Plwm

Hmm... I guess time will tell Big J! As the cladding dries it will give me about 1" gap on the front and left hand wall, the back already has at least an inch. Each bay is made up of 4 individual stacks with 3-4" between each stack. The logs aren't that tightly packed, daylight is visable through them, so fingers crossed the air will find it's way through?! Next years wood supply is already dry and stored elsewhere so this is planning for year 2, 3, 4.... hopefully plenty of time to dry (slowly!) (The right hand end is for sawing/splitting to keep all the mess in one place>)

Finally got round to finishing my little store. Found my water main in the process of digging out for the base... oops! Just needs a few more internal partitions and a door to the 'working area' to finish it off. Oh, that, and processing all the logs etc that are lying around the drive and garden that were waiting for the store to be built! The wife says it'll be nice to use the drive to park on again!!

Hi, as per the thread title I'm looking for a powered log splitter for personal use. Currently use a manual 'swedish log splitter' type which is fine if the grain is straight and I don't have alot to split in one go but it doesn't deal with knotty/twisty grain well. I have a mix of soft/hard woods and all sorts of diameters. So... prefer electric powered and budget is around £300 (though flexible to get better quality/performance). Considering the Forest Master Duocut FM10. Or is there something better for the money? Thanks in advance...

Hi, I've now taken delivery of a Hayauchi and first impressions are very good, even managed to cut down a couple of 6-10" thick dead branches! Thanks for everyone's suggestions...

Hi there, I noticed some of the top branches of one of my trees were dead. When I went to have a look at the tree close up I found quite alot of bark stripped off as per the photos, and as you can see in one pic there are alot of strips of bark on the ground around the base. Have squirrels done this and if so what are they after?

Thanks for the swift replies guys! I've always had the ethos of paying a bit more than I originally plan to get something that'll be better quality in the end... a quick google and the Hayauchi 4.9m can be got for £175 which puts it in my price bracket... :-)

Hi folks, Is there is anyone in the Brecon area that would like to get rid of surplus wood? Anything gratefully received. It can be tipped or I can collect (I have a Dispatch panel van). Happy to give you a donation for it, pay petrol etc or supply tea/coffee and fresh free range eggs! Cheers Neil

Hi folks, I'm looking to buy a long pole saw, circa 6m, for occasional personal use in my small wood and would appreciate the opinions of those who've used the various brands / designs. My shortlist is - Stallion 6.3m @ £126 Stein Pole kit 4 + 1.8m pole + 1.2m pole @ £169 Jameson 1.8m base pole + 2x 2.4m sections + head+saw @ £172 (Prices approx) At long lengths is it better to use a sectional pole design rather than the extending type with regards to flex/control/efficiency of cutting? The Stein and Jameson seem very similar products? I know Silky have a great reputation but my budget doesn't stretch to those! Would I be able to fit Silky saws to the above in the future if I wanted to? Thanks in advance...

Joe - if not supermarket petrol what alternative? And why? Woodcrafter - I'd happily do a course if the cost was less, I accept that the cost is less than losing a leg etc but at the moment it's not financially viable. Pity there aren't a few shorter/cheaper/individual courses on just maintenance / crosscutting / felling etc that would cater for the homeowner wanting training rather than those using a saw in a workplace environment. Thanks for everyones comments anyway.

Hi, many thanks for all the replies. As with any forum I use everyone has their own thoughts and preferences and you have to take them all on their own merit. As stated in my OP my local 'farm machinery' type outlets were both Stihl dealers (couldn't locate the Husky one) so I was leaning towards that brand. I buy loads of stuff off the 'net but some things I like to get local should any problems occur so my brands were limited. As such I picked up a saw today - a Stihl MS211. A bit more £ than I planned to spend initially but sometimes it's better to stretch the budget and get something that'll cope with any potential future needs or be abetter product from the start... Got the necessary PPE before the saw to save any temptation of cutting my leg off! :-) As for Cs30/31? - looking at what it covers much of it appears to be common sense and I could work out for myself; the instruction in the assessing and felling of trees bit would be useful though, I agree. It's unlikely that I'll spend an extra £500+ on this course. A day spent assisting a local would be far more beneficial if anyone wants some free labour?!? Many thanks again for your contributions Neil

Hi folks, new here and first post... looking for some (constructive!) advice... Recently moved to a new property with approx 1/2 acre of woodland, mainly 10-15 yr old Ash which could do with a bit of thinning. There are also some pre cut logs lying around of circa 6-18" diameter, ~4' long or so that I'd like to turn into usable firewood. I'm sure the odd log or two will get picked up on dog walks that will need cutting into suitable lengths too. So looking for my first saw that'll cope with producing firewood as well as some grounds maintenance on regular basis. Budget I guess around £250. I have PPE, use a Stihl brushcutter and have a reasonable amount of common sense!, though no chainsaw experience. Have 2 local Stihl dealers pointing me towards MS181 - one says 12" bar the other 14". I do have a Husky dealer as well but not as convenient. Will the 12" cope with larger diameter logs? Would welcome any thoughts on models/bar lengths to suit my needs/experience. Thanks in advance... Neil