Practical Tips On How To Properly Cut Your Firewood

Cutting your own firewood is not as easy as it sounds. It requires a lot of work and can take up to hours or many days to complete, especially if you are cutting large pieces of wood. Good thing there are some steps you can take to make this process easier!


1. Tools you'll need 

Tools you'll need

An ax is good for small to medium logs but may take longer than other methods, depending on how many axes you have available and who is cutting the wood. Axes must be sharpened regularly or they become more difficult to use effectively.

Using a chainsaw for cutting firewood is ideal for large trees that are cut into smaller logs. This is a very efficient method but you must have the proper tools and to know how to use them properly or else they can become dangerous.

Hand saws are used for small-diameter logs that are no more than 6 inches in diameter, which makes this method most effective when used on smaller trees. However, it is not effective on larger trees because you cannot cut through the entire trunk all at once.

Wedges are ideal for extremely thick logs that are too large to chop with an ax or saw. You can either use a wedge to split the log into smaller pieces after it is down or just let it lay on its side and cut through the center of the log lengthwise. Other tools you may find helpful to use while cutting include five-pound sledgehammers, pulaskis, and bow saws.


2. Finding the right tree 

Finding the right tree 

For firewood, it is best to find a tree with branches that are wide at the bottom and narrower at the top for easy cutting. Stay away from trees that are too straight up and down. These trees will make it hard to cut off long sections of logs, which can be difficult given their shape.

Choosing a tree that is not too wide or narrow will allow you to cut off logs of various sizes. You may even be able to cut multiple pieces from one trunk depending on how tall it is and if the branches curve up the sides. There are several professional tools available for cutting, but there are also simple ways anyone can cut their own firewood.


3. Proper cutting techniques 

Proper cutting techniques 

If your logs are too long or short it can be difficult to get them burning. Chopping full-length logs into shorter pieces will help with this issue. The right technique for cutting logs is to always cut on the opposite side of the line where the log was struck. This will help maintain a perpendicular angle on both sides of the piece being cut.

Having a high-quality hatchet handy can make all the difference while chopping apart pieces of firewoods. The best technique is to place the head of the hatchet behind the firewood piece to be cut, make contact with the wood, and swiftly chop it in half. This will prevent your ax from glancing off the log or splitting apart pieces that are too thin.


4. Tips and tricks for storing your firewood 

Storing your firewood 

If you're going to store your firewood for a long period of time, there are a few things that you will need to consider.

  1. Make sure that the pile is well-ventilated and accessible from all angles
  2. Be sure not to stack the wood too tightly, as this will cause it to dry out quicker
  3. Try not to store your wood on concrete or pavement, as these materials can increase mold growth and lead to rot
  4. Storage units with ventilation holes or slanted roofs are highly recommended for those storing their wood outside

5. The best way to cut wood in different seasons and weather conditions 

Different seasons and weather

The best time to cut down a tree is in the fall when it is harvest season because most trees will have lost their leaves. This way, you will be able to see the branches and other bits of a tree without a lot of trouble.

In the winter months, firewood is essential for warmth. In the summer months, it's a great way to create a cool environment. To cut wood properly, one has to bear in mind that there are different types of wood and may require different cuts.

For example, when cutting pine, one should avoid cutting it into thick pieces as it will take a long time to dry. Avoid cutting blackberry bushes as they tend to have thorns. Try not to cut waterlogged logs as they won't provide much heat.

If you want to save money on your heating bill, firewood is the way to go. But before you start cutting it down or find someone else who will do it for you, some important things need to be considered first.

This article has covered everything from how much wood should be cut at one time to what tools are needed and where the best trees can be found. We hope this information helps! If not, please contact us with any questions or concerns about proper firewood cutting techniques today!

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