Went back and got the 15 ft trunk the size of a trash can that I had previously quit on. I bought some new files (duh moment) and my farm boss cuts like new again - like a beast! I had to cut from both sides - but it was a cinch. I am so glad I didn't give up as it's another fine pickup load of shagbark hickory (4 from 1 tree). Stuff is hard as rocks and dry. Will be great next year!
The homeowner has another tree for me. I took a picture of a leaf, but don't need to post it. It's a smooth silver bark tree with a long straight trunk. Owner said it was maple but I disagree. The leaf is a broad teardrop with teeth. I looked it up and feel it's ASPEN. Very low on the scale of BTU's. I am going to pass on it, considering I have another hickory, 2 oaks, and an ash tree still to take.
Hey look - I've become a tree snob!
This shagbark is the hardest wood I have seen. I can't break it with anything but wedges and even they struggle. It will surrender to hydraulics when I rent a splitter! I will wait until I've cut everything on my list and then commence to splitting. 6 pallets already laid up for 2013.
The homeowner has another tree for me. I took a picture of a leaf, but don't need to post it. It's a smooth silver bark tree with a long straight trunk. Owner said it was maple but I disagree. The leaf is a broad teardrop with teeth. I looked it up and feel it's ASPEN. Very low on the scale of BTU's. I am going to pass on it, considering I have another hickory, 2 oaks, and an ash tree still to take.
Hey look - I've become a tree snob!
This shagbark is the hardest wood I have seen. I can't break it with anything but wedges and even they struggle. It will surrender to hydraulics when I rent a splitter! I will wait until I've cut everything on my list and then commence to splitting. 6 pallets already laid up for 2013.