An introduction, and a little tour of my set up

[fabsroman]

My momma always says I was born after my time haha. That's not to say I'm not stubborn though. Sometimes I keep on my way even if there's a better way just for the sake of it being my way haha but im still always willing to listen. It's never a bad thing to be in the know

I honestly cannot believe you are just a senior in high school. Well, I guess I can believe it because I was like you too. Always trying to make a buck doing something. Still am doing that 20 some years later. Just more bucks per hour as I have gotten older.

There just aren't many young adults like you anymore. On top of that, your write pretty good too.

 

[HDRock]

On top of that, your write pretty good too.

 

[Thistle]

You need to add a good monster maul to your arsenal.

haha thats how I started out at that age,still have it too.It rarely gets used now though.Not easy swinging (more like dropping ) that 20lb beast like when I was younger....

 

[TimJ]

Way to go bigbar.............like Woodpile said maybe you could use your creative side to build a fire pit and maybe even talk your parents into a stove and tell them you will take on the responsibility.
You will use this productive side of you in all that you do for the rest of your life ..............keep at it

 

[WeldrDave]

One thing I will say to you, don't shortcut or take the easy way......start out now, while you are young, and get into the good habits. When cutting, splitting and even stacking wood. You'll be able to pass that to the next generation.....​

"One thing also to remember" TAKE CARE OF YOUR BACK!....don't be 50 years old and have gone through multiple surgeries for your back. lift correctly, swing correctly, and the moment you feel pain, "STOP" other than that, SUPER JOB! have fun and bring in the $$$. You "are" setting the example for other's your age, keep up the good work... The Marines or Coast Guard could use a guy like you

 

[WeldrDave]

haha thats how I started out at that age,still have it too.It rarely gets used now though.Not easy swinging (more like dropping ) that 20lb beast like when I was younger....

Thistle, Don't you wish we can go back to that STUDLY age! I still have and use that "DAM" 12lb true temper (I call the sledge o matic) splitter my dad bought in about 1976 when we got the first stove. I can't imagine swinging a 20lb er today. I was about 14 and it dam near killed me then! .... I don't burn what most of you all burn, but maybe not far behind.. I don't have the room for much more than about 6 cords, and I can't see spending $1000+ for a splitter, I just take my time.... I think this kid is great " I seem to think that was the start of my back issues" trying to be super man!

 

[ohlongarm]

Ive been posting here for a few months, but thought it was about time I introduce myself! Im from Lilburn, GA and im a high school senior. Ive been enjoying reading through all the information and knowledge on this site. I started splitting wood about 2 years ago after I cut down a sweetgum (my first tree felling foray). I dont have a stove, or even a fireplace. I just enjoy the process of, well, processing wood. This site has helped fuel my desire to acquire more wood and Ive learned a lot on here. I split all my wood by hand in my yard. Heres my modest set up:

The off-loading area:
Link Removed

The splitting area:
View attachment 96153

All my stacks. I estimate about 3.5 cords c/s/s
View attachment 96142View attachment 96143View attachment 96144View attachment 96145View attachment 96146

The truck and trailer that brings all this stuff home:
View attachment 96148View attachment 96149

And my saw and the tools I use to split everything:
View attachment 96150View attachment 96151


Enjoy the pictures! I look forward to learning more on this site and seeing others scrounges and stacks

Good job most kids your age only know texting and video games,but their thumbs sure are strong. Wish you lived nearby can always use a cutting partner,they're getting hard to come by.

 

[Thistle]

Thistle, Don't you wish we can go back to that STUDLY age! I still have and use that "DAM" 12lb true temper (I call the sledge o magic) splitter my dad bought in about 1976 when we got the first stove. I can't imagine swinging a 20lb er today. I was about 14 and it dam near killed me then! .... I don't burn what most of you all burn, but maybe not far behind.. I don't have the room for much more than about 6 cords, and I can't see spending $1000+ for a splitter, I just take my time.... I think this kid is great " I seem to think that was the start of my back issues" trying to be super man!

I was still pretty green at 17,started using chainsaws at 15 but was almost 18 before dropping my first decent sized tree unsupervised.Didnt really reach my peak strength & endurance (whether climbing trees,scaffolding,ladders & working up high on concrete forms etc) until almost 30.Have slowed down quite a bit since then,nice to rely on experience & a trusted partner on certain dangerous jobs instead of brute strength,stubbornness & a fair amount of ignorance.I dont take any chances now,though I have always stuck with proper techniques & safety procedures

If I hadnt,would not be here today to talk about it.

 

[WeldrDave]

I have always stuck with proper techniques & safety procedures If I hadnt,would not be here today to talk about it.

Well said, and agree.... My father was about 60 then so he relied heavily on me.

 

[Locust Post]

Thistle, Don't you wish we can go back to that STUDLY age! I still have and use that "DAM" 12lb true temper (I call the sledge o matic) splitter my dad bought in about 1976 when we got the first stove. I can't imagine swinging a 20lb er today. I was about 14 and it dam near killed me then! .... I don't burn what most of you all burn, but maybe not far behind.. I don't have the room for much more than about 6 cords, and I can't see spending $1000+ for a splitter, I just take my time.... I think this kid is great " I seem to think that was the start of my back issues" trying to be super man!

I still like my monster maul and would likely be still using it for everything if I hadn't had a scare with the back (nerve pushing). I was the same way just couldn't see spending 1000 on hydraulics but now I don't know why I waited so long. Of course now I have much more of a wood gathering addiction. Instead of 4 to 5 cords I go for 8-10.

 

[WeldrDave]

I still like my monster maul and would likely be still using it for everything if I hadn't had a scare with the back (nerve pushing). I was the same way just couldn't see spending 1000 on hydraulics but now I don't know why I waited so long. Of course now I have much more of a wood gathering addiction. Instead of 4 to 5 cords I go for 8-10

2 burst discs, and one bulging(herniated).....I really want a splitter, "BAD" but just won't use it enough. we do have a rental place local, $75 bucks a day..... If thats the case, thats a half cord I could nearly buy!

 

[HDRock]

Was out splittin and stackin today, thinkin about this thread, wishin I was at your age bigbarf, 41 years younger and I'm using a splitter

 

[jimmieguns]

Ive been posting here for a few months, but thought it was about time I introduce myself! Im from Lilburn, GA and im a high school senior. Ive been enjoying reading through all the information and knowledge on this site. I started splitting wood about 2 years ago after I cut down a sweetgum (my first tree felling foray). I dont have a stove, or even a fireplace. I just enjoy the process of, well, processing wood. This site has helped fuel my desire to acquire more wood and Ive learned a lot on here. I split all my wood by hand in my yard. Heres my modest set up:

The off-loading area:
Link Removed

The splitting area:
View attachment 96153

All my stacks. I estimate about 3.5 cords c/s/s
View attachment 96142View attachment 96143View attachment 96144View attachment 96145View attachment 96146

The truck and trailer that brings all this stuff home:
View attachment 96148View attachment 96149

And my saw and the tools I use to split everything:
View attachment 96150View attachment 96151


Enjoy the pictures! I look forward to learning more on this site and seeing others scrounges and stacks

Nice pics and nice work! esp at your age! young n strong

 

[Redlegs]

This is priceless "The trailer I got in a trade for my playstation".​

+1

 

[bigbarf48]

Ive always wanted a monster maul since I started splitting, theres just something primaly enticing about using a 20 pound piece of steelto split wood I handled the newer version northern tool sells but didnt much care for the short handle. Oh well, the collins axe has does its job well

Im planing hopefully to rebuild my trailer sometime soon. The PO used it for kayaks and as such, its a bit of a strange shape. The front is dovetailed down to about 3 feet. I plan to re-do the decking so its uniform width throughout. I also want to add stake pockets to the sides and build stakesides using these corner latches: (broken link removed to http://www.easternmarine.com/corner-stake-rack-connector-set-6020) so that I can lift off the long side and roll large/heavy logs up ramps into the trailer. Right now i just have to muscle the heavy rounds in and this would make it so much easier.

This is my first trailer so initially I wasnt fantastic at backing it up. A few weeks ago backing out of someones driveway I jackknifed it HARD. I got home and inspected the damage. The front wood had broken, my bumper was bent, and the tongue of the trailer was bent significantly. I replaced the wood, chocked the bent bumper up to a character addition, and went to work on the tongue. Being a broke kid a new one wasnt in the plans. So I unbolted it from the trailer and rigged up this fine display of redneck engineering: I yanked on it and whoila, good as new!


The tongue was strapped to the tree, and chained to the tow strap, so I was fairly confident nothing would slip and go flying off