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cutting down / cutting up trees
when is the best time to do this
a) for cutting trees down b) for cutting the logs into pieces small enough for an open fire |
cutting down / cutting up trees
Konstabel Els wrote:
when is the best time to do this a) for cutting trees down b) for cutting the logs into pieces small enough for an open fire Assuming you want the wood for fireplace or stove, two years before you need to burn them. -- Morris Dovey DeSoto Solar DeSoto, Iowa USA http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/ |
cutting down / cutting up trees
Morris Dovey wrote:
Konstabel Els wrote: when is the best time to do this a) for cutting trees down b) for cutting the logs into pieces small enough for an open fire Assuming you want the wood for fireplace or stove, two years before you need to burn them. My father used to say any time the knife was sharp. ie. saw, ax, etc. I personally like to cut them when it is not so hot and humid. Meaning early spring or late fall, depending on where you live |
cutting down / cutting up trees
Daytime.
Other than that, they say that the "sap is down" when the tree is dormant in most cases. This might mean they'd have less moisture. Around here, they say that the white ash is one of the few trees that burns well when green. Pick a time of year when you can work comfortably and still get the tree out of the woods. I never cut or split trees in the summer unless its an emergency. Down to about zero °F is best for me. I guess that says "winter", but not January. Pete Stanaitis ------------------- Konstabel Els wrote: when is the best time to do this a) for cutting trees down b) for cutting the logs into pieces small enough for an open fire |
cutting down / cutting up trees
spaco wrote:
Around here, they say that the white ash is one of the few trees that burns well when green. Elm burns like the graveyard mould, Even the very flames are cold! Apple wood will scent your room, With incense-like perfume. Oak and maple, if dry and old, Keep away the winter's cold. But ash wood wet or ash wood dry, A king will warm his slippers by. -- Morris Dovey DeSoto Solar DeSoto, Iowa USA http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/ |
cutting down / cutting up trees
"Konstabel Els" wrote in message ... when is the best time to do this a) for cutting trees down b) for cutting the logs into pieces small enough for an open fire Right after the storm knocks them down. If you have a choice, I prefer after the leaves fall. Weather is cooler, less leaves to fuss with. As for spitting, I prefer to wait a while and let it dry a bit. Best, IMO, is when the logs are frozen and they "pop" with a couple of hits of a heavy maul. |
cutting down / cutting up trees
Nice verse Morris!!
Morris Dovey wrote in news:4a454def$0$87067$815e3792 @news.qwest.net: spaco wrote: Around here, they say that the white ash is one of the few trees that burns well when green. Elm burns like the graveyard mould, Even the very flames are cold! Apple wood will scent your room, With incense-like perfume. Oak and maple, if dry and old, Keep away the winter's cold. But ash wood wet or ash wood dry, A king will warm his slippers by. |
cutting down / cutting up trees
Morris Dovey wrote:
spaco wrote: Around here, they say that the white ash is one of the few trees that burns well when green. Elm burns like the graveyard mould, Even the very flames are cold! Apple wood will scent your room, With incense-like perfume. Oak and maple, if dry and old, Keep away the winter's cold. But ash wood wet or ash wood dry, A king will warm his slippers by. Beechwood fires are bright and clear If the logs are kept a year. Chestnut’s only good, they say, If for long ’tis laid away. Hard to beat olde English poetry for going right to the hea(r)t of the matter. :) -- www.e-woodshop.net Last update: 10/22/08 KarlC@ (the obvious) |
cutting down / cutting up trees
Swingman wrote:
Morris Dovey wrote: spaco wrote: Around here, they say that the white ash is one of the few trees that burns well when green. Elm burns like the graveyard mould, Even the very flames are cold! Apple wood will scent your room, With incense-like perfume. Oak and maple, if dry and old, Keep away the winter's cold. But ash wood wet or ash wood dry, A king will warm his slippers by. Beechwood fires are bright and clear If the logs are kept a year. Chestnut’s only good, they say, If for long ’tis laid away. Hard to beat olde English poetry for going right to the hea(r)t of the matter. :) Yessir - and thank you for the lines I hadn't heard before! -- Morris Dovey DeSoto Solar DeSoto, Iowa USA http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/ |
cutting down / cutting up trees
On Jun 26, 10:29*pm, Morris Dovey wrote:
Konstabel Els wrote: when is the best time to do this a) for cutting trees down b) for cutting the logs into pieces small enough for an open fire Assuming you want the wood for fireplace or stove, two years before you need to burn them. -- Morris Dovey DeSoto Solar DeSoto, Iowa USAhttp://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/ what about splitting the logs, should I leave it 2 years or split them straight away ? |
cutting down / cutting up trees
Konstabel Els wrote:
On Jun 26, 10:29 pm, Morris Dovey wrote: Konstabel Els wrote: when is the best time to do this a) for cutting trees down b) for cutting the logs into pieces small enough for an open fire Assuming you want the wood for fireplace or stove, two years before you need to burn them. -- Morris Dovey DeSoto Solar DeSoto, Iowa USAhttp://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/ what about splitting the logs, should I leave it 2 years or split them straight away ? Around here, where there are cottage industries for firewood, wood is cut down in mid to late winter, snow is on the ground, but temps are a bit reasonable. The people I know who are in the business split as soon as they've cut to length. So from the time the tree is standing til it's split and piled could be a matter of days, or even the same day if they're really hauling. Although two years seems to be conventional knowledge for letting wood air after it's been stacked, I've had success with same year wood. ie, the wood is cut and split in March and it's in my woodstove in November. I also have some two and three year old wood. While it does burn a bit better, it's not something I notice that much. YMMV Tanus |
cutting down / cutting up trees
is this olde English?
When I'm dead and in my grave no more pussy will I crave on my tombstone I want written I've had my share and I'm not ****t'n if by chance you pass me by just **** on my I'm always dry. ross www.highislandexport.com |
cutting down / cutting up trees
Ross Hebeisen wrote:
is this olde English? When I'm dead and in my grave no more pussy will I crave on my tombstone I want written I've had my share and I'm not ****t'n if by chance you pass me by just **** on my I'm always dry. Sounds more Harvard, or Princeton ... -- www.e-woodshop.net Last update: 10/22/08 KarlC@ (the obvious) |
cutting down / cutting up trees
If the tree is cut in winter - e.g. sap down in the roots - the turn around
time is much shorter. I've burnt wood the same winter - a month or less seasoning. Martin Konstabel Els wrote: On Jun 26, 10:29 pm, Morris Dovey wrote: Konstabel Els wrote: when is the best time to do this a) for cutting trees down b) for cutting the logs into pieces small enough for an open fire Assuming you want the wood for fireplace or stove, two years before you need to burn them. -- Morris Dovey DeSoto Solar DeSoto, Iowa USAhttp://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/ what about splitting the logs, should I leave it 2 years or split them straight away ? |
cutting down / cutting up trees
On Jun 27, 10:07*pm, Tanus wrote:
Konstabel Els wrote: On Jun 26, 10:29 pm, Morris Dovey wrote: Konstabel Els wrote: when is the best time to do this a) for cutting trees down b) for cutting the logs into pieces small enough for an open fire Assuming you want the wood for fireplace or stove, two years before you need to burn them. -- Morris Dovey DeSoto Solar DeSoto, Iowa USAhttp://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/ what about splitting the logs, should I leave it 2 years or split them straight away ? Around here, where there are cottage industries for firewood, wood is cut down in mid to late winter, snow is on the ground, but temps are a bit reasonable. The people I know who are in the business split as soon as they've cut to length. So from the time the tree is standing til it's split and piled could be a matter of days, or even the same day if they're really hauling. Although two years seems to be conventional knowledge for letting wood air after it's been stacked, I've had success with same year wood. ie, the wood is cut and split in March and it's in my woodstove in November. I also have some two and three year old wood. While it does burn a bit better, it's not something I notice that much. YMMV Tanus I guess it depends on the wood type, soft woods being ready sooner. What I am trying to understand is, as I'm splitting manually, will I use more energy to split the wood when wet, or should I wait for the wood to dry out a bit, since the wood will start splitting itself after a couple of months. |
cutting down / cutting up trees
Konstabel Els wrote:
snip I guess it depends on the wood type, soft woods being ready sooner. What I am trying to understand is, as I'm splitting manually, will I use more energy to split the wood when wet, or should I wait for the wood to dry out a bit, since the wood will start splitting itself after a couple of months. It's easier to split if it's dried out a bit - you're right. If you live in northern climates, it's even easier if you wait til a good freeze. Tanus |
cutting down / cutting up trees
Tanus wrote:
Konstabel Els wrote: snip I guess it depends on the wood type, soft woods being ready sooner. What I am trying to understand is, as I'm splitting manually, will I use more energy to split the wood when wet, or should I wait for the wood to dry out a bit, since the wood will start splitting itself after a couple of months. It's easier to split if it's dried out a bit - you're right. If you live in northern climates, it's even easier if you wait til a good freeze. .... and easier still if you do it with a powered hydraulic splitter. :) -- Morris Dovey DeSoto Solar DeSoto, Iowa USA http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/ |
cutting down / cutting up trees
"Morris Dovey" wrote:
... and easier still if you do it with a powered hydraulic splitter. :) Better yet, let someone else do the job while enjoying a cold one on the beach under a cocoanut tree in someplace like the Fiji. Lew |
cutting down / cutting up trees
Morris Dovey wrote:
Tanus wrote: Konstabel Els wrote: snip I guess it depends on the wood type, soft woods being ready sooner. What I am trying to understand is, as I'm splitting manually, will I use more energy to split the wood when wet, or should I wait for the wood to dry out a bit, since the wood will start splitting itself after a couple of months. It's easier to split if it's dried out a bit - you're right. If you live in northern climates, it's even easier if you wait til a good freeze. .... and easier still if you do it with a powered hydraulic splitter. :) And easiest yet if you have a neighbour with a splitter and way too much time on his hands. Sadly, I have neither. Tanus |
cutting down / cutting up trees
Tanus wrote:
Morris Dovey wrote: .... and easier still if you do it with a powered hydraulic splitter. :) And easiest yet if you have a neighbour with a splitter and way too much time on his hands. Sadly, I have neither. I'd split about 30 cords (about half elm) before I bought a splitter. If you have any quantity to split, it might be worth locating one to rent - they do save a /lot/ of work. Heh. I had a couple of neighbors (not exactly with time on their hands, they /made/ time to come over) help me cut up about a dozen trees that'd been knocked flat in a storm. One of 'em brought a home-built frame that had a 30" circular blade (with no guard, of course) that was pulley driven from his WD45 PTO. I think I was in my late 30's and both of these guys were in their early 70's. I'd already limbed the down trees, and one of these gents would drag a branch over to the saw, and the two of us at the saw would swing the branch into the blade - brannnnggg! I'd toss the cutoff up onto the growing pile and reach to catch the cut end of the branch coming at me to do it again. By suppertime the pile looked like a small mountain and I was sure I'd set a new record for fatigue - but the old guys were still looking pretty spry when they headed for home. I've always thought it was a minor miracle that I still had both hands at the end of the day. -- Morris Dovey DeSoto Solar DeSoto, Iowa USA http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/ |
cutting down / cutting up trees
"Morris Dovey" wrote: One of 'em brought a home-built frame that had a 30" circular blade (with no guard, of course) that was pulley driven from his WD45 PTO. snip I've always thought it was a minor miracle that I still had both hands at the end of the day. Can certainly relate. Had an uncle in North Central Indiana who had a 1938 John Deere tractor he built a frame to hang on the front end to support a BIG saw blade that was powered by a flat belt (same as a thrasher except smaller belt). He used it to clear brush. Saw it mounted on the tractor and it scared the devil out of me. Never saw it in service, just as happy I didn't. Lew |
cutting down / cutting up trees
On Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:00:06 -0400, Tanus wrote:
Konstabel Els wrote: snip I guess it depends on the wood type, soft woods being ready sooner. What I am trying to understand is, as I'm splitting manually, will I use more energy to split the wood when wet, or should I wait for the wood to dry out a bit, since the wood will start splitting itself after a couple of months. It's easier to split if it's dried out a bit - you're right. If you live in northern climates, it's even easier if you wait til a good freeze. Tanus Splitting rock elm at -10F - the wood heats twice that way!! But it splits cleanly and easily, compared to splitting it unfrozen. |
cutting down / cutting up trees
On Jun 29, 12:46*am, Morris Dovey wrote:
Tanus wrote: Konstabel Els wrote: snip I guess it depends on the wood type, soft woods being ready sooner. What I am trying to understand is, as I'm splitting manually, will I use more energy to split the wood when wet, or should I wait for the wood to dry out a bit, since the wood will start splitting itself after a couple of months. It's easier to split if it's dried out a bit - you're right. If you live *in northern climates, it's even easier if you wait til a good freeze.. ... and easier still if you do it with a powered hydraulic splitter. :) -- Morris Dovey DeSoto Solar DeSoto, Iowa USAhttp://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/ but a) it's not eco friendly b) a splitter costs a lot more money than an axe c) I don't any exercise |
cutting down / cutting up trees
"Konstabel Els" wrote but a) it's not eco friendly b) a splitter costs a lot more money than an axe c) I don't any exercise ================== I always remember that old chestnut, "Wood warms you twice. Once when you cut it and again when you burn it." |
cutting down / cutting up trees
The axe can cost far much more than the splitter - once the
doctors finish with you! Martin - I do both - but know my limitations! Konstabel Els wrote: On Jun 29, 12:46 am, Morris Dovey wrote: Tanus wrote: Konstabel Els wrote: snip I guess it depends on the wood type, soft woods being ready sooner. What I am trying to understand is, as I'm splitting manually, will I use more energy to split the wood when wet, or should I wait for the wood to dry out a bit, since the wood will start splitting itself after a couple of months. It's easier to split if it's dried out a bit - you're right. If you live in northern climates, it's even easier if you wait til a good freeze. ... and easier still if you do it with a powered hydraulic splitter. :) -- Morris Dovey DeSoto Solar DeSoto, Iowa USAhttp://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/ but a) it's not eco friendly b) a splitter costs a lot more money than an axe c) I don't any exercise |
cutting down / cutting up trees
Morris Dovey wrote:
Tanus wrote: Morris Dovey wrote: .... and easier still if you do it with a powered hydraulic splitter. :) And easiest yet if you have a neighbour with a splitter and way too much time on his hands. Sadly, I have neither. I'd split about 30 cords (about half elm) before I bought a splitter. If you have any quantity to split, it might be worth locating one to rent - they do save a /lot/ of work. Heh. I had a couple of neighbors (not exactly with time on their hands, they /made/ time to come over) help me cut up about a dozen trees that'd been knocked flat in a storm. One of 'em brought a home-built frame that had a 30" circular blade (with no guard, of course) that was pulley driven from his WD45 PTO. I think I was in my late 30's and both of these guys were in their early 70's. I'd already limbed the down trees, and one of these gents would drag a branch over to the saw, and the two of us at the saw would swing the branch into the blade - brannnnggg! I'd toss the cutoff up onto the growing pile and reach to catch the cut end of the branch coming at me to do it again. By suppertime the pile looked like a small mountain and I was sure I'd set a new record for fatigue - but the old guys were still looking pretty spry when they headed for home. I've always thought it was a minor miracle that I still had both hands at the end of the day. Reminds me of my daily count when I come out of the shop. If I can count to 21, it's been a good day. One day I counted 20. Not a good day. Tanus |
cutting down / cutting up trees
On Jun 30, 3:17*am, "Martin H. Eastburn"
wrote: The axe can cost far much more than the splitter - once the doctors finish with you! Martin - I do both - but know my limitations! er...you must be a tad older than myself ;-) |
cutting down / cutting up trees
On Jun 28, 3:00*pm, Tanus wrote:
It's easier to split if it's dried out a bit - you're right. If you live * in northern climates, it's even easier if you wait til a good freeze. I'm told that alder (local hardwood in Seattle) splits best when green. I haven't tried it both ways, but local tradition on the issue is strong... |
cutting down / cutting up trees
On Jun 30, 7:13*pm, whit3rd wrote:
On Jun 28, 3:00*pm, Tanus wrote: It's easier to split if it's dried out a bit - you're right. If you live * in northern climates, it's even easier if you wait til a good freeze. I'm told that alder (local hardwood in Seattle) splits best when green. * I haven't tried it both ways, but local tradition on the issue is strong... indeed...local tradition vs logic ;-) |
cutting down / cutting up trees
We cut green and split green in Northern Ca.
When you can use the hydrologic pressure of the wood itself it helps. A lot of wood compresses and shrinks making it harder. Martin Luitenant Verkramp wrote: On Jun 30, 7:13 pm, whit3rd wrote: On Jun 28, 3:00 pm, Tanus wrote: It's easier to split if it's dried out a bit - you're right. If you live in northern climates, it's even easier if you wait til a good freeze. I'm told that alder (local hardwood in Seattle) splits best when green. I haven't tried it both ways, but local tradition on the issue is strong... indeed...local tradition vs logic ;-) |
cutting down / cutting up trees
"Keith Nuttle" wrote in message
... My father used to say any time the knife was sharp. ie. saw, ax, etc. I personally like to cut them when it is not so hot and humid. Meaning early spring or late fall, depending on where you live I live in the middle of the Canadian prairies. What is this "hot" and "humid" that you speak of? |
cutting down / cutting up trees
Doug Brown wrote:
"Keith Nuttle" wrote in message ... My father used to say any time the knife was sharp. ie. saw, ax, etc. I personally like to cut them when it is not so hot and humid. Meaning early spring or late fall, depending on where you live I live in the middle of the Canadian prairies. What is this "hot" and "humid" that you speak of? Think back to last Summer, which I believe is August 14 in your part of the prairie. It was about 95dF and 95% relative humidity. That was the"hot" and "humid" that some of these southern US types speak of? As I recall, a front came through the next day and it snowed. Oh well... mahalo, eh? jo4hn |
cutting down / cutting up trees
jo4hn wrote:
Doug Brown wrote: "Keith Nuttle" wrote in message ... My father used to say any time the knife was sharp. ie. saw, ax, etc. I personally like to cut them when it is not so hot and humid. Meaning early spring or late fall, depending on where you live I live in the middle of the Canadian prairies. What is this "hot" and "humid" that you speak of? Think back to last Summer, which I believe is August 14 in your part of the prairie. It was about 95dF and 95% relative humidity. That was the"hot" and "humid" that some of these southern US types speak of? As I recall, a front came through the next day and it snowed. Oh well... Fortunately, for those of us on the prairie there aren't any trees to have to be bothered about cutting and splitting whatever this thing called "firewood" is... :) -- |
cutting down / cutting up trees
On Thu, 2 Jul 2009 22:02:04 -0600, "Doug Brown"
wrote: "Keith Nuttle" wrote in message ... My father used to say any time the knife was sharp. ie. saw, ax, etc. I personally like to cut them when it is not so hot and humid. Meaning early spring or late fall, depending on where you live I live in the middle of the Canadian prairies. What is this "hot" and "humid" that you speak of? It's what we southerners get for free and you northerners pay for. It's called a sauna. |
cutting down / cutting up trees
On Sat, 04 Jul 2009 08:55:44 -0400, Bill
wrote: On Thu, 2 Jul 2009 22:02:04 -0600, "Doug Brown" wrote: "Keith Nuttle" wrote in message ... My father used to say any time the knife was sharp. ie. saw, ax, etc. I personally like to cut them when it is not so hot and humid. Meaning early spring or late fall, depending on where you live I live in the middle of the Canadian prairies. What is this "hot" and "humid" that you speak of? It's what we southerners get for free and you northerners pay for. It's called a sauna. More generally, it's called "free heat". |
cutting down / cutting up trees
krw wrote:
On Sat, 04 Jul 2009 08:55:44 -0400, Bill wrote: It's what we southerners get for free and you northerners pay for. It's called a sauna. More generally, it's called "free heat". Hey! I represent that... ....northerners can have "free heat" if/when they want it. :) -- Morris Dovey DeSoto Solar DeSoto, Iowa USA http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/ |
cutting down / cutting up trees
On Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:46:40 -0500, Morris Dovey
wrote: krw wrote: On Sat, 04 Jul 2009 08:55:44 -0400, Bill wrote: It's what we southerners get for free and you northerners pay for. It's called a sauna. More generally, it's called "free heat". Hey! I represent that... ...northerners can have "free heat" if/when they want it. :) I was a northerner all my life (IL, NY, VT, OH), then decided to get the "free heat" last year. We moved to Alabama. ;-) |
cutting down / cutting up trees
krw wrote:
On Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:46:40 -0500, Morris Dovey wrote: krw wrote: On Sat, 04 Jul 2009 08:55:44 -0400, Bill wrote: It's what we southerners get for free and you northerners pay for. It's called a sauna. More generally, it's called "free heat". Hey! I represent that... ...northerners can have "free heat" if/when they want it. :) I was a northerner all my life (IL, NY, VT, OH), then decided to get the "free heat" last year. We moved to Alabama. ;-) After being raised in South Dakota (the only windbreak between us and the north pole was one tree in Minot ND), the family moved to Californee. I took an oath never to touch snow again. Then after more years than I can think about, I retired and moved into the nearby mountains. Twelve feet of snow last winter. [dope slap] There are a few problems with living in Paradise. mahalo, jo4hn |
cutting down / cutting up trees
On Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:29:08 -0700, jo4hn
wrote: krw wrote: On Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:46:40 -0500, Morris Dovey wrote: krw wrote: On Sat, 04 Jul 2009 08:55:44 -0400, Bill wrote: It's what we southerners get for free and you northerners pay for. It's called a sauna. More generally, it's called "free heat". Hey! I represent that... ...northerners can have "free heat" if/when they want it. :) I was a northerner all my life (IL, NY, VT, OH), then decided to get the "free heat" last year. We moved to Alabama. ;-) After being raised in South Dakota (the only windbreak between us and the north pole was one tree in Minot ND), the family moved to Californee. I took an oath never to touch snow again. Then after more years than I can think about, I retired and moved into the nearby mountains. Twelve feet of snow last winter. [dope slap] Indeed. We had about 5" of snow here in Eastern Alabama last winter. SWMBO (said she) wasn't happy about it. It was a perfect snowfall though. Snow only stuck to green things. There are a few problems with living in Paradise. Well, sometimes there is too much "free heat" here. It's been a while since I've been able to play with my toys. |
cutting down / cutting up trees
"jo4hn" wrote in message
m... I was a northerner all my life (IL, NY, VT, OH), then decided to get the "free heat" last year. We moved to Alabama. ;-) After being raised in South Dakota (the only windbreak between us and the north pole was one tree in Minot ND), the family moved to Californee. I took an oath never to touch snow again. Then after more years than I can think about, I retired and moved into the nearby mountains. Twelve feet of snow last winter. [dope slap] There are a few problems with living in Paradise. mahalo, jo4hn C'mon Jo4hn, there are at least three or four more trees in Saskatchewan - I know 'cause I've seen 'em myself! |
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