Gearing up to cut wood

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area_man

area_man

Burning Hunk
Feb 12, 2013
124
Oregon City, OR
It's time to get the gear to go hunt wood. I have a '98 explorer and will just be loading up the back with the rear seats down. I'm sure I need a tarp. Am I going to need to upgrade the suspension to carry green wood? I know it's heavy enough that my back won't take much more than whatever will fit in the back. Also, is there something that will cover the windows? Is it a good idea to cut a sheet of plywood to fit behind the front seat? Is there a nylon web or something I can put behind me?

Here's the specs
http://www.explorerforum.com/ntrprize/spec1998.htm

I need a chainsaw and safety gear. I don't know anything about chainsaws other than to keep it off my legs, and supposedly Stihl is a good manufacturer. There is a gas station within range that sells 100% dinosaur gas, so there's that. Who makes good chaps and helmets?

I have leather boots, but should I get steel toe? Years ago I had plastic toe caps that slipped over my shoes when I worked in a factory, would that do the job?

For limbing, should I just figure on using the chainsaw or should I pack in a chopper? I'm guessing I just want to use the chainsaw...

Thanks for any help!
 
area_man said:
It's time to get the gear to go hunt wood. I have a '98 explorer and will just be loading up the back with the rear seats down. I'm sure I need a tarp. Am I going to need to upgrade the suspension to carry green wood? I know it's heavy enough that my back won't take much more than whatever will fit in the back. Also, is there something that will cover the windows? Is it a good idea to cut a sheet of plywood to fit behind the front seat? Is there a nylon web or something I can put behind me?

Here's the specs
http://www.explorerforum.com/ntrprize/spec1998.htm

I need a chainsaw and safety gear. I don't know anything about chainsaws other than to keep it off my legs, and supposedly Stihl is a good manufacturer. There is a gas station within range that sells 100% dinosaur gas, so there's that. Who makes good chaps and helmets?

I have leather boots, but should I get steel toe? Years ago I had plastic toe caps that slipped over my shoes when I worked in a factory, would that do the job?

For limbing, should I just figure on using the chainsaw or should I pack in a chopper? I'm guessing I just want to use the chainsaw...

Thanks for any help!
Click to expand...
A trailer for behind the explorer would make life so much better. And how much wood you need to cut each year will help in deciding what size saw you will need. Safety gear is a must.
 
Chainsaws use Gas/Oil mix, not straight gas. Familiarize yourself with how to use the chainsaw safely by reading, watching videos, whatever it takes, these things are no joke, they will ruin your day fast. Safety gear is a must, including steel toe shoes, not plastic.....becareful, and don't go after the biggest piece with that saw until you're comfortable with it.....and watch the tip of the bar....you hit a log with the tip, and that sucker will kick back
 
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area_man said:
It's time to get the gear to go hunt wood. I have a '98 explorer and will just be loading up the back with the rear seats down. I'm sure I need a tarp. Am I going to need to upgrade the suspension to carry green wood? I know it's heavy enough that my back won't take much more than whatever will fit in the back. Also, is there something that will cover the windows? Is it a good idea to cut a sheet of plywood to fit behind the front seat? Is there a nylon web or something I can put behind me?

Here's the specs
http://www.explorerforum.com/ntrprize/spec1998.htm

I need a chainsaw and safety gear. I don't know anything about chainsaws other than to keep it off my legs, and supposedly Stihl is a good manufacturer. There is a gas station within range that sells 100% dinosaur gas, so there's that. Who makes good chaps and helmets?

I have leather boots, but should I get steel toe? Years ago I had plastic toe caps that slipped over my shoes when I worked in a factory, would that do the job?

For limbing, should I just figure on using the chainsaw or should I pack in a chopper? I'm guessing I just want to use the chainsaw...

Thanks for any help!
Click to expand...
Area_man, welcome to the forum! I would encourage you to find a friend in your area that is familiar with chainsaws to "get you up to speed." A chainsaw is an incredible tool but it is extremely dangerous. My preference is a Husqvarna chainsaw with a Stihl Rapid Super chain. I WOULD NOT recommend that chain setup for you to learn on though. Stihl has a 'green chain' that has reduced kick back that would be good for you to learn on. I have a Husqvarna 346xp that I've used for 15 years. I hear that the 455 Rancher is a good saw. I am currently looking to purchase a larger saw, the 372xp. FYI, Stihl has some great videos on its website for chainsaw use and safety.

I would definitely recommend a trailer for moving your wood around. I occasionally move wood in the back of my Dodge Durango but that is quite rare. It is a mess and you can get bugs in your vehicle.

Obviously you are looking at some $$$ to get all of the equipment. You can sometimes find a good deal on Craigslist. Hope you find everything you need to get started as well as a friend that can help you learn how to safely use the chainsaw!
 
If you can't buy or borrow a trailer, I'd just throw down a tarp - if you load well, the wood won't shift much. But, not sure how much weight you'd want on those folded down seats. I'd keep the load pretty light. Are you mechanically inclined? If so, some good deals can be had for used saws on CL. If not, I look at a new mid-range Stihl or Husqvarna saw (or Dolmar too) if your budget can afford it. Used saws often need some basic work (carb cleaning/kit, fuel line, etc., etc.) - just be sure to really look over the used saws - check the piston for scoring and if possible do a compression test. Make sure it runs well - bring a few pieces of wood that you can make some cuts. If you go new, buy the best saw you can afford, but do your homework (ask us about particular saws you are looking to buy - lots of good info here). If you know someone who cuts wood, ask for lessons. Search YouTube for videos - some great videos by Stihl and Husqvarna on chainsaw safety and cutting techniques. You should have a base knowledge how the wood will react as you cut. Be especially careful that the area in front of the cut is clear and that the tip of the bar will not contact another object - this is where bad kickback is most likely to occur. Also, keep the chain out of the dirt, avoid rocks, etc. - you'll dull the chain right away. Proper PPE is a must - chaps, solid boots, gloves, helmet/face shield. An old saying is 'there is no small accident with a chainsaw'. Good luck and welcome to the world of wood heat - it's a lot of fun! Cheers!
 
Lots of videos on You Tube about chainsaw use, but there is nothing like "shadowing" a person who knows what they are doing and get some on the job training esp if you will be taking down trees. I would suggest learning how to buck up some logs and get real comfortable with a saw before taking a tree down though. A couple of felling wedges are useful for getting out of a pinched bar situation. I just receiveed some Labonville chaps that seem to be fairly comfortable and well made, putting them to my 1st use this Saturday.
 
I've used the trunk of my 91 Dodge Spirit work car to haul wood before. It's probably not wise, but if you don't have far to go, it can work.

Here is a pretty good video on what this guy has in his woodcutters kit. Its not exhaustive, but it's good for ideas. You can tailor it to fit your needs.

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area_man said:
I need a chainsaw and safety gear. I don't know anything about chainsaws.........

Thanks for any help!
Click to expand...

Rule number 1 with a chainsaw that it wants to maim or kill you. It has no morals or conscience. It will kill you if you don't know how to keep if from killing you. Everything else that you need to learn comes back to that basic simple rule. If you don't know what you are doing don't do it until you learn.
 
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I understand that you guys are giving me the axioms that will help me in the long run. The bottom line is that I do not have anyone to show me what to do. Whatever I learn before I cut down my first tree is whatever you tell me plus whatever I can dig up on the internet on my own. I'm starting from zero. I'll read the manuals, watch the videos, learn from you guys, and then I'm headed out to the forest to take home some wood. I understand that this is dangerous, but that's how it goes.
Give me good brands of kevlar chaps, brands of helmets, link me to videos that will teach me specifics.
I'm having a tree guy come and survey my acre tomorrow for tree service, and I'm going to work with his crew. Hopefully I'll learn something useful.
 
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If you're felling trees....beware of the branches....always expect some to fall while dropping the tree
 
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I just found out my state doesn't allow felling trees for firewood. Still, I watched the videos and learned some things. Thank you for those. The tree service guy was (of course) much more knowledgeable than me so I learned a thing or two from him. I found some wood down the slope behind the house, so I'm going to try to figure out a rope and pulley system to drag it up the hill.

I might need some chain.
 
I would recommend a trailer for your explorer for sure. As for saws I have husky 445 and I like it a lot. It's a light saw with a 16 inch bar and it starts easily. You may want to start cutting already fallen wood at first until you get used to handling the saw. As for falling trees I wouldn't do it alone if you are inexperienced too much can go wrong. I have cut many a tree down but am still nervous as hell while I'm doing it. Good luck out there and be safe.
 
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You know, I would get a trailer if my back wasn't the limiting factor. The last four years with grad school and new babies has kept me from engaging in any kind of meaningful exercise (or at least that's been my excuse). Now it's time to get back to physical labor.
 
area_man said:
You know, I would get a trailer if my back wasn't the limiting factor. The last four years with grad school and new babies has kept me from engaging in any kind of meaningful exercise (or at least that's been my excuse). Now it's time to get back to physical labor.
Click to expand...
Once you get into it, you will love it for sure. Must be some place that you can legally cut wood?
 
SKIN052 said:
Once you get into it, you will love it for sure. Must be some place that you can legally cut wood?
Click to expand...

It's legal, it's a national forest with a permit system. They just don't allow felling of trees with the firewood license. I don't blame them, I wouldn't want to be responsible for jokers like me out there felling trees. It'll be enough, I'm sure.
 
area_man said:
It's legal, it's a national forest with a permit system. They just don't allow felling of trees with the firewood license. I don't blame them, I wouldn't want to be responsible for jokers like me out there felling trees. It'll be enough, I'm sure.
Click to expand...
Truth be told we are on the same situation. I can only cut dead fall and birch, which is near impossible on the birch side. dead fall, i can make up.
 
NH_Wood said:
If you can't buy or borrow a trailer, I'd just throw down a tarp - if you load well, the wood won't shift much. But, not sure how much weight you'd want on those folded down seats. I'd keep the load pretty light. Are you mechanically inclined? If so, some good deals can be had for used saws on CL. If not, I look at a new mid-range Stihl or Husqvarna saw (or Dolmar too) if your budget can afford it. Used saws often need some basic work (carb cleaning/kit, fuel line, etc., etc.) - just be sure to really look over the used saws - check the piston for scoring and if possible do a compression test. Make sure it runs well - bring a few pieces of wood that you can make some cuts. If you go new, buy the best saw you can afford, but do your homework (ask us about particular saws you are looking to buy - lots of good info here). If you know someone who cuts wood, ask for lessons. Search YouTube for videos - some great videos by Stihl and Husqvarna on chainsaw safety and cutting techniques. You should have a base knowledge how the wood will react as you cut. Be especially careful that the area in front of the cut is clear and that the tip of the bar will not contact another object - this is where bad kickback is most likely to occur. Also, keep the chain out of the dirt, avoid rocks, etc. - you'll dull the chain right away. Proper PPE is a must - chaps, solid boots, gloves, helmet/face shield. An old saying is 'there is no small accident with a chainsaw'. Good luck and welcome to the world of wood heat - it's a lot of fun! Cheers!
Click to expand...

That's what I need to know. I don't know anything about chaps, solid boots, gloves, helmet/face shield. Somebody help me out here. I have a wimpy little $35 electric pawn-shop chainsaw that I use to buck up 8" limbs in my gravel back yard, so I don't know what I'm doing with a gas-powered real chainsaw. I want to avoid cutting my feet off. Throw me a bone. What are good chaps?

I'm definitely going to be buying new gear because I don't know how to evaluate used gear. With what I know I realize I'm going to need a come along to strap down the wood in the back of my SUV, but that's about as far as I know.

Throw me a bone.
 
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go and visit a few chainsaw stores and tell them what you want to do. A good store will instruct and guide you on everything you need to do this safely. After you have visited at least three stores learning everything you can from them, go back to the one that you liked best, that treated you best. You will be back often for more oil, chains, etc. You want to deal with a place that treats you well even if you can get the chain $3 cheaper online.

Any store that sells Stihl or Husky will have chaps, helmet, boots that you will need.

Also with a new Stihl saw you get a DVD that brings all of the videos together for operation, maintenance and safety.
 
I haul most wood with a 6 x 10' trailer pulled by a 96 Suburban. When the snow gets too deep though, the trailer is tough to negoitiate in the woods. Then I have hauled with the interior of the Suburban. Put down a tarp/sheet of plywood or both. A ton cheaper than buying more stuff.

Get some safety gear and if you can learn with an experienced wood cutter. Buy the best saw you can afford.
 
It's just like eating an elephant, you'll need to do this one step at a time. The more you familiarize yourself with everything, the more comfortable you will get. After watching the videos, practice everything with your electric saw (i.e. sharpening, cutting form, etc) and visualize what you will be doing with a gas saw.

Here are the chaps that I bought and I like them a lot. The main thing you need to do with chaps is to wear them.

(broken link removed to http://www.husqvarna.com/us/accessories-old/safety-equipment-and-clothes/clothes/pro-forest-logger-wrap-chaps/)

I just use steel toe boots right now, the everyday kind. That will help with the wood not crushing your toes.
I also have a pair of leather gloves that I wear. Its just in case. Also helps prevent splinters and blisters.

If your felling trees, this is the helmet (or one like it) that you will want.
(broken link removed to http://www.husqvarna.com/us/accessories-old/safety-equipment-and-clothes/head,-hearing-and-sight-protection/pro-forest-helmet-system/)

If your not felling trees and there are no limbs above your head, then a good pair of safety glasses/bug eyes and hearing protection will be the minimum PPE.

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Here is a series of videos that also might be helpful

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Seriously, I don't work for Husqvarna! I could care less what you buy. Good luck.

Sorry for making this post video heavy, just trying to throw a bone. :)
 
This isn't a joke?
 
Yep I'm late to the party but get a trailer. You won't get anything into the back of an exoloder before its sitting on bump stops.
 
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