Is this a decent deal?

[zknowlto]

Hello All:

I talked to a dude on Craigslist who has offered to sell me a "deuce and a half" full load of unsplit, ash rounds for $220. He claims that this works out to around 2 chords. I've read that the cargo bed on these is 96 sq/ft. Assuming he's able to pile in the rounds 4 ft high, this works out to 384 cu/ft.

I've heard that you need something like 180 cu/ft of loose cord wood to equal 1 cord of stacked. Does anyone know if this is similar with "loose" rounds? I'm very tempted to do this as my scrounging opportunities are limited and split cords usually go for $150 around here. Is there any reason I shouldn't be considering this?

 

[Todd]

You always take a chance with these CL adds and you never know how loosely he throws the rounds in there. I guess you could reject it or bargin with him when it arrives if it doesn't look right.

 

[smokinj]

I would think a 2 1/2 should be no problem for 2 cords.

 

[mackconsult]

I can't believe that people pay for wood. I mean the only thing I pay for is a permit every now and then.

 

[Battenkiller]

Rounds can be the tightest way to pack a truck if they are carefully stacked or the most space wasting if they are just tossed. Still, that's a big truck that should give you enough wood to make it a good deal. Plus, it's ash, so it will be guaranteed ready to burn next fall.

 

[karri0n]

I can't believe that people pay for wood. I mean the only thing I pay for is a permit every now and then.

everyone's time, abilities, equipment, and physical fitness vary.

 

[Battenkiller]

everyone's time, abilities, equipment, and physical fitness vary.

Absolutely. Plus, my time's worth a hell of a lot more than what little I'd save by cutting my own. If otherwise, I'd be selling wood instead of what I do. I gladly pay to get someone else to do it for me, although I still try to get the best deal I can from them.

 

[rdust]

I can't believe that people pay for wood. I mean the only thing I pay for is a permit every now and then.

Even those of us who don't pay still pay. My truck, my trailer, my saws, my splitter, gas, my time etc. If I figured out what it would cost me to pay myself only minimum wage I'd be in the poor house a long time ago!

 

[mackconsult]

Its still fun .....

 

[zzr7ky]

You're probably not getting hurt on the deal. Ash split & stacked before June will be fine by November.

 

[ChrisNJ]

everyone's time, abilities, equipment, and physical fitness vary.

Absolutely. Plus, my time's worth a hell of a lot more than what little I'd save by cutting my own. If otherwise, I'd be selling wood instead of what I do. I gladly pay to get someone else to do it for me, although I still try to get the best deal I can from them.

+1 I split for excercise

 

[zknowlto]

I can't believe that people pay for wood. I mean the only thing I pay for is a permit every now and then.

I know, I know. Last summer/fall, I managed to scrounge up around 2 cords of, mostly, marginal species. I'm primarily doing this as a way to get a little bit ahead and have some guaranteed hardwood for next burning season. Scrounging is fun, but I just don't have the time or money to invest in another awesome hobby.

Thanks for the advice everyone, I think I am going to do this. I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

[Wood Duck]

I think you take a bit of a risk the first time you buy from any dealer. It will cost you $220 to find out if this guy is seeling what he claims he's selling. When the truck arrives you should be able to tell if it is at least close to what he claims.

 

[LLigetfa]

Bulk loaded (tossed) rounds would be more dense than bulk loaded splits.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

I can't believe that people pay for wood. I mean the only thing I pay for is a permit every now and then.

Ya, it is hard to believe. Some folks even pay for gas and oil to heat their homes! lol

Then there are some odd folks who actually give some wood away. Can you believe that?! How silly can some folks be anyway? I know of a fellow who gave away 6 cords of wood this past winter and he is not a rich man (nor did he buy a permit) so I can't imagine why he would do such a thing. I guess it takes all kinds in this world of ours...

 

[summit]

220 a cord, even for 2 loose cords of ash (which will be ready to go for you by winter) is a good deal. I'd take it: a cord of seasoned round here is 200 cut/split... tree length will run you 125-150/cord... you got two (or maybe a little +/-) at 220 go for it.