Question I think i know the answer

  • Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.

    We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.

    We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.
Status
Not open for further replies.

jwaters

New Member
Dec 16, 2011
9
south iowa
My Mother's Friend/almost stepdad has been burning wood for 20+ years, always getting wood from the same friend. They use to css together in the spring to burn in the winter, until the last few years he hasn't been able to help his friend (health). Anyway long story short. He has never really experienced full seasoned wood. His friend continued to supply him with (wood). The friend now is having lots of health issues and he is asking my son and I if we can supply. I have enough wood for our house for this year. Next year is cut not split yett. My woodlot has tons and tons of dead standing no bark locust, maple, elm and oak (know the answer). What are your guys opinions? He can handle and wants up to 22" wood. My wood is all 16-18. I have the time, son has the want to earn money for working (almost 11yo). Will probably go through 4 8ft pickup loads. Do I go now and get it all CSS or pass and have him buy the same type or worse wood from someone else. He will pay us.
 
depends how much you want to help, its fine line when accepting work/payment from family. Some people in this situation I know would take full payment, some would do if for free, other would only accept enough to cover their costs fuel, bar oil etc.

All that being said if it came down to burning wood you supply or paying for lesser quality, I think i know what i would do.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PapaDave
depends how much you want to help, its fine line when accepting work/payment from family. Some people in this situation I know would take full payment, some would do if for free, other would only accept enough to cover their costs fuel, bar oil etc.

All that being said if it came down to burning wood you supply or paying for lesser quality, I think i know what i would do.
I would only take expenses at most to pay my son to load and unload pickup.
 
jwaters, this can be a tough call. My first instinct would be to accept some dollars for the wear and tear on the equipment for sure and possibly a little for the time spent. My second instinct would be to accept some dollars for the son. This would be a great time to teach him not only the work but the rewards. This, of course, would lead into teaching him how to handle those dollars he earns. All in all, it sounds like a great opportunity if your time will allow it.
 
I would help the guy out, thats just me. You got tons of dead standing timber. Give him some elm and maple. Teach son how ta fell a tree and responsibility. Remember your gonna be old and wore out one day to.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gark
Sell him some wood! Dont much to think about.
 
I think I would sell them some and tell them it is for your son (college money, etc.). They are going to have to pay for it anyway. If you are feeling good hearted then just do it for free and they can decide if they should tip your son.
 
I like the money for your son plan. Most people like to see a young person wanting to work for his/her money.
 
You stated that you have the time; I would sell him some wood. As said, price to cover expenses, wear and tear, and son's wages. Anything dead standing with the bark falling off should be burnable, with the exception of the Oak lower in the trunk. You could keep the stuff lower in the trunks for your stacks, where it would have more time to dry.
 
I agree with the others . . . money for the equipment costs and son's wages . . . the guy will still be getting a heckuva deal, will feel good knowing he's helping a young fella get ahead and not feel as though he's getting something for nothing and taking advantage of you, your equipment costs are paid off and you're teaching your son a life lesson at the same time . . . and getting some good karma here.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.