply Grinling ?
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: grinling on December 14, 2019, 22:43
We have 3 wood stores so  1 gets filled,1 gets emptied and if need be go onto next wood store.
This year finished the small pile left in shed 1, now using shed 3. Shed 2 was filled this year, so recent tree addition will be chainsawed and chopped next year to go into shed 1.
 ::)
Title: Re: Are your logs cut ready for winter
Post by: cc on December 15, 2019, 11:07
Forgot to mention I am using the Oregon self sharpening chainsaw.  You can  buy a replacement bar and chain and sharpener to convert your chainsaw to a self sharpener. 
OREGON 542314 16-inch Powersharp Bar  for 56 Drive Link Chain https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0049D9RJY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hgH9Db6G5N2K5
The latter according to feedback is a bit of a con as it doesn't include the stone?
My own is an actual oregon chainsaw with the stone built in the back again a bit of con as I can't find anyone selling the stones separately so need to buy chain and stone every time the stone wears out. Solved by buying the  box which fits on the front. Basically this (https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/273895422506?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&itemid=273895422506&targetid=522856824638&device=t&mktype=pla&googleloc=9044859&poi=&campaignid=7412990386&mkgroupid=76068633250&rlsatarget=pla-522856824638&abcId=1139366&merchantid=119051961&gclid=Cj0KCQiA0NfvBRCVARIsAO4930mjimD0INNqDZuar7-_-ZI4jsi1silaxhJLg33jmztnz77TaxzDkrwaAiRwEALw_wcB)

Saves a lot of messing about. May replace the bar and chain on my stihl  with a self sharpener.

Edited to fix long link - Yorkie