Ashful
Minister of Fire
Just shows there's more than one way to do a job. I cut and split about 15 cords per year, which is likely double or triple most of the folks giving advice here, but I also don't usually get my wood delivered via log truck.
Use a peavey to roll down logs off the pile. Stand off to the side when they roll.
This. If you cannot do this safely or comfortably pull them off with your truck and a tow line. If you don't have a truck, get a truck.
Holy cripes what a perfect pile to work. Mine are generally stacked 12 feet high by 40 feet long in 8 foot log lengths.
If that pile was in my work station, I would have a long prybar, chainsaw, bar oil, and plenty of fuel handy. Might not even use the prybar. Begin just after breakfast and that pile would be bucked by lunch or before.
Fire the saw up , walk in, and kick some butt.
Hello Mr Inlay. Let these guys tell you how to work that pile, and I'll give you a caution from another perspective. I think you're a player, so in addition to protecting the rest of your body, here are a few thoughts for your hands. There was a summer or two I HAD to work on downed trees in the yard. I used my hands as vises - Big Mistake. There was no injury "event", but I played some pretty painful gigs until I put 2+2 together. I had to switch to handling all lumber with open palms before it got under control, and it's still with me today (I have a hand budget I must stick to). I'm a lot older than you, but this stuff adds up.
When you get to work of this scale, Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI) are possible. I got what I think is Tennis Elbow from holding two buttons on my little electric splitter for hours and hours, so I had to rig up a hands-free system. What a relief.
The back is the thing that we all worry about, but I'll say if you have some small issue at the end of a shift, try to multiply it by 100 or 1,000 over 4-5 years and make corrections tomorrow. It's quite an eye-opener when you go to pick up a cup of coffee and scream!!
Ok so my first reaction to this post was, "Why is this guy calling me out as a player??" Then I realized you meant the guitar. Yes I do play guitar (poorly) and lust after guitar gear the way some of the good folks on this site lust after their wood burning practices and devices. And as you probably guessed, my username matches up quite well with your avatar!
I can see how this type of job can definitely set you up for an RSI. Especially the splitting that I can't wait to get started on. I've found as I get a little older and a little less limber (I'm 37 going on 12) that taking the time to warm up and stretch a bit helps with all sorts of activities. Warming up and stretching helps significantly with any sort of physical task. Before kids, I worked out a lot and I'm well aware of the value of stretching and warming up (cooling down too). This project for me will be part save $ on fuel, part learn some new skills, part buy new toys, part get exercise, and part have fun with it.
Hah! Presumably regrettable, our definition of Player is the only one I have a chance at achieving!! But I knew you'd get a kick out of your handle and my Avatar. That's my 78 Gibson RD Artist with ebony board and abalone inlays (original owner). I hope I never find out how ebony splits...
Back on topic, I finally had to start icing after shifts to stay in the game. You've got a big advantage in having wood delivered. I get mine from the properties of acquaintances, and as nice as they are, they still want it gone pronto so when it rains it pours.
Tell your wife there's hope because I'm now 56 going on 29. Take care of yourself!! Stay flexible when you develop techniques. If it's hard work, then there's a smarter way lurking right under your nose.
You'll love the cant hook. I've used Peaveys, but prefer the cant for rolling logs. LogRites are great, light and strong. Which length did you buy?
You'll love the cant hook. I've used Peaveys, but prefer the cant for rolling logs.
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