Anyone have an easy way to convert logs to split cords?

[Standingdead]

I was wondering if anyone had a better way to estimate eventual split cords from log lengths. I always measure length and multiply by ((diameter/2 x diameter/2)x 3.14) x 1.2. The added 1.2 is to estimate air space once C/S/S. Generally in the past this got me close, but when I shared the solution with some friends and a couple tree service guys selling logs they say I am low? Anyone got a better way? Is 20% air space estimate too low? Thanks

 

[paul bunion]

I thought that a cord was more like 85 cu feet of solid wood and about 43 cu feet of air, meaning you should multiply by about 1.5. (85 x 1.5 = 127.5)

To estimate without figuring the volume I just look at the average diameter and length and stack them up as if they were pieces of firewood, figuring that split or unsplit the airspace is going to be the same. Simply put, two eight foot logs that run about 24 inches in diameter are about 1/2 cord. Or four 8 foot logs that run about 12 inches are going to give you about 1/4 cord. That gets me close enough.

 

[Flatbedford]

I use a Stihl 036 and and a Fiskars X27 to convert logs to split cords. There may be easier ways, but it has worked ok for me for a while now.

 

[brenndatomu]

Ha! When I first read your title I thought you meant "How to turn a pile of logs into a stack of splits! I thought, this oughta be good...

 

[Missouri Frontier]

I sometimes pay the the neighbor kid to turn logs in to split stacks.He uses a metal knife looking thing on the end of a long stick. Looks like hard work when seen through the bottom of a tipped up beer bottle.

 

[Bigg_Redd]

Yes. I do it with a 440 and a Fiskars Pro Splitting Ax. Sometimes I use a Peavy.

 

[Standingdead]

Split? Split? I always heard real men burn rounds! Ok, gotta go soak my sore back from splitting and stackin my 2016's all afternoon. Can't imagine life without hydraulics .

 

[Backwoods Savage]

I thought that a cord was more like 85 cu feet of solid wood and about 43 cu feet of air, meaning you should multiply by about 1.5. (85 x 1.5 = 127.5)

To estimate without figuring the volume I just look at the average diameter and length and stack them up as if they were pieces of firewood, figuring that split or unsplit the airspace is going to be the same. Simply put, two eight foot logs that run about 24 inches in diameter are about 1/2 cord. Or four 8 foot logs that run about 12 inches are going to give you about 1/4 cord. That gets me close enough.

There have been many post that figure on the Internet and it seems many have believed it. For sure I can believe it in some stacks I see but you won't convince me that my stacks are 1/3 air and 2/3 wood. Most generally some educator has had a class build wood stacks then they measured. Sorry, but that doesn't get it. Most in the class probably never stacked wood before. I know if my wife stacks, that figure would be true but that is one of the reasons she does not stack wood here.

 

[Paulywalnut]

One thing for sure. The giant piles of split wood is never as much as you think it's going to be.
This is always the case when you buy wood. Why I scrounge.

 

[Gasifier]

You can't calibrate or measure it in relation to the soreness of your back yet? C'mon standingdead. I'm a little disappointed.

 

[SIERRADMAX]

I know it's tough to accurately calculate within a short timeframe (i.e., while the log truck is unloading). However, I had a bunch of log length red oak from an acre of clearing. I calculated their weight by their length and end diameters (while still green). Then added all the totals, divided by 4900 (weight per red oak, green) to come up with a cord value. After splitting, I was a 1/8 cord off from 6.5 cord stacked woodpile.