I have learned a ridiculous amount of information about wood stoves on here, and I am eternally grateful!
I was just granted rights to cut wood (for free) on a property near me.... the thing is, I don't have ANY wood cutting equipment or knowledge!
I am strong and fit and I'm not afraid to work, so I cannot justify a splitter just yet.
After everything else I am spending on this house remodel and stove install I also can't spend a lot!
SO.... If a guy is on a pretty tight budget (even looking on craigslist) what could I get by with for the first year or so? I am only heating 1,300 sq ft so I don't anticipate burning massive amounts of wood. I also realize that I will probably have to purchase a seasoned cord for next winter so whatever I cut over the summer can season for 18 mos.
I am assuming I need:
Chainsaw
Splitting maul
?
?
Thank you VERY much for taking the time to answer all my newbie questions!!
Don
Hello Don.
Before your questions can be answered rightly you first have to know what you will be cutting. For example, I could cut with one of the old saws we used to use but in our woodlot that would be like taking a greyhound bus to take 2 or 3 kids to school daily. We simply do not need a saw that large. Only you can tell what you need for size.
Yes, it is nice (for some folks) to have the biggest and baddest tools out there for bragging rights and sometimes the big tools are needed. For example, if you plan on cutting trees in the 3-4' or larger diameter trees, you need a big saw. However, if the largest tree you plan on cutting is perhaps 20", then a smaller saw with maybe a 16" bar will be plenty of saw for you. Going larger when you don't have to is foolish and a waste of dollars.
On our place, about the largest trees we cut are in the 30-35" category but most are closer to the 24-28" diameter. A 16" bar works nicely and the Stihl 290 works like a charm. My wife tried for years to get me to buy a smaller saw to use just for cutting up the limbs. After another back injury last fall, I broke down and followed her advice. Wow! It really worked out nicely! For a little under $200 we got a new Stihl 180 with a 16" bar and although I was a bit afraid it would not do much that saw has amazed me and with the super light weight, I now find that is the saw I grab the most except for felling. I like the larger saw for the felling but if all I had was that small saw, it would work out well. Just a little bit slower is all. And I do notice that I have to sharpen the saw a bit more often.
On the sharpening, I hand filed for many, many moons until my hands hurt so bad I had to stop. So I bought one of those little dremel type tools for sharpening the chain and wondered why I waited so long to get one! You can sharpen a chain fast with one of these and if you are careful you can sharpen as well as with a file. The stones are cheap too so not a big expense. The tools can be bought for as little as $10.
Other tools is for sure an axe and some wedges. I also hate to go to the woods without my cant hook but you can get by without one for a while if money is tight. Naturally there are many more things but you do not have to have everything at once before you start.
btw, I would plan on burning a minimum of 3 cord of wood next winter but it could be up to 4 cord. Get it as soon as possible. Get it yesterday if possible! Yes, you need it fast so it has time to dry. Stay away from oak your first couple years of burning because it takes so long to dry out.
Good luck.
