Cutting and splitting wood.

[redliner]

Would this be the time of year to get ready for next year ? Also what do you guys use ? I am going to get an 18" chain saw (good brand). Also a wood splitter. Gas or electric ? I as sceptical or electric. After watching some videos o the models I was looking at I am actually impressed.

[darkcgi]

brand stihl
spring through fall
keep it dry let it season through the year

Any of the oak trees (white and red) produce excellent firewood. Oak is very hard and will burn for a long time. The harder wood also produces more BTUs.Oak trees grow slowly which results in the wood being very hard and tight-grained. This means it won't pop and snap as it burns

[Jackass master]

It is definately time to get started for next year. I Have an 026 Stihl with a 20 inch bar and it is not oversized by any means. My splitter is an older 20 ton hydraulic one with a 7 horse Briggs. Depending on the type of wood and how knotty it is the electric ones will do. I am working on stacking the first tri-axle load of logs now and have 2 more sitting here to do yet. I feed a BIG outdoor Central boiler that heats my house, hot water and 2 greenhouses along with snow melt in my porch. Takes about 12-15 full cords to run it from labor day to memorial day. I also get a few dump truck loads of slab wood when the local Amish mills are running hardwood.

[Joe the meek]

Stihl farm boss. 5 years, still going strong. Get good protection for the legs, always wear gloves and a helmet. Never had a hard kick back, but in a second you could be in a world of hurt. Go with the more aggressive chain, cut a lot faster. Good sharpener to go with it as well.

I just use an axe, but I don't chop for heating, but the fireplace.

[redliner]

My basement is completely unfinished and I am looking to stack it right away, should I let it sit outside for awhile ? Going with eight cord right of the get go. I hear nothing but good things about Stihl. Husqvarna ?

[darkcgi]

is the basement the best place to stack that
most basements are damp and cool
you want that wood to dry really well
plus if there are bugs in that wood they are going to come out of it and into your home

[redliner]

Yeah. I should stack it outside then bring it in before winter maybe. Thanks for the tips. I am green to all this. I don't want to burn any oil this winter !

[Joe the meek]

What kind of wood stove?

[redliner]

Combination wood/oil forced air.

[Jackass master]

Combination wood/oil forced air.

What is the brand name and BTU rating ?

[Darrell]

I'm originally from the Sierra Nevada foot hills and we had a wood stove. We used to cut like three cords of wood for the season, usually two of cedar, and one of oak. Used a STIHL saw, and a big ass splitting maul.

[Jackass master]

The wife and the docs don't like me cutting wood anymore. Something about the pacemaker and 11 stents gets them to fretting! I carried wood to the basement for 22 years at our old farm. That is why I am glad to have the outside boiler and just pump water from it to the house.