Another load of Ash

Good reminder. We must all remember, despite the fact that we love what we do, and do it often, it can kill us. We must not become complacent. And always remember that everything to do with cutting wood requires vigilance, 100% of the time. And it can still happen, so don't cut by yourself if you can avoid it. Stay safe everyone.

I cut by myself most of the time. Just don't have time that lines up with someone else that is ready, willing, and able. So I always keep safety in mind, keep my wits about me, adn keep my cell phone on my side at all times.

Well, I know what you are faced with. I have been in the same situation myself. I am so very fortunate at this time in my life to have my son and grandson to go with. Sounds like you are doing all you can do. Just be as safe as you can and have a plan.

Like I said, I haven't figured out how to bring it down safely... For me, it'd probably be about 100' of 3/8 G70 chain and my cat.... it would come down, no chainsaw required.... but then I'd have to deal with the roots...

I'm pretty much in the same boat. Sometimes my wife comes out but not usually. I don't fell much w/o someone around though. Mosltly I'm on my own and like you say, cell phone in my bibs, work smart and safe, and pay close attention to getting fatigued. When I start feeling a little tired, I shut off the saw and load, haul, stack, etc. Fatigue makes me sloppy and less steady, and that ain't good out in the woods. It just isn't worth getting hurt for another few sticks that will wait for tomorrow..

It is actually rare to fell a tree when someone else is with me. I'm usually alone for most of the cutting unless my wife happens to give me a hand. I really appreciate that when I cut some small stuff; even just the limbs. I can handle the big stuff but that little stuff takes time and bending.

I wish we lived close together and you wouldn't have that problem.

Yes that. Or maybe we should buy a couple jets to move us around quicker.

How did you quarter the rounds? By hand? Nice looking wood!

Sounds good, but maybe we should just buy one to start with

My son did that work with a Monster Maul

You just gotta love those monster mauls. I never head to the woods without mine. Before hydraulics that was my weapon of choice...if that wouldn't split it I noodled halfway through with the saw and hit it again.

Until about 6 years ago, I split every stick of fire wood put through this place since 1974, by hand, by myself, with a Monster Maul. Unfortunately, I got a little older and it stared to hurt too much, so I purchased a hydraulic splitter. Still swing my monster maul occasionally. A lot easier to drag to the woods to quarter stuff than a log splitter.

Same here Chief, from "82 until 2 years ago. Chiropractor said if these special treatments don't get that nerve away from your spine you may have to go under the knife. Nuff said. Thankfully they worked.