Hearth.com Forum

TSC 22 ton log splitter - First impressions

2008-05-14T13:03:20-05:00

It went through almost everything i threw at it. Worst was 18” x 36” oak narly sections. On a couple of pieces, I had to reposition them.

Ok, it says to change the engine oil the first time after 5 hours. I did mine after 2. I recommend you do it after 1. Nasty nasty stuff after 2 hours. Changed it with 5w-30 synth wally mart brand. Oh, don’t assume it takes a quart like I did. I had to pump the oil back out! It only holds 20oz. Hydro fluid stayed nice and clean.

Don’t trust TSC - check the bolts. One engine mounting bolt was finger loose. ...of course it was the inside bolt which was the hardest to tighten. I also think it was upside down. Anyone else have the inside bolt mounted with the nut on the top?!
The two hitch bolts were rediculously loose - I’m glad I didn’t tow it home.
The bolt holding the wedge on was not tight.
I also took the beam off and greesed the hinge pin. It swings nicely now but vibrates like crazy when running.

I’m not sure how much gas the tank holds, but it sure seems like a small amount. It’s easy to overflow.

Engine starts easy if you prime it. ...don’t they all when new!

old unlisted vs new unlisted stoves

2008-05-14T20:17:49-05:00

Hello, My dad gave me a Fisher Papa bear stove. I’ve been looking at this website trying to find out if this is a good stove.
I have a few questions before I decide on using it. 1 What is the difference between a pre 1980 stove thats not listed and a new stove sold in the store thats not listed. why can I use one but not the other. 2 The stove has an 8in flue there is a triple wall chimney in the house can I reduce the flue down and use the 6in safely. My thoughts of the 8in down to 6in, I read that older stoveshad big flues and alot of heat
went up the chimney so you needed big fire to get good heat. My thought on using a 6in chimney was less heat up the chimney meant
smaller fire and still good heat.

Who’s Been Using a Tarm Solo Longest?

2008-05-16T02:44:54-05:00

Before I leap, I’m interested in the realities of long term life with a Tarm Solo.

Does the intense flame of infatuation last? Did it lose its spark and turn into a smoky, smoldering mess? Or has the relationship evolved into a stable, solid bed of hot coals?

(Sorry, I’m making myself sick!)

Chuck

Took the plunge.

2008-05-15T15:42:35-05:00

We received our new Tarm Solo 60 yesterday, along with a gallon of Vermont Maple Syrup from the folks at Tarm. Going to start on the install in a couple of weeks, thanks to all who helped with the decision on the purchase.
Nushagak.

Next question (sorry)

2008-05-15T22:09:58-05:00

Sorry about all the possibly dumb questions but I want to burn as safely and efficiently as possible next winter.
Who uses stove pipe dampers?

I was talking to a friend who burns wood and I was telling him that I was having a hard time getting good over night burn. I was saying that I am not to thrilled with the slide lever air intake control. When I load up the fire box and adjust the intake I get either rip roaring fire or smoldering with a flame here and there. When I wake up I don’t even have hot ambers.

He told me that to not mess with the intake, get a pipe damper and control it that way. He told me that at bed time, close it down some and control the exhaust which will control the intake (obviously)

and that it works much better for over night burn.

Can someone verify this? And tell me how to install one. I heard that the sell pipe with them already in but I haven’t yet found one.
I have just found the one where I have to break the pipe and put it in.

Thanks for the help

Could this upcoming season be a repeat of 05’ ?

2008-05-13T20:01:14-05:00

I hope all the veteran burners are remembering the price increases and shortages after Katrina.
In reading many recent threads I sense this will again be a banner year for pellet stove sales.
Get your pellets now.....
I’m not trying to start a panic… I just remember trying to get a ton and being told I had to reserve them.

Thoughts?
Opinions?
Anyone think we’ll have a shortage this year?
Any predictions on price?

It’s been a LONG time since I started a post..... Mods feel free to move this where you see fit......

wood seasoning for next burning season

2008-05-13T01:07:51-05:00

OK I did a search an didn’t find the answer I was needing. I have an opportunity to cut a bunch of locust and some other hard wood of unknown type (maybe Hack berry or Linden) , but it is green at the local tree dump. My question is, if cut and split this will it be ready by next October? Or should I concentrate on the downed elm (4 years ago) I have available at a grater distance. I only have storage for 3 1/2 cord here at the house. I’m hoping it will be enough for next season. what do you think, cut local and save gas or drive 25 miles, (or a bit more, I’m guessing) and get the downed elm?

different pre fab chimneys & applications= need clarity

2008-05-15T17:40:14-05:00

class a = double wall.? triple wall useable for wood,coal?
please expound on this so i might understand.
thanx
i did look in the wiki

seasoning wood

2008-05-15T17:44:39-05:00

I have about 1.5 cords of wood I have limited space to stack wood. I would like to get more wood but don’t have the room unless I stack the wood tight. How much longer will it take to season wood if I make the rows right next to each other instead of spacing them apart?
If I make the rows next to each other I will gain some more room.

concept for homemade firewood processor

2008-05-07T19:05:50-05:00

On e-bay: Wood Slasher Firewood processor saw Minnesota Item number: 190220085211

The unit shown might be nice for about half that price, add a log loader and splitter and you could kick some ass!
A good saw blade will be good for about 200 facecord and cut 10 times faster than a chain.