Logs or billets?

[Dave177]

not an urgent question but im just trying to get the ball rolling for next year.

Currently I only have undercover storage for around 10 cube of logs and as much outdoor storage as I need (within reason) also have a few crates that I store logs in but not as many as I would like! looking to be processing and selling 70-100 cube next winter

 

Would I be better off cutting and splitting as logs and leaving outside under a membrane and moving into the shed as I need them this is what I currently do and it involves lots of double handling so not good at all!

 

so I am considering splitting into billets and stacking with some membrane over the top this would be tidier than a big heap of logs but would there be much benefit in drying and speed over the logs and in the shed option?

all will be cut with a chainsaw and split by axe or hydraulic splitter?

 

any other ideas?

[difflock]

Having pondered this exact same conundrum, I have opted for billets.

But one wont split metre long billets with an Axe or Maul.

From next season I will be bundling billets into 1m3 strapped bundles, for mechanical handling and stacking, and indeed possibly for onward sale. let the customer play with a chainsaw, as most appear to be keen to do so.

Or run through a cross cut saw and up a conveyor, into storage, bags, boxes, trailer, pick-up or whatever.

[slack ma girdle]

Billets stacked with a tarp over the top will half the moisture content in about six months. You then have the advantage of being able to cut them into what ever lenght the customer want. No double handling and minimum out lay of (expensive) machinery.

Other will disagree but it works for me.

 

Sent from my Galaxy arse using tupping talk.

Check ALL the simple things first.

[nepia]

Billets stacked with a tarp over the top will half the moisture content in about six months. You then have the advantage of being able to cut them into what ever lenght the customer want. No double handling and minimum out lay of (expensive) machinery.

Other will disagree but it works for me.

 

 

Absolutely except I don't bother covering them; let the air run free.

[nepia]

But one wont split metre long billets with an Axe or Maul.

 

Why not? I split 3', 4', 5' lengths regularly. Big knots are the only things stopping it.

[Dave177]

Thanks guys, looks like big stacks of billets it is then.

Difflock- If I go down the billet route I will be looking for a new splitter anyway, Although I did consider knocking through a few 1meter sections with the froe as a bit of a trial to see what happened - it is how I make post and rail after all.

[tree monkey]

why not guild frames with pallets and split into logs and cover with a sheet then its drying load straight into van and deliver

[davetaz]

Billets are where its at!

[nepia]

Show off! But I guess quick turnaround means everything to you otherwise you'd stack them straight surely...?

[davetaz]

Show off! But I guess quick turnaround means everything to you otherwise you'd stack them straight surely...?

 

Well you just cant get the staff these days!

Having nice straight oak does help though