Setting up a small-scale kindling business - advice required

[TeaMonsta]

My full-time working pattern gives me a lot of spare time. For various reasons, it looks like small-scale kindling production and supply to the local area would suit me to give me an extra income to earn when I'm not doing my usual job. I'd be working on my own (at least to start with).

 

As a start, I've had a trailer of 6 inch softwood logs delivered, got some kindling bags ordered (65cm x 45cm) and have set about splitting the logs into kindling. This has led me to realise that splitting with a maul by hand takes a long time. Although I'd guessed this would probably be the case, it might lead to the problem of future demand being higher than I'm able to supply. Many of the logs are very knotty with a lot of twisted grain which slows the splitting down drastically.

 

Having read a few threads on this forum, I thought I'd ask you, the guys with the experience and knowledge, what might be the best way forward.

 

 

I'd like to buy a cheap, used kindling machine but it appears that the most popular and reliable, the Kindlet and Posch models are over my current budget which is about £1000. Until I'm able to invest in a kindling machine, is there another way of buying softwood to process which is knot-free so that I could speed up the current production speed? I have looked at using pallets for the kindling, too, but the time and effort required to process them along with possible contamination problems means they're something I'd rather not deal with.

 

Any other advice you may be able to offer on setting up for kindling production and supply would be very much appreciated, too. Thanks in advance.

Edited November 22, 2015 by TeaMonsta

[renewablejohn]

Buy ready made kindling from Aldi at £1.99 a bag then split into 2 bags and sell for £1.50 a bag. Quite frankly I think your mad to enter this market as the big suppliers can actually sell at a loss and still make money due to the RHI payments for drying the kindling wood.

[Richard 1234]

Buy ready made kindling from Aldi at £1.99 a bag then split into 2 bags and sell for £1.50 a bag. Quite frankly I think your mad to enter this market as the big suppliers can actually sell at a loss and still make money due to the RHI payments for drying the kindling wood.

 

 

That shows how wrong the system is!!

I don't blame said big suppliers they will take what they can and I would do the same.

[mendiplogs]

My full-time working pattern gives me a lot of spare time. For various reasons, it looks like small-scale kindling production and supply to the local area would suit me to give me an extra income to earn when I'm not doing my usual job. I'd be working on my own (at least to start with).

 

As a start, I've had a trailer of 6 inch softwood logs delivered, got some kindling bags ordered (65cm x 45cm) and have set about splitting the logs into kindling. This has led me to realise that splitting with a maul by hand takes a long time. Although I'd guessed this would probably be the case, it might lead to the problem of future demand being higher than I'm able to supply. Many of the logs are very knotty with a lot of twisted grain which slows the splitting down drastically.

 

Having read a few threads on this forum, I thought I'd ask you, the guys with the experience and knowledge, what might be the best way forward.

 

 

I'd like to buy a cheap, used kindling machine but it appears that the most popular and reliable, the Kindlet and Posch models are over my current budget which is about £1000. Until I'm able to invest in a kindling machine, is there another way of buying softwood to process which is knot-free so that I could speed up the current production speed? I have looked at using pallets for the kindling, too, but the time and effort required to process them along with possible contamination problems means they're something I'd rather not deal with.

 

Any other advice you may be able to offer on setting up for kindling production and supply would be very much appreciated, too. Thanks in advance.

 

Hi mate your going to get lot for £1k better with a good axe thanks Jon

[TeaMonsta]

Buy ready made kindling from Aldi at £1.99 a bag then split into 2 bags and sell for £1.50 a bag.

 

Like it. Much less hassle.

 

Quite frankly I think your mad to enter this market as the big suppliers can actually sell at a loss....

 

It's just for some extra pocket money. If the big suppliers want to sell it at a loss, that's up to them. Although, going by your first tip (Aldi), I can take advantage of this. Thanks, RJ . As long as I'm making a profit on what I sell that's all I'm concerned with. The only kindling available around here is in two local shops where they charge way over the top prices for a small amount.

 

Thanks again for the info.

Edited November 22, 2015 by TeaMonsta

[TeaMonsta]

Hi mate your going to get lot for £1k better with a good axe thanks Jon

 

So, £1K's not going to get me much, then. Thanks, ML. What sort of price should I expect to pay for an "entry-level" second-hand kindling machine? There don't seem to be many about.

[Big steve]

You need to find either a old vintage machine that might be a little more dangerous but will get you going

 

Clean new off cut wood is a good place to start also it's not wet

[mendiplogs]

So, £1K's not going to get me much, then. Thanks, ML. What sort of price should I expect to pay for an "entry-level" second-hand kindling machine? There don't seem to be many about.

 

Hi mate saying that I've seen some very old one with knife comes down on a small motor for less then that but no good knots thanks Jon

[Big steve]

The machine pictured works with knotty wood very well but Iv never seen another made by the same company

[mendiplogs]

The machine pictured works with knotty wood very well but Iv never seen another made by the same company

 

Hi STEVE that's the BOY mate great old kit thanks Jon