RobInNorfolk

So I got the Rock venom 22t as per the many recommendations and had my first go today. Very pleased with how well it works. Thanks for all the advice, esp@gav73 for time on the phone. Next is to make it one handed. A foot pedal would be even better.

Happy to discuss experiences of cornish masonry stove if anyone interested. Generally a nice gentle heat but it doesn't throw out that much and you don't a feeling of radiant heat unless you're near the glass. Fuller review available by PM!

Thanks. What splitting force did you have?

Probably 15-20m3 a year I would guess. Moving back to the farm from central-heated later this year so time will tell. We have recently had a good thinning in the wood though so there's a pile to get through and I'd like to do it quickly and efficiently. Electricity won't be an option in terms of working in the wood / yard unfortunately. Our kitchen wood-burner takes 11" lengths max and an open fire can take twice that, so I've been mixing between 11" logs and splitting into IBCs and 44" billets and stacking in the wood for cross cutting later. All splitting by hand so far. Not sure which is more efficient but the billets seem more satisfying! I'm quite tempted to go for a 1m length spitter for billets. Surely with a 22" log you can load it one side of the wedge, split and then load a new one, or one of the halves, for the return journey? I don't see why 11" would be the limit. Or do you mean loading two 11" lengths to split in one pass? Going back to power source, I think petrol seems the way to go but am seeing both PTO and tractor hydraulic options as alternatives. I don't fancy revving the tractor to get the PTO RPMs up which I assume I'd have to. Many thanks to everyone offering their experience. It's much appreciated. Especially as you can see I'm pretty confused about what's going to be the best option.

Thanks Gav73. I also meant to ask what people prefer re splitting billets or final lengths. I’ve been doing some sycamore in billets and it’s been dead easy by hand and has dried well. Cutting to final length afterwards has been a bit of a pain. I’ve been laying a small pile on fence posts but I should make a frame to hold them. I’ve also been doing some logs direct into IBC cages at their final length. This seems to be the least handling. Lux - it’s a good point that the two way splitter will take some keeping up with. Stihl123 - not sure id keep up with this one either!

I am looking to get a splitter for domestic use and keen to get something fast and efficient. This one from Rock Machinery splits in both directions which seems an obvious advantage but as this isn’t the commonest design I’d appreciate any views and experiences on the pros and cons. Also any other advice on splitters you like. Also I’m minder to get a petrol splitter rather than run it off a tractor (50-60hp) - any thoughts on that? 20ton Dual Action log splitter - Rock Machinery - Log Splitters & High Quality Garden Machinery WWW.ROCKMACHINERY.CO.UK Have you ever thought “i wish i could double the amount of logs i can split in a single cycle” ? Well now you can ! At Rock Machinery we are always developing machines trying to make splitting easer and simple and the dual action is the latest venom log splitter to change the way … Continue reading 20ton Dual Action log splitter →

Has anyone been watching the Rebuilding Tally-ho channel on Youtube? The guy's rebuilding a yacht and there's loads of interest to milling folk: a 56' mast in episode 31; milling live oak in Georgia in ep 19 and an awesome ship's saw in ep 23.

Pics please!

Cutter bar mower is excellent for reeds. Should easily cope with them and anything else growing among them.

It would be great to see some inspiring treehouse pics as planning to make one for the kids. Also, What is the best way to join a horizontal piece to the tree where there is no branch to act as support? Apologies that this is certainly in the wrong sub forum....

I love that book. It’s good to dip into and read whatever takes your fancy - no need to start at the beginning and plough through it in order.

What’s the dangerous looking slicing machine in the yard picture? Victorian branch logger or mangle wurzel chopper?

So does the oil boiler heat the accumulator or do the two systems meet “after” the accumulator, with a thermostat calling on the accumulator first and the oil second? Really appreciate the responses, thanks.

I think the plumber isn’t quite sure what to do - I am going to shop around for advice and experience before doing anything. I think the accumulator is important especially in summer when burning wood just for hot water. We probably won’t stoke continuously. Quite often there’s no-one of stoking age around - hence integrating with the oil system. For chimney that’s also still to decide. It’s near a listed building so probably induced draft.

Hi - any thoughts on the Farm 2000 boilers? They look simple and robust. Would be adding to an oil fired system. The plumber recommends it heats the DHW tank and then offloads to the central heating. He doesn’t think an accumulator tank is a good idea because the central heating radiator and pipe work system is ancient (1950s) and has a big volume of water in it which would soon use all the heat in an accumulator. It’s a big house with thick brick walls but not much insulation. We keep it fairly cool in winter and the aim is just to use less oil. Would be grateful for any advice.