What You’ll Need
There are many ways to cut firewood. We will focus our attention on the most cost-effective.
Here’s what you need:
Safety Comes First
You must use a chainsaw and safety equipment when cutting firewood.
Here’s what you need to know about basic safety gear:
- Eye Protection
- Durable Gloves
These safety equipment basics for chainsaws are not all you should be wearing.
Safety gear is just as important as using the correct chainsaw.
The Family Handyman says that the best way to safely use a chainsaw is to practice before you start a project.
It is easy to use on small objects. You will need to know how to cut correctly, how to avoid kickback zones, and how to hold it with an encircling grip.
You should only attempt to cut firewood using the chainsaw once you feel comfortable with its operation.
Step I: Trim Branches
You will need to remove the branches from a log that is raw, such as a tree you have just cut down.
This is called limbing the log. To trim any branches or other limbs, simply use the chainsaw.
Step II: Make A Shallow Groove
Before actually cutting, make shallow marks.
Because of the dimensions of most fireplaces or woodstoves these cuts should be roughly 41 cm apart to create pieces of wood measuring 41 cm in length.
You can measure your chainsaw’s bar size by using it as a guide, rather than using a tape measure.
Step 3: Slice Into The Log
You’re now ready to cut.
You can use the chainsaw to cut the log at each groove. Each cut must be pressed into the chainsaw.
Step IV: Turn The Log Over
Instead of cutting through the log all the way, make sure to only cut three quarters of the length on each cut.
This will prevent the chainsaw blade from spinning in the round, which could cause damage or increase risk.
After you have made your three-quarters cuts, roll the log over.
Step V: Finish The Cuts
You can use the chainsaw for all three-quarters of the cuts you made on the log’s opposite side.
These final three-quarters cuts will leave you with 41 cm wood pieces that you can cut into smaller pieces.
How About Splitting Firewood?
Once you have cut your firewood, it is time to break it into smaller pieces.
A maul is the best tool for this task, which is a combination of an axe & a sledgehammer.
Find a solid log to use as a chopping board before you begin splitting. It should measure approximately 12 to 46 cm in height and be relatively flat at both ends.
Place the log flat on a surface. To place each log, use the top side of your log as a chopping board.
Place a piece of cut log on the chopping board, with its end facing up. To split the log into two, raise your maul high above your head.
How big your firewood pieces are and how large your fireplace will determine the best chopping technique.
After cutting, you can either leave them the way they are or cut them in half or quarters.
You don’t want to cut your firewood by hand. Although an electric log splitter is a costly investment, it’s a very efficient tool for people who need a lot of wood.
Last Thoughts
Anyone can learn how to cut firewood.
Cutting and splitting firewood yourself is a great way to save money. But, it can also be very rewarding.
This guide will take away any hesitation you may have about using a saw to do this job and show you how to cut firewood confidently.
