Top picture was before delivery...bottom picture shows wood now at my house.
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Have wood now
- Thread starter TheIndian
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Top picture was before delivery...bottom picture shows wood now at my house.
My wife came across some tree work being done recently while walking the dog and we wound up having the above load brought to the house.
I understand the tree contractor was more than happy to part with the stuff and at the same time I now have a ton of free wood. Now to tackle.
I was considering buying a chainsaw prior to this “delivery” but it has now become necessary. I am planning on a Husqvarna 450 that a local shop has in stock. With a 18” bar or 20” bar, I should be good. Leaning towards the 18” since I never used one before. Any suggestions on how to go about using one with a priority on safety would be much appreciated. I’m guessing it ain’t rocket science but there’s gotta be a ton of pointers, dos and don’ts that I should now about.
From reading other posts here, the 450 sounds like a decent choice as I don’t want to spend much over $400. Any comments appreciated.
And as long as we talking about safety...how the hell am I gonna get access to those logs? I’m figuring I’ll start pulling the lower ones out with my Jeep until some of the higher ones lose some potential energy.
Thanks guys.
I understand the tree contractor was more than happy to part with the stuff and at the same time I now have a ton of free wood. Now to tackle.
I was considering buying a chainsaw prior to this “delivery” but it has now become necessary. I am planning on a Husqvarna 450 that a local shop has in stock. With a 18” bar or 20” bar, I should be good. Leaning towards the 18” since I never used one before. Any suggestions on how to go about using one with a priority on safety would be much appreciated. I’m guessing it ain’t rocket science but there’s gotta be a ton of pointers, dos and don’ts that I should now about.
From reading other posts here, the 450 sounds like a decent choice as I don’t want to spend much over $400. Any comments appreciated.
And as long as we talking about safety...how the hell am I gonna get access to those logs? I’m figuring I’ll start pulling the lower ones out with my Jeep until some of the higher ones lose some potential energy.
Thanks guys.
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weatherguy
Minister of Fire
Woody5506
Minister of Fire
Nice pile, that will keep you busy for a bit.
For as dangerous as chainsaws are, much of using one comes down to common sense. Buy some chaps if you're concerned, good gloves, hearing and eye protection.
For as dangerous as chainsaws are, much of using one comes down to common sense. Buy some chaps if you're concerned, good gloves, hearing and eye protection.
Lots of Oak in that pile! You are looking at 2-3 years ideally for that to season depending upon the size of your splits..What kind of stove do you have?Measure your firebox and cut your wood 2 inches shorter so you dont have to struggle loading your stove. Have you never ran a saw? If not try finding someone who has....nothing like first hand experience! Get some chaps!
Nice....
Always keep your head and body to the left side of the bar....if you get tired take a break.
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
Always keep your head and body to the left side of the bar....if you get tired take a break.
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
jatoxico
Minister of Fire
Check YouTube. Husqvarna has some good safety videos. I'm partial to the US forestry service ones. Chainsaw is a tool that deserves respect. The adage don't go sticking your nose where it don't belong applies.
I get by using a Peavey for general wood handling but if you think you'll be getting more log loads you might want a log roller.
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Thanks guys lotta great info there...just what I looking for.
I using a Jotul F3CB...not primary heat source but I do find myself using it more than expected...love the little guy.
Log roller hmmm....very cool. Gonna get one. Any recommendations? Should I get one with a stand? Sounding like a good feature to keep chainsaw away from the ground.
Thx again!
I using a Jotul F3CB...not primary heat source but I do find myself using it more than expected...love the little guy.
Log roller hmmm....very cool. Gonna get one. Any recommendations? Should I get one with a stand? Sounding like a good feature to keep chainsaw away from the ground.
Thx again!
MAD MARK
Feeling the Heat
If you are looking for strictly new chainsaw. $400 will keep you in the homeowner side of things.
Now if you are looking around used. I picked up a 026 for $125 that needed new fuel lines and chain sharpened. Best deal yet.
If you are going new, it doesn't hurt to do some (never too much) research. I believe chainsaws is one of those things that for sure falls under the "you get what you pay for" category.
Now if you are looking around used. I picked up a 026 for $125 that needed new fuel lines and chain sharpened. Best deal yet.
If you are going new, it doesn't hurt to do some (never too much) research. I believe chainsaws is one of those things that for sure falls under the "you get what you pay for" category.
Alpine1
Feeling the Heat
You might consider this: https://www.chainsawsdirect.com/Efco-MT5200-18-Chain-Saw/p50758.html
I am just suggesting the chainsaw, not the seller. Efco chainsaws are made in Italy, reasonably priced and real workhorses. Nothing fancy, but solid gear that lasts. Add safety gear (cutproof chaps, eye and ear protection and steel toe boots at the very minimum) and use extreme caution. An experienced buddy willing to teach the basics would be the best option.
I am just suggesting the chainsaw, not the seller. Efco chainsaws are made in Italy, reasonably priced and real workhorses. Nothing fancy, but solid gear that lasts. Add safety gear (cutproof chaps, eye and ear protection and steel toe boots at the very minimum) and use extreme caution. An experienced buddy willing to teach the basics would be the best option.
SpaceBus
Minister of Fire
I have a woodchuck dual that has been a lifesaver and worth every penny. I need a hookaroon in my life.
I use my hookaroons a lot! The shorter one around the splitter and the longer one when unloading the truck...they sure help to save my back.
A log roller is a must if you are wrestling logs by yourself! I would suggest that you get one of each...one with a stand to keep logs off of the ground and one with out for just rolling...check out Woodchuck and Logrite..I much prefer the aluminum models...they are heavy duty and I have not found a way to break them and they get used hard!
https://logrite.com/store
https://www.woodchucktool.com
If money is tight or you don't want to invest too much grab a user saw off Craigslist. A ton of people run to Lowe's when a big storm comes through then they sell them after their yard is further up.
My dad and I both have one and the Rancher is a good saw, just a whisker above home owner but not quite pro level.
I personally prefer Stihl, but at the end of the day the differences are negligible.
If you like and trust the dealer and they sell Huskies just go with them and don't overthink it too much.
I think you will find the 18 inch bar is sufficient .You can always buy a 20 later.
Don't skimp on the safety gear.
Don't underestimate the saw or the situation you are in.
Always be watching and planning your next steps or cut.
Don't just focus on the log you are cutting, look at how the environment around it is responding or changing.
Take frequent breaks, I usually do 10-15 min increments then split what I cut.
If you start to find your self day dreaming while cutting, or maybe your a little tired, just shut the saw off right then and call it a day .
It is also important to handle the saw with confidence, but respect. They are not forgiving and I swear they can smell fear .
I love cutting wood and using a saw, . I also have a nice scar on my hand from the 65 stiches I got and no feeling in 2 fingers. That was at just above idle speed. The 441 mag had some bite! Still my favorite saw to this day.
Happy to help if you have any other questions
My dad and I both have one and the Rancher is a good saw, just a whisker above home owner but not quite pro level.
I personally prefer Stihl, but at the end of the day the differences are negligible.
If you like and trust the dealer and they sell Huskies just go with them and don't overthink it too much.
I think you will find the 18 inch bar is sufficient .You can always buy a 20 later.
Don't skimp on the safety gear.
Don't underestimate the saw or the situation you are in.
Always be watching and planning your next steps or cut.
Don't just focus on the log you are cutting, look at how the environment around it is responding or changing.
Take frequent breaks, I usually do 10-15 min increments then split what I cut.
If you start to find your self day dreaming while cutting, or maybe your a little tired, just shut the saw off right then and call it a day .
It is also important to handle the saw with confidence, but respect. They are not forgiving and I swear they can smell fear .
I love cutting wood and using a saw, . I also have a nice scar on my hand from the 65 stiches I got and no feeling in 2 fingers. That was at just above idle speed. The 441 mag had some bite! Still my favorite saw to this day.
Happy to help if you have any other questions
maple1
Minister of Fire
Get safety gear first - chaps, saw boots, helmet with face screen. If you are only cutting in place you might get by with safety goggles vs. the helmet. Hearing protection.
I would just start cutting at the pile. But experience comes into play.
I would just start cutting at the pile. But experience comes into play.
EbS-P
Minister of Fire
I’m no expert as I have only had a saw since hurricane Florence paid us a visit. I didn’t know about low kickback chain until I needed a new one. I made the decision that while some people think regular chain cuts faster I’m going stay with the low kick back chain especially as a lot of my cutting is done on a log pile.
https://northernwoodlands.org/articles/article/tricks-of-the-trade11
https://northernwoodlands.org/articles/article/tricks-of-the-trade11
Woodchuck Dual should be here Monday.
As for the Husqvarna...right now there so many dam model numbers in the 450 series with 20” bar I still try to figure it out. I think after all is said and done I’ll be happy. Just wanna know what I “paying for.” My local dealer has a 450e series with 20” bar. Hoping to find out what the exact difference is between that and the Rancher...looks like the e comes with X-Cut chain whereas Rancher does not. I get it...e...”more efficient.”
Thanks again guys!
As for the Husqvarna...right now there so many dam model numbers in the 450 series with 20” bar I still try to figure it out. I think after all is said and done I’ll be happy. Just wanna know what I “paying for.” My local dealer has a 450e series with 20” bar. Hoping to find out what the exact difference is between that and the Rancher...looks like the e comes with X-Cut chain whereas Rancher does not. I get it...e...”more efficient.”
Thanks again guys!
velvetfoot
Minister of Fire
I've blocked up and split maybe 8 tri-axle logging truck loads of logs, but only cut down maybe 3 not small trees on my land, so I guess I do have some relevant experience, though far from expert in anything.
I just got a Husky 450 w/18" bar. It works just as well as my old Stihl 250c, maybe better, but it leaks chain oil when stored. No biggie, I guess. I get the 'semi-chisel' chain now, try to touch it up once in a while and then bring it in to get sharpened. As long as you stay away from dirt, it'll stay sharp for a while. I think one or two chains would do it for your pile. When you start getting sawdust instead of chips and it's going real slow, it's time for a sharp chain. The difference is night and day when you put that sharp one on.
Don't climb on the pile. Use a Peavy, or whatever. to roll the logs down. Do it from the side, so that when they roll down, your body won't be in the way. If you're working on logs that are not on the ground (though your feet should be on the ground for sure) be careful nothing lands on your toes. When you've cut enough rounds so that things are congested, ie, you might inadvertently fall back over one (ask me how I know), move the rounds...or split them, lol.
Do the work before it gets too hot outside. It's amazing how sweaty you get with those protective chaps/pants on. Plus there's fewer bugs.
Nobody has mentioned splitting it, lol. I'd get a 22 ton splitter that can be used vertically and horizontally, and then invent some cock and bull story to tell your wife. It'd be about a grand. Add that to the saw, outfit, tools... You can use these things for years... You'll be able to score more free wood in the future in your suburban area...she was very helpful there... You're an integral part of the Green Energy New Deal, saving the planet and what not... And think of all the money you'll be saving, lol.
Edit: You want some 12" Husqvarna log tongs
I just got a Husky 450 w/18" bar. It works just as well as my old Stihl 250c, maybe better, but it leaks chain oil when stored. No biggie, I guess. I get the 'semi-chisel' chain now, try to touch it up once in a while and then bring it in to get sharpened. As long as you stay away from dirt, it'll stay sharp for a while. I think one or two chains would do it for your pile. When you start getting sawdust instead of chips and it's going real slow, it's time for a sharp chain. The difference is night and day when you put that sharp one on.
Don't climb on the pile. Use a Peavy, or whatever. to roll the logs down. Do it from the side, so that when they roll down, your body won't be in the way. If you're working on logs that are not on the ground (though your feet should be on the ground for sure) be careful nothing lands on your toes. When you've cut enough rounds so that things are congested, ie, you might inadvertently fall back over one (ask me how I know), move the rounds...or split them, lol.
Do the work before it gets too hot outside. It's amazing how sweaty you get with those protective chaps/pants on. Plus there's fewer bugs.
Nobody has mentioned splitting it, lol. I'd get a 22 ton splitter that can be used vertically and horizontally, and then invent some cock and bull story to tell your wife. It'd be about a grand. Add that to the saw, outfit, tools... You can use these things for years... You'll be able to score more free wood in the future in your suburban area...she was very helpful there... You're an integral part of the Green Energy New Deal, saving the planet and what not... And think of all the money you'll be saving, lol.
Edit: You want some 12" Husqvarna log tongs
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Woodsplitter67
Minister of Fire
The husky 450 is a good saw. I'v had one for years. You will not wear it out. Its not a Remington or McCulloch. That being said its not a pro saw eather but better than mid grade. They start right up will work hard. Start with the safty chain on it so its not so grabbie. Your going in the right direction. Your going to need a splitter.. the DHT 22 ton has a great reputation. Your going to have thos stuff for a long time so invest a little money. Dont go super cheap as you will totally regret that, you dont want to have to replace you gear. If anything you want to keep what you have and upgrade and creat multiples of things.
Thanks Velvet was thinking much of same. No way am I getting up on that pile.
LOL My wife used to my cock and bulls she knows me too well...no way I can squeeze out a grand just yet on a splitter. That would have to be some story haha
Got a bunch of equipment today to go along with the pile...
Picked up the 450 locally and the Woodchuck Dual came in the mail. Score!
As for splitting, I going to see if I can’t trust my maul for now.
Thanks for all the recommendations and advice! Will post more once I start bitin’ into it. Hope I can return the generosity some day...
LOL My wife used to my cock and bulls she knows me too well...no way I can squeeze out a grand just yet on a splitter. That would have to be some story haha
Got a bunch of equipment today to go along with the pile...
Picked up the 450 locally and the Woodchuck Dual came in the mail. Score!
As for splitting, I going to see if I can’t trust my maul for now.
Thanks for all the recommendations and advice! Will post more once I start bitin’ into it. Hope I can return the generosity some day...
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Woodsplitter67
Minister of Fire
Your going to be purchasing at the right time. Splitters will be going on sale soon
The big box stores are going to want to make room.. both box stores carry the DHT get one with the log cradle it makes life alot easier
