Softwood drying times

[paul1966]

finally finished then log store today, now just need to get it filled.

[rapalaman]

Very nicely done!

[roys]

Just the job

[paul1966]

made a start splitting logs today, lessons learned - splitting logs is hard work but good fun, the wood grenade and a sledge hammer make a good combo, blunt chainsaws are probably more dangerous than sharp ones, it was only a graze but lessons learned and a new chain is coming tomorrow. Still a lot to split but I'll do a bit each day.

[Stere]

Can't it be sharpened?

[roys]

You’ll need to learn to sharpen your chains otherwise it will get very expensive if you get a new one every time it blunts. Plus they do need regular tickles with the file. I usually sharpen mine every tank or two of fuel. I only use a chainsaw for about 4 hours per week so I’m sure the professionals on here will give the exact timings on that, I guess a lot depends on what you are cutting and if it accidentally hits dirt, stones, wire or nails.

i bought a chainsaw manual guide/ jig on here from one of the site sponsor, Rob at chainsaw bars I use that weekly to keep any angle inaccuracies from creeping in.

Only used a wood grenade once found it to slow, if it is that knarly that I can’t split it with the maul (which is rare) it either gets chainsawed or if it is small enough it just goes in the woodburner as a whole piece once it has dried of course.

 

[paul1966]

26 minutes ago, Stere said:

Can't it be sharpened?

I have looked at sharpeners but there are so many different types its a bit of a minefield, can anyone recommend one that's not overly expensive?

[Stere]

One of theese thats matches your chainsaw chain file size.

 

Stihl chainsaw filing kit in tool roll – FR Jones & Son

WWW.FRJONESANDSON.CO.UK

 

[Doug Tait]

4 hours ago, paul1966 said:

made a start splitting logs today, lessons learned - splitting logs is hard work but good fun, the wood grenade and a sledge hammer make a good combo, blunt chainsaws are probably more dangerous than sharp ones, it was only a graze but lessons learned and a new chain is coming tomorrow. Still a lot to split but I'll do a bit each day.

Can I ask what happened that you were grazed by the chainsaw?

[Gav73]

I was about to ask the same thing!

Also looking at the pieces you’ve split and stacked in the picture - I would suggest you do some a little bit smaller too.

I was once told 12 months per inch thickness to season. It’s not going to be the case on all firewood as species, air flow, sun and weather will all play a part, but as this is your first self sufficient load it’s worth splitting some smaller to make sure you’re not caught out come winter with the firewood not being seasoned