Only 2 minutes in and decided to “like”, simply for the fact that you do stuff right! Idling a cold saw to warm it up, safety protection and awareness of vibration, absolutely spot on 😁👍
8 hours equals a half a day! Most people don’t get it. I am a farmer and wood cutter and truck driver all my life and routinely have worked 12 to 18 hour days my entire life and love it. I’m 64 years old and feel my best when I am accomplishing something and being productive. I get it. Can’t find kids to help any more. Stay active! Love your channel
I watch Steve’s small engine repairs regularly, full of very useful tips. 2 days ago I had an Honda engine on a pressure washer, it was running and lumping and I changed the carb twice to no avail, after watching Steve’s informative video about a hidden jet that causes this problem 99.9% of the time I took it out and cleaned it and it runs like a dream, this guy really knows his stuff. And yes those chaps are essential kit, like you I’ve had a couple of mishaps and the Kevlar fibres in them really do fank up the chain to stopping point.
Are the chaps single use? I imagine it's like a motorcycle helmet that got bumped. Once the integrity if the cords are gone, it won't stop a saw as fast the next time.
Absolutely take the point about using a pickaroon being "slower". I'm not a production firewood guy, I do not have a hydraulic splitter (I use a woodblock and a maul), I do it for my own supply and a few friends and family. I am happy to accept the loss of efficiency in order to get to the end of a day without my back being in spasm. Love my full length pickaroon...🇦🇺💪👍😁
Totally agree! It's not the speed or efficiency I'm after- it's the reach! So I'm not bending over all the time. Also works well for pulling wood out of the front of my pickup bed where my stubby arms can't reach, lol. And digging logs out of piles, and lots of other things. it's like a 3' arm extension.
The pickaroon is a tool like any other -- good some times and not others. I love a long-handled pickaroon, though I am shopping for some log tongs after seeing Tony's video on them! One thing that caught my attention was you mentioning that you sharpened yours with a dremel. Truth be told, the single most used tool in my shop, something I never thought I'd need, is a 2x72 belt grinder that knifemakers use. Wholy Mackerel! What a difference that thing makes in your life. Wood, metals, plastics, everything can be shaped with them. From super-coarse to super-fine with the quick change of a belt, you can get grind slag off cut steel one moment and then go to a high-gloss finish on antler the next. A bit pricey to guy into the club, but infinitely worth it for anyone who tinkers around the shop or farm.
Greetings Chris from S. E. Ohio. I haven't used either one of these but if I was to choose it would be long handled one to to my back. I've bunt wood for 43 yrs now & it has taken its toll on my back. But I just keep going but a lot slower. Have a wonderful rest of the day!!!
Morning Chris once again great safety video . I know about lose of nearing in the right ear . Ran chainsaw with out muffler on season it keep on fall off every time I put back on trying different ways to attach it. Keep these great videos coming. Keep the wood flying and the woodchucks stacking . Don
Have your tried the LogOx Forestry tool? The Hauler (small cant hook) would eliminate the issue with the pickaroon being hard to remove from the end of the piece as the Logox Hauler would allow you to grab it in the middle of the firewood round.
Yup. Making videos and explaining everything as I do it always adds a lot of extra time but if I do not do that I then have to answer lots more questions later about each thing I do.
Chris - At 20:16 is a good pic for an idea, you ever think of just splitting a cord or cord and a half letting it dump off like how you have it then setting up pallets in line but behind you and stacking it right away so your not tripping over the splits as you keep going?
I primarily use my hookeroon in the woods to carry out to the wagon. I grab one and put it under my arm and hook the second and head to the wagon. Haven’t split yet this year so I don’t know if it’ll be appropriate around the splitter. Good job on all the safety gear. I never have anyone with me so it’s important!
Good morning Chris!!😀😀 The pickaroons are okay but like you said they are time consuming to remove from the pieces. I prefer to use a pair of bunching tongs because they release instantly once you get used to them. I have 2 different sizes. The main pair that I use will grab up to a 12 inch diameter piece and the larger pair will grab close to a 20 inch piece. Anything much bigger than that gets ripped with the saw or split with my x27 Fiskars before it goes on the splitter. Hope you are staying cool and hydrated today. It's another hot one out there. TTYL!!😀😀👍👍
Interesting view on pickeroons vs hand-balling. I have two husqvarna ones (one long, one short) and a pair of log tongs I recently bought. I use all three continuously and hardly ever just bend over to pick up logs. Which ones I use depend on the diameter of the log. I find they make me more efficient - but the way I process the firewood is completely different to your way. My splitter will take a log up to a metre long, so my rounds are up to that length. If it’s a really heavy log I’ll use both pickeroons or a pickeroon and tongs to pick them up. I cut all my firewood to length once it’s split using a bulk log holder (so again, no bending to chainsaw up the rounds) There is definitely a knack to flicking the pickeroon into a log and not having to wiggle it loose - it’s worth persevering with them until you get the knack. I even use mine to load the trailer with firewood. Flick, pick, flick and it’s gone from the floor and into the trailer!
I had the 36 inch log rite pickaroon. It simply made my job so much easier when handling firewood. Someone jacked it from me so I plan on getting a new one soon.
I use a 34” buzz saw on my two-cylinder John Deere 730 (76 HP rebored) for any rail wood 10 inches across, or smaller. Cuts take one second to make. I also use my Log-Ox to move and stack wood blocks. Sometimes I use a pulp wood hook. It looks like a hay hook. Great video. 🤠👍
I have a similar long wood handle picaroon. I found that I feel the same way about it not being as fast at the splitter. I do sometimes use it when I’m in the woods loading up rounds into the trailer. 👍🏻👍🏻GNI
Good morning Irene!! Just want you to know that I love working with my hands or I often use my wood hooks to carry the wood pieces from point A to point B saves my back I would say about 70% compared to with my hands only. Food for thought Chris lol but don’t forget I am Canadian so we are different lol 😂 great work buddy keep it up 👍
I agree with you Chris with all the cons of using a log pick. A log pick should be used for pulling rounds, in my case, used for pulling the rounds broadside making them roll to where you want them, another reason to use a log pick is to pull or rearrange logs on a log pile for cutting. A short handled log pick, sappie, can be used around your log splitter, whether on the table or near the splitter. To me, constantly lifting logs with a log pick with your right side or left side would cause a lot of stress on them muscles and skeletal system, I don't know because I only pull not lift the rounds or split pieces with my pick. I agree with you Chris that bending over is better for you to pick up the rounds or split pieces to stretch them muscles. But, it is always a good practice to lift with your legs not your back, may seem awkward at first, it is for me since I just started to learn to lift with my legs since my lower back is almost shot, so I need to get used to this new way of lifting if I'm to continue making firewood.
I've cut up a lot of firewood over the years. From watching your video I saw something new. I will try your technique moving wood with the chainsaw. What is your technique for measuring your cuts? Will the Fiskars's handle fit over the splitter handle? Just thinking if it does you can store it there. Is that a custom built splitter? Thanks!!!
Thanks Mike! I measure with the saw bar and the zip ties on the handle, there are videos on the channel showing it. Maybe No, that is a EASTONMADE ULTRA, check out there website.
@In The Woodyard Watching your #346 (Pickaroon: Long vs. Short) right now. Ordered the 12" Fiskars Hookaroon XA2 last night to hold small pieces vertically for hatchet splitting. Thanks for the tip!
I hear you on the back thing in regards to speed. I too am faster with only my hands, but the fatigue sets in so much faster. I like the idea of tossing small pieces onto the splitter table. Unfortunately that will cost me at least $4000. A proper 4-way wedge for the logs I'm working on, along with auto-cycle, would save a huge amount of time.
@@InTheWoodyard, agreed. Will get better performance for the money spent by working more and getting into better shape. Takes so long right now to do the job that it really gets to me. What takes you three hours takes me all weekend to do. LOL, am out of shape but improving!
That what I like about your Splitter, its Fast and I like that Big run off table. Hey Chris, you should buy a trailer hitch for your John Deere to move your splitter around, I just got one for mine. Nice Job Chris.
I also use an 8-foot marking stick that lets me accurately mark out 16-inch blocks that are the same length every time. Again, no bending while using the sawbuck.
You should look into chainsaw protective pants. They are expensive but it beats wearing jeans and chaps in the summer. I fully recommend the Clogger zero gen 2 ‘s. As a professional arborist. It’s all I wear and I also know the value of some kind of leg protection. If you decide to go the pants route, you’ll thank me in the summer time.
I was going to send you a picture of my friend’s leg. He was just testing his saw after sharpening the Chain and did not put his chaps on. Needed many staples and skin graphs. Be safe Chris.
Short pickaroon or those log tongs that you and Mr Fiskars went over to get rounds onto the splitter? Wondering which one will work best for me to reduce fatigue.
Hey Chris, how many times to you sharpen your chain while doing a truck load of wood? Also, I see you don’t measure your wood length for your cuts. Are you within an inch on each log length? Or, if not, do customers mind? Thanks for the vids.
I have been watching your channel a lot! you make good sense, thanks for the advice. 1 question that looks like an Easton made splitter, can't you adjust the height? seems like you have to split the bottom ones twice.
Chris, if you havn't seen it yet, Neil from Messick's Equipment channel has an excellent new vid titled: "Top 10 Equipment Purchase Myths" that you may find beneficial. It's worth the 19 minutes IMHO. Great points on the pick/hook/sappies. I've about came to the same conclusions. I don't use them all the time, but I sure like having them around for certain things when I need them. Thanks for the vids
Maybe a little adjustment on the wedge as you work would eliminate quite abit of kindling....I've noticed a few of your other videos when you mention you prefer not to deal with it so much....
I adore my half-long pickaroons from "Oregon": it's the shape of the handle and the 'pick'-thing I think which makes it really easy to release the logs and to place them quite precisely. And they weigh next to nothing (compared to my long wooden handle sappie with a 'massive' metal head). I accidentally bought a pair, so I realized that we actually have two arms... So much to 'I can lift two logs with my bare hands'! 😁
That moment when you notice the cutting edge on the wedges are a mirror finish from the amount of wood across them. That's a LOT of wood through a splitter!
I’ve got the long handle fisker pickaroon was thinking about getting the short one in your opinion is the short one worth it or should I just get another long handle one
I use a six-foot sawbuck stand that handles eight-foot logs. For bigger stuff I use a forklift I made for my tractor loader, which allows me to cut up 30 foot logs with no bending over. I then use the forklift backboards to push the blocks up into a pile.
The XA2 looks pretty cool. It looks like it definitely helps pick up some logs. However, correct me if I am wrong but isn't the major advantage to a pickaroon not having to bend over? It looks like that might defeat the purpose. It looks really cool for smaller stuff and if you have a large pile like you have though.
@@InTheWoodyard Sorry commented when I originally saw you using it and noticed you commented on some of this later lol. Great conclusion though. You won a subscription from me.
I am 75 years old and still cut 6 cords of firewood every summer to heat my home all winter. I burn as much of the tree as I can, down to about an inch or so in diameter no high production like you. Just the wood you show in your video would probably last me the rest of my life LOL.. I use one of those light picker upers with the rubber cups on the grabber to pick up the small stuff, saves my back, and was just looking at the Hookaroon to help with some of the larger 16" long logs, The real big ones I have to split with a wedge so I can lift them. Out in the field I load everything into my trailer and take them home where I can use my 6 1/2 ton electric splitter to split them for the stacking. Just getting ready to start cutting again about the end of May, rounding up all the tools and getting them ready. may add a l Hookaroon to my tool box this year.
@@InTheWoodyard Been using the pickaroon for sometime now and really like it, this years I spent the winter rebuilding two of my 16" saws, they work great now a 33 CC and a 40 CC engine, and bought another saw 72 CC with the 28" bar for the bigger logs, can't wait to get out there and see how it works, 76 years old and still going strong, No ear plugs ,no chaps no hard hat. LOL the only time I have hurt myself cutting trees was when I hit my finger with a hammer. Do not get your finger between the hammer and the splitting wedge. LOL
A little story about safetypants: I helped the local plantation with cutting down some small trees and brushes. A young guy, 19 - 20 years old, was also helping with a chainsaw, he was not wearing safetypants, only hunting pants. We had been going for some hours an decided to take a break when we noticed that he had ripped his left pantsleg. He looked surprised and opened up the pants and on his thigh he had a red line some 10 - 15cm (4-6inch) long! He did not even notice that the saw had ripped his pants and literally scratched his leg! USE SAFETY GEAR! If you take a chance, the saw takes a leg!
Funny Chris, seems to me that every time I fire up the welder or suit up for sandblasting somebody turns the heat up! Great tips for tooling up, I too am a firm believer in warming them up. 'Most of the Time' I'm a PPE wearer... Never without a helmet and generally sport'n ear plugs. I don't care to wear chaps when felling, but I almost always when buck'n. When Drop'n & Flop'n stems I prefer to be Agile, Mobile & Hostile! I've had my boot heel get snagged on a leg strap and that has taken me down fast. That's no time or place to be laying down on the job! As for your logic concerning moving and stretching, I'm right there with ya. On the rare occasion when we go away for a few days, my wife will notice a drop in my adenosine triphosphate levels... Yes, it appears to her that Rigor Mortis is setting in! Movement, not Over-Movement is key to my functionality! Bless'ns to ya, Tedd
Yup, I have talked about it a few times. I can cut a full cord in about 1 hour and I can split a full cord in about 1 hour and I can stack in about 1 hour and to load and deliver and unload is about an hour on average with about 1 hour of ancillary thing to do...sharpen chain, gas up, maintenance, phone/text, clean up, etc SO...about 5 hours + - Good question Jake!
I sell 9o% of my firewood to people who only burn in a fireplace and they want small pieces that are easy to handle and burn easily not huge all nighter chunks that stove and boiler people think they need.
Looks great, i like how you analyse what you do and how you do it. I prefere not to grab things on the ground. To scope up the wood with a tractor or something simulare and then either grab them from the tractor or to put all of that wood into pallets and then raise the pallets to a hight where i can reach them. I know its hard to make everything work together, there are always something that limits the work we do :)
David, I have the longer handle Fishers and have yet to find wood that it will not hook in. I have had it in some 24” rounds of solid almost frozen Red Oak, 1 swing is all it took and it was in for the long haul. and carried them with no issues at all. I abuse my tools like Chris, I buy them to work hard. Lol. Trust me, it works amazing and is extremely light. Very little vibration in the handle at all. I used it right out the package and have 0 regrets.
If you are using an axe to split having a pickaroon is a godsend, I hear you on the stretching part since I can stack wood all day but chopping and stacking it's nice to not to bend as much. I prefer the short i feel it is easier to remove, i also use it to make smaller cuts with my hatchet as a holder so I don't lose any fingers. However the best pickaroon is to just give your grandkids 5$ to hand you wood and stack
Ha! I was trying to remember what I seen about warming up your saws. It was the Steve's small engine saloon vid you mentioned! It looks like you're not happy with the height of the horizontal wedges. Maybe a modification worth doing.
cutting them thinner today Chris ? By the way my mother Name was Irene, in September she would have been !00 i miss her so much. Have a great day good afternoon Irene..
If you look at my saw handle you will see a measuring device on it that I use to eye up every cut I make. I have a video on how I do it on my channel at about #180ish.
I have a table built about 3’x7’ that I spend a few minutes with the pickaroon loading the table up with as much as I can which is quite a bit. Then I just turn around grab the log and put it on the splitter and so on. Then I idle the splitter down a bit and load the table again. This helps my back out a lot. And the pick is slower than splitting so it really does speed up both ways. Just a pointer that I like to do.
Chris ask Tony if Fiskars makes a belt holder for that pickaroon. It would make it easier and more efficient if you could grab it from your right hip. If they don’t make one a loop hammer holder would work well.
@@InTheWoodyard Could you name a couple of em thats considered a heavier one.ha.Theres alot of em out there for sale.Iwant to buy one and be done.I cut mostly hockory and oak forewood.thanks
it looks to me like the small one needs a little bit more weight to be more effective. looks like you could get a bolt, 2 washers, and three nuts thread one nut on the bolt all the way to the bolt head and then add a washer and push through the hole add second washer and thread last 2 nuts on tight and I bet that would give just enough extra weight to make it perfect
So Chris I'm going to be buying a new chainsaw. I have an electric chainsaw with a cord, I've pressed it to the max. It has a 16-in bar and been cutting on a huge tree trunk that is 30 in. I tried to do one cut on it and the blade went dull halfway through. I don't think it's enough saw to be cutting oak. So I went to Lowe's and they only have the 50cc engine husqvarna's. I should get a 70cc correct? I don't want to do the step up gradually chainsaw thing. I want to chainsaw like you got. I believe it's a Husqvarna 572, with a 24 inch bar?? I believe it's like a thousand bucks.? I'm going to be cutting a lot of wood in the future and I just want to buy a saw that's going to work permanently, and make me happy. Should I buy this chain saw?
Definitely a good choice of a saw. I have a older Husqvarna 357 XP with a 18” bar and I will not go with a bigger bar on that saw that I bought used from a tree service guy, it is night and day from my new 460 Rancher with a 24” bar. I have yet to get a 20” bar for it yet. Yes, there is a major difference in weight as well as overall higher grade materials between the 2. They both re 60cc saws as well. I will grab the 357 most any day, the 460 was needed for the longer bar that I need often for larger rounds. Over all a 20” bar seems to be the even ground, for most people but it is preference to you, the user.
Yes get the 572xp 24" bar, $1,000, you will love it! BUT and this is a BIG BUT. You should find some one with a medium size saw and run it a few times for a couple hours to get used to it and then run your new 572. The difference is big. Like going from a smart car to a corvette. Good luck and enjoy!
The PPE overview and reminders to actually use them are better than hindsight and regrets after an injury occurs. I suspect most cannot do what Chris does, because they haven’t done what he’s done through the years. Strength, stamina, to achieve his productivity rate and listening to your body to avoid overuse injuries as you work only come through long experience. Recliners and office chairs set up more guys for injuries than daily hard work in my opinion.
Canvas Man, you are the MAN! I agree totally with that! People tell me all the time ....you work to hard ,you are going to get hurt or you need to slow down and that is because they think I am them and they have no concept of what is possible and what I do. The more I do it the easier it is. Thanks MAN!
@@InTheWoodyard I find the same thing when people suggest that at 56 I’m too old to have a second job as caretaker that requires 20+ hrs a week line trimming around cemetery headstones. There’s a good tired that comes from hard physical work that most will never know. I suspect your distance running training regimen that gave you a base of endurance was much the same for you.
I have had a couple of cast head pickaroons. The palm swell on the end felt really good. But I had to give them away because they were had to use. I found the logrite to be a game changer. I think your right that the size of the round also makes a difference.
Chris do u think u can process more wood with the smaller rounds ur normally have . (They looks small on from the video that is ) I Kno there easier to handle . Or would do think if u only cut and split 22+ inch stuff u could produce wood faster . I not saying ur don't process astronomical amount cause u do . I rather handle the smaller ones .but 90 percent of the stuff u get my hands on are huge .
As a small engines repair cat, I also see prematurely old saws from all the jack rabbiting. Chainsaws are easy: full throttle when cutting, idle when not. No need to flex on the throttle.
There are two ways to view being able to work both sides of a splitter - 1) By varying the side, one gives part of their body a rest, or 2) By varying the side, at the end of the day, one is doubly-tired. LOL
When I was first married (1980) I borrowed my Father-in-Law's little Homelight 14" chainsaw and did a stupid thing cleaning up the small branches. Holding the little stuff in my left hane and the powersaw in my right. Dumb, dumb, dumb. Went halfway through two knuckles on the first two fingers of my left hand. Took a year to get 100% back (happily, I did with a LOT of sweat and tears squeezing balled socks on up to tennis balls). Later, when we got more property and my own chainsaw, my Wife made me promise I would wear chaps and helmet/faceshield/muffs. And I still do all these 43 years later. I learned things go bad in fractions of a second and respect the moving bits. Tractors, too. Haven't hit my leg, but somehow managed to melt a spot on the chaps with a hot muffler. I also noticed a large, nicely sliced chunk missing from the left index finger on a pair of heavy leather gloves that was a mystery. Phew I use a 36" pickaroon to move bucked sections for splitting and a 5' peavey for larger logs. I only cut wood for our own use (wood stove in the living room and a boiler for heat and water heating in the cellar). Four chords sees us through a year as the boiler is also oil fired and we run that through the summer and a bit more.
Everyone’s situation is different. That’s what is fun watching other people’s set up. I’m predicting when you get your larger push plate you will lower your 4 way a smidge.
“A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still”--unknown. Much like you became self-aware that wearing hearing protection is beneficial to preventing further hearing loss, until there is sufficient self awareness of excessive BLT(not bacon, lettuce, tomato but bending, lifting and twisting) to maintain a healthy back as opposed to guarding an injured back, there will be no change. Even if the sappies or the picaroon take a bit longer time, using them will prolong your ability to have a healthy back. Just my professional opinion. Thanks for the video.
I noticed that you cut with the tip of your saw a lot when you're cutting logs. Doesn't that wear out that part of the blade more?? Just kidding, I know you need a certain amount of dumb questions to keep you on track. That's a good two day's worth of work. I agree with you on the pickaroons. I use one for reaching stuff I can't get to, but not to pick up wood when splitting.
I hear ya Chris! Or rather, don’t hear ya… I’m 47 but have the hearing a 70 year old cause I could never be bothered with earmuffs. Grew up running saws with my dad, then a career in Motorsport. BOY do I regret it now!!
Stick the picaroon into the side of the log instead of the end. The bark will help you pull it out better sence your swinging it so hard. Also you filed the tip to a point. U want it more square but also sharp if that makes sence. But to be fair I feel for what your doing log tongs would be great. Expecially when your done with your chainsaw and throwing it to the other piled on the ones that aren't huge
Just a small note about this video ( Pickaroons: Long vs. Short) most of the video was watching your splitter work and appears you already decided you didn't like the Pickaroon before you even started. I will be using mine a lot this summer.
@@InTheWoodyard I am 75 years old now and there is not much that will slow me down much more LOL but this tool may actualy speed me up a little, I cut down the tree then starting at the top, and slice it up in 16" slices, after clearing all the non-usab;le debrie , I start picking up the usable pieces, use a small pickerupper for the small stuff up to 4" then this tool will be great for the pieces it can handle, anything bigger than that will be split with a wedge so I can pick it up and load it into my trailer, I can see this tool saveing a lot of bending over, granted it will not eleminate all of it, but for an old fart like me, every little bit helps. LOl
Only 2 minutes in and decided to “like”, simply for the fact that you do stuff right! Idling a cold saw to warm it up, safety protection and awareness of vibration, absolutely spot on 😁👍
Thanks for the button poke!
Thanks for the story about the chaps stopping the saw. You made a believer out of me.
That is good to hear!
8 hours equals a half a day! Most people don’t get it. I am a farmer and wood cutter and truck driver all my life and routinely have worked 12 to 18 hour days my entire life and love it. I’m 64 years old and feel my best when I am accomplishing something and being productive. I get it. Can’t find kids to help any more. Stay active! Love your channel
Thanks Rick! I concur!
Thats a big 10-4, driver
Was about to write the same !
Keep going, Rick. Hope you are well. 👍
Help is very hard to find
I watch Steve’s small engine repairs regularly, full of very useful tips. 2 days ago I had an Honda engine on a pressure washer, it was running and lumping and I changed the carb twice to no avail, after watching Steve’s informative video about a hidden jet that causes this problem 99.9% of the time I took it out and cleaned it and it runs like a dream, this guy really knows his stuff. And yes those chaps are essential kit, like you I’ve had a couple of mishaps and the Kevlar fibres in them really do fank up the chain to stopping point.
Are the chaps single use? I imagine it's like a motorcycle helmet that got bumped. Once the integrity if the cords are gone, it won't stop a saw as fast the next time.
Yes I agree with you!
It depends, mine started to unravel a bit so after the second hit I got a new pair, it was not worth a chance.
Chris you are the most efficient and productive man I have ever met. Your the best 1 man band for splitting wood.
Thanks Johnny!
I appreciate the way you analyze the process to work efficiently. cheers.
Just trying to save effort and time.
That Easton log splitter is the best one I have seen on UA-cam.
Thanks Jim, I really like it!
I just went back and looked at some of your mid-100's videos. It's been a fun channel. Thank you!
Thanks a bunch Michael, you need to watch them all.....twice....no, make that three times! HA!
Absolutely take the point about using a pickaroon being "slower". I'm not a production firewood guy, I do not have a hydraulic splitter (I use a woodblock and a maul), I do it for my own supply and a few friends and family. I am happy to accept the loss of efficiency in order to get to the end of a day without my back being in spasm. Love my full length pickaroon...🇦🇺💪👍😁
Yup, I am liking the long one now too!
Totally agree! It's not the speed or efficiency I'm after- it's the reach! So I'm not bending over all the time. Also works well for pulling wood out of the front of my pickup bed where my stubby arms can't reach, lol. And digging logs out of piles, and lots of other things. it's like a 3' arm extension.
The pickaroon is a tool like any other -- good some times and not others. I love a long-handled pickaroon, though I am shopping for some log tongs after seeing Tony's video on them!
One thing that caught my attention was you mentioning that you sharpened yours with a dremel. Truth be told, the single most used tool in my shop, something I never thought I'd need, is a 2x72 belt grinder that knifemakers use. Wholy Mackerel! What a difference that thing makes in your life. Wood, metals, plastics, everything can be shaped with them. From super-coarse to super-fine with the quick change of a belt, you can get grind slag off cut steel one moment and then go to a high-gloss finish on antler the next. A bit pricey to guy into the club, but infinitely worth it for anyone who tinkers around the shop or farm.
Thanks for the info!
Greetings Chris from S. E. Ohio. I haven't used either one of these but if I was to choose it would be long handled one to to my back. I've bunt wood for 43 yrs now & it has taken its toll on my back. But I just keep going but a lot slower. Have a wonderful rest of the day!!!
Thanks John, keep cuttin!
Morning Chris once again great safety video . I know about lose of nearing in the right ear . Ran chainsaw with out muffler on season it keep on fall off every time I put back on trying different ways to attach it. Keep these great videos coming. Keep the wood flying and the woodchucks stacking . Don
Thanks for watching Donald!
Have your tried the LogOx Forestry tool? The Hauler (small cant hook) would eliminate the issue with the pickaroon being hard to remove from the end of the piece as the Logox Hauler would allow you to grab it in the middle of the firewood round.
Yes I tried one out a while back, I did not like it, it was heavy and kinda bulky.
With much love & respect, the more you talk the less time you have to get it done, I really enjoy your videos 😊☺️
Yup. Making videos and explaining everything as I do it always adds a lot of extra time but if I do not do that I then have to answer lots more questions later about each thing I do.
Chris - At 20:16 is a good pic for an idea, you ever think of just splitting a cord or cord and a half letting it dump off like how you have it then setting up pallets in line but behind you and stacking it right away so your not tripping over the splits as you keep going?
No, one job at a time is more efficient for me.
I primarily use my hookeroon in the woods to carry out to the wagon. I grab one and put it under my arm and hook the second and head to the wagon. Haven’t split yet this year so I don’t know if it’ll be appropriate around the splitter. Good job on all the safety gear. I never have anyone with me so it’s important!
Thanks Jeff, good idea on the grab one and pick one! I like it!
Nice demonstration on the picaroons.. every tool has an advantage to disadvantage.
Thanks, that is true!
I use a pickarone for the ones on the ground , that last 10 " is a killer for me ! Have a great day !
Yes, it does help with the reach!
Steve's small engine is a great channel! And so is yours!
Glad you think so! Yup, Steve's channel is great!
G’afternoon Chris ! Thanks for the safety reminder ! I love my screen glasses (forget the name). It’s like built in sunglasses ! Irene : GN
Thanks Corey, yes I have seen those.
You're a hard working man thats for sure. Nice saw great little splitter.
Thanks Tom!
Good morning Chris!!😀😀
The pickaroons are okay but like you said they are time consuming to remove from the pieces.
I prefer to use a pair of bunching tongs because they release instantly once you get used to them. I have 2 different sizes. The main pair that I use will grab up to a 12 inch diameter piece and the larger pair will grab close to a 20 inch piece. Anything much bigger than that gets ripped with the saw or split with my x27 Fiskars before it goes on the splitter.
Hope you are staying cool and hydrated today. It's another hot one out there. TTYL!!😀😀👍👍
Yup, I gotta get some tongs so I can be cool like you and TONY! Thanks Al!
Good info and a great video! Nice shout out to Steve's Small Engine his videos are also great info to know.
Thanks, yup Steve is the man when it comes to small engine info!
Great video to wake up to and love your choice of music!!!
Thanks Douglas!
Interesting view on pickeroons vs hand-balling. I have two husqvarna ones (one long, one short) and a pair of log tongs I recently bought. I use all three continuously and hardly ever just bend over to pick up logs. Which ones I use depend on the diameter of the log. I find they make me more efficient - but the way I process the firewood is completely different to your way. My splitter will take a log up to a metre long, so my rounds are up to that length. If it’s a really heavy log I’ll use both pickeroons or a pickeroon and tongs to pick them up. I cut all my firewood to length once it’s split using a bulk log holder (so again, no bending to chainsaw up the rounds)
There is definitely a knack to flicking the pickeroon into a log and not having to wiggle it loose - it’s worth persevering with them until you get the knack. I even use mine to load the trailer with firewood. Flick, pick, flick and it’s gone from the floor and into the trailer!
That makes a lot of sense for the size or logs you are cutting to use the tongs. Thanks Wood man!
I had the 36 inch log rite pickaroon. It simply made my job so much easier when handling firewood. Someone jacked it from me so I plan on getting a new one soon.
That sucks, a new one would be nice then!
I use a 34” buzz saw on my two-cylinder John Deere 730 (76 HP rebored) for any rail wood 10 inches across, or smaller. Cuts take one second to make. I also use my Log-Ox to move and stack wood blocks. Sometimes I use a pulp wood hook. It looks like a hay hook. Great video. 🤠👍
Thanks Craig, it sounds like you have some good equipment! See you here tomorrow!
I have a similar long wood handle picaroon. I found that I feel the same way about it not being as fast at the splitter. I do sometimes use it when I’m in the woods loading up rounds into the trailer. 👍🏻👍🏻GNI
yup, it is nice for reaching in to pull rounds out too.
Good morning Irene!! Just want you to know that I love working with my hands or I often use my wood hooks to carry the wood pieces from point A to point B saves my back I would say about 70% compared to with my hands only. Food for thought Chris lol but don’t forget I am Canadian so we are different lol 😂 great work buddy keep it up 👍
Thanks Louis, different is good!
I agree with you Chris with all the cons of using a log pick. A log pick should be used for pulling rounds, in my case, used for pulling the rounds broadside making them roll to where you want them, another reason to use a log pick is to pull or rearrange logs on a log pile for cutting. A short handled log pick, sappie, can be used around your log splitter, whether on the table or near the splitter. To me, constantly lifting logs with a log pick with your right side or left side would cause a lot of stress on them muscles and skeletal system, I don't know because I only pull not lift the rounds or split pieces with my pick.
I agree with you Chris that bending over is better for you to pick up the rounds or split pieces to stretch them muscles. But, it is always a good practice to lift with your legs not your back, may seem awkward at first, it is for me since I just started to learn to lift with my legs since my lower back is almost shot, so I need to get used to this new way of lifting if I'm to continue making firewood.
Yup, listen to your body! Thanks for the info and thanks for watching!
I've cut up a lot of firewood over the years. From watching your video I saw something new. I will try your technique moving wood with the chainsaw. What is your technique for measuring your cuts? Will the Fiskars's handle fit over the splitter handle? Just thinking if it does you can store it there. Is that a custom built splitter? Thanks!!!
Thanks Mike!
I measure with the saw bar and the zip ties on the handle, there are videos on the channel showing it.
Maybe
No, that is a EASTONMADE ULTRA, check out there website.
@In The Woodyard Watching your #346 (Pickaroon: Long vs. Short) right now. Ordered the 12" Fiskars Hookaroon XA2 last night to hold small pieces vertically for hatchet splitting. Thanks for the tip!
Nice, I like that one too!
I just found this channel not long ago been watching some videos i like the way you dont bad talk outher brands
Thanks so much for watching! I will make a new video every day just for you to watch!!
As any self employed person knows, you only have to work half days in your own business. The best part is you get to choose which 12 hours you work.
And you do not have to worry about which day to work because you work them ALLLLLLL!
@@InTheWoodyard Haha
I hear you on the back thing in regards to speed. I too am faster with only my hands, but the fatigue sets in so much faster. I like the idea of tossing small pieces onto the splitter table. Unfortunately that will cost me at least $4000. A proper 4-way wedge for the logs I'm working on, along with auto-cycle, would save a huge amount of time.
No, just use what you have now, I had your set up for four years before I improved the system.
@@InTheWoodyard, agreed. Will get better performance for the money spent by working more and getting into better shape. Takes so long right now to do the job that it really gets to me. What takes you three hours takes me all weekend to do. LOL, am out of shape but improving!
If you had someone helping you splitting, what would be more beneficial, stacking while you split or constantly feeding you rounds?
FEED ME! good question, the splitter is so fast I need help to feed it, stacking can happen anytime.
It’s funny hearing you say the same catch phrases guys our age grew up with. I like it UH-LOT!!🤣
Or had kids growing up at the same time, hearing their movie culture quotes.
Yes, Loyd Christmas, is a good friend of mine!
Movie quotes are great!
That what I like about your Splitter, its Fast and I like that Big run off table. Hey Chris, you should buy a trailer hitch for your John Deere to move your splitter around, I just got one for mine. Nice Job Chris.
I am getting my tractor next week to move it around! And I might get a trailer cart too.
I also use an 8-foot marking stick that lets me accurately mark out 16-inch blocks that are the same length every time. Again, no bending while using the sawbuck.
nice!
How do you use the cable ties for mesuring your cuts? It looks like you sight off the end instead of laying it on the wood.
Yes, mostly that is what I do, on a big log I do lay it on it sometimes to get a good measurement.
You should look into chainsaw protective pants. They are expensive but it beats wearing jeans and chaps in the summer. I fully recommend the Clogger zero gen 2 ‘s. As a professional arborist. It’s all I wear and I also know the value of some kind of leg protection. If you decide to go the pants route, you’ll thank me in the summer time.
I dunno man, in summer I wear shorts n when I’m done cutting, whip the chaps off. Only wear chainsaw trousers in the winter. ✌️
Great Review- Personal protective equipment is super important.
Thanks Richard!
I was going to send you a picture of my friend’s leg. He was just testing his saw after sharpening the Chain and did not put his chaps on. Needed many staples and skin graphs. Be safe Chris.
YES, please send it, I want to do a video about injuries from firewood! Send it to, chrisinthewoodyard@gmail.com....... THANKS Brian!
Short pickaroon or those log tongs that you and Mr Fiskars went over to get rounds onto the splitter? Wondering which one will work best for me to reduce fatigue.
I think tongs would be better for you.
@@InTheWoodyard, ordering up some today!
Hey Chris, how many times to you sharpen your chain while doing a truck load of wood? Also, I see you don’t measure your wood length for your cuts. Are you within an inch on each log length? Or, if not, do customers mind? Thanks for the vids.
See the last one.
I have been watching your channel a lot! you make good sense, thanks for the advice. 1 question that looks like an Easton made splitter, can't you adjust the height? seems like you have to split the bottom ones twice.
Thanks, yes it can be adjusted and I have tried a bunch of different heights and the one it is on works best for me.
Chris, if you havn't seen it yet, Neil from Messick's Equipment channel has an excellent new vid titled: "Top 10 Equipment Purchase Myths" that you may find beneficial. It's worth the 19 minutes IMHO.
Great points on the pick/hook/sappies. I've about came to the same conclusions. I don't use them all the time, but I sure like having them around for certain things when I need them.
Thanks for the vids
Thanks I will check it out!
Did you see the new pusher Eastonmade has for the Ultra. Looks like a good upgrade
Yes, Andrew said he is going to send me one.
Good morning Chris...Another great video,thank you! I'm just wondering if your Eastonmade has a adjustable wedge??
Yes it does, it adjusts up and down and I have a single wedge fro it too, but you have to pull a pin and do it manually.
Maybe a little adjustment on the wedge as you work would eliminate quite abit of kindling....I've noticed a few of your other videos when you mention you prefer not to deal with it so much....
I adore my half-long pickaroons from "Oregon": it's the shape of the handle and the 'pick'-thing I think which makes it really easy to release the logs and to place them quite precisely. And they weigh next to nothing (compared to my long wooden handle sappie with a 'massive' metal head).
I accidentally bought a pair, so I realized that we actually have two arms... So much to 'I can lift two logs with my bare hands'! 😁
That is great I like mine too!
That moment when you notice the cutting edge on the wedges are a mirror finish from the amount of wood across them. That's a LOT of wood through a splitter!
Great point! It is a shiny finish now!
Gotta love the zip tie measuring tool.
Thanks!
I’ve got the long handle fisker pickaroon was thinking about getting the short one in your opinion is the short one worth it or should I just get another long handle one
It is handy when working with the splitter....for moving rounds on the ground...no.
I use a six-foot sawbuck stand that handles eight-foot logs. For bigger stuff I use a forklift I made for my tractor loader, which allows me to cut up 30 foot logs with no bending over. I then use the forklift backboards to push the blocks up into a pile.
Nice.
I see you had a bar on your saw way longer then needed. Do you prefer a longer bar so you don't have to bend down as much?
I used to cut with a 20" all the time and since switching to all 24" my back does not get tired as fast.
@@InTheWoodyard right on. I have a 20 and 28 bar. I need to invest in a 24.
Hi im really enjoying these videos. When bucking logs it looks like you don't use a gauge or anything to measure the cuts. Maybe your just that good 🤔
I do have a measuring device on my chain saws, if you go back I have several videos about how I make them.
The XA2 looks pretty cool. It looks like it definitely helps pick up some logs. However, correct me if I am wrong but isn't the major advantage to a pickaroon not having to bend over? It looks like that might defeat the purpose. It looks really cool for smaller stuff and if you have a large pile like you have though.
Yup, I agree!
@@InTheWoodyard Sorry commented when I originally saw you using it and noticed you commented on some of this later lol. Great conclusion though. You won a subscription from me.
I am 75 years old and still cut 6 cords of firewood every summer to heat my home all winter. I burn as much of the tree as I can, down to about an inch or so in diameter no high production like you. Just the wood you show in your video would probably last me the rest of my life LOL.. I use one of those light picker upers with the rubber cups on the grabber to pick up the small stuff, saves my back, and was just looking at the Hookaroon to help with some of the larger 16" long logs, The real big ones I have to split with a wedge so I can lift them. Out in the field I load everything into my trailer and take them home where I can use my 6 1/2 ton electric splitter to split them for the stacking. Just getting ready to start cutting again about the end of May, rounding up all the tools and getting them ready. may add a l Hookaroon to my tool box this year.
Sounds like you have a great system for yourself Bruce! Keep cuttin'!
@@InTheWoodyard Been using the pickaroon for sometime now and really like it, this years I spent the winter rebuilding two of my 16" saws, they work great now a 33 CC and a 40 CC engine, and bought another saw 72 CC with the 28" bar for the bigger logs, can't wait to get out there and see how it works, 76 years old and still going strong, No ear plugs ,no chaps no hard hat. LOL the only time I have hurt myself cutting trees was when I hit my finger with a hammer. Do not get your finger between the hammer and the splitting wedge. LOL
A little story about safetypants:
I helped the local plantation with cutting down some small trees and brushes.
A young guy, 19 - 20 years old, was also helping with a chainsaw, he was not wearing safetypants, only hunting pants.
We had been going for some hours an decided to take a break when we noticed that he had ripped his left pantsleg.
He looked surprised and opened up the pants and on his thigh he had a red line some 10 - 15cm (4-6inch) long!
He did not even notice that the saw had ripped his pants and literally scratched his leg!
USE SAFETY GEAR!
If you take a chance, the saw takes a leg!
Yup!!!
Funny Chris, seems to me that every time I fire up the welder or suit up for sandblasting somebody turns the heat up! Great tips for tooling up, I too am a firm believer in warming them up.
'Most of the Time' I'm a PPE wearer... Never without a helmet and generally sport'n ear plugs. I don't care to wear chaps when felling, but I almost always when buck'n.
When Drop'n & Flop'n stems I prefer to be Agile, Mobile & Hostile! I've had my boot heel get snagged on a leg strap and that has taken me down fast. That's no time or place to be laying down on the job! As for your logic concerning moving and stretching, I'm right there with ya. On the rare occasion when we go away for a few days, my wife will notice a drop in my adenosine triphosphate levels... Yes, it appears to her that Rigor Mortis is setting in! Movement, not Over-Movement is key to my functionality!
Bless'ns to ya, Tedd
Thanks Ted, I had to look up what the heck ADENOSINE TRIPHOSHATE is ... now I know, thanks!
New to the channel… Sorry if you’ve answered this before. Have you kept track of how long it takes to process a cord with chainsaw and splitter?
Yup, I have talked about it a few times. I can cut a full cord in about 1 hour and I can split a full cord in about 1 hour and I can stack in about 1 hour and to load and deliver and unload is about an hour on average with about 1 hour of ancillary thing to do...sharpen chain, gas up, maintenance, phone/text, clean up, etc SO...about 5 hours + - Good question Jake!
Why do you split your wood into tinder size pieces?
I sell 9o% of my firewood to people who only burn in a fireplace and they want small pieces that are easy to handle and burn easily not huge all nighter chunks that stove and boiler people think they need.
Looks great, i like how you analyse what you do and how you do it. I prefere not to grab things on the ground. To scope up the wood with a tractor or something simulare and then either grab them from the tractor or to put all of that wood into pallets and then raise the pallets to a hight where i can reach them. I know its hard to make everything work together, there are always something that limits the work we do :)
Thanks , time is the one thing that limits me the most.
Wondering if the Fisksrs would work on oak?? Thats mostly what I've got. Need to sharpen my hookaroon and may order the Husqvarna. Have a Safe Day
David, I have the longer handle Fishers and have yet to find wood that it will not hook in. I have had it in some 24” rounds of solid almost frozen Red Oak, 1 swing is all it took and it was in for the long haul. and carried them with no issues at all. I abuse my tools like Chris, I buy them to work hard. Lol. Trust me, it works amazing and is extremely light. Very little vibration in the handle at all. I used it right out the package and have 0 regrets.
@@crazyman3157 thanks for the reply
I say..... buy both! HA! Either one will be great for you!
Thanks MAN!
@@InTheWoodyard saving up for the woodchuck also. Unfortunately spent money on a cheap version that bent
I was thinking of buying the 28" Fiskars Pickaroon,
What do you think?
Yup, you will like it, longer is better.
If you are using an axe to split having a pickaroon is a godsend, I hear you on the stretching part since I can stack wood all day but chopping and stacking it's nice to not to bend as much. I prefer the short i feel it is easier to remove, i also use it to make smaller cuts with my hatchet as a holder so I don't lose any fingers.
However the best pickaroon is to just give your grandkids 5$ to hand you wood and stack
I like the way you think!
I use the longer pickaroon for the little bit bigger pieces. Not sure if I would have use for the short one
I works for holding pieces where you don't want to put your hand.
Ha! I was trying to remember what I seen about warming up your saws. It was the Steve's small engine saloon vid you mentioned! It looks like you're not happy with the height of the horizontal wedges. Maybe a modification worth doing.
Yup, that is it!
cutting them thinner today Chris ? By the way my mother Name was Irene, in September she would have been !00 i miss her so much. Have a great day good afternoon Irene..
My Grandma was Irene and she would be about 100 now too, we lost her when she was 91.
What is your measuring system? I use a pulp hook to pick up pieces.
If you look at my saw handle you will see a measuring device on it that I use to eye up every cut I make. I have a video on how I do it on my channel at about #180ish.
@@InTheWoodyard Thanks so much for the technique of measuring. I used a thin zip tie and I went thru the wood pile like you know what thru a tin horn!
I have a table built about 3’x7’ that I spend a few minutes with the pickaroon loading the table up with as much as I can which is quite a bit. Then I just turn around grab the log and put it on the splitter and so on. Then I idle the splitter down a bit and load the table again. This helps my back out a lot. And the pick is slower than splitting so it really does speed up both ways. Just a pointer that I like to do.
Yes! Having a table or deck to load rounds on is good thing, my brother has one on his splitter and it is awesome!
Has at any time the chain brake saved you from trouble?
Yes a couple of times when I was learning how to use the tip of the saw correctly.
Have you done a video side by side to show how much faster your new splitter is than your old one?
no, but that would be funny! The Eastonmade Ultra is 3x as fast!
Chris ask Tony if Fiskars makes a belt holder for that pickaroon. It would make it easier and more efficient if you could grab it from your right hip. If they don’t make one a loop hammer holder would work well.
That is a good idea Dennis, I will ask him!
yooo chris, did you ever find your microphone in the pile? is that it?
Yes, I found it the next day at the bottom of a pile of wood!
Have you ever tried the log ox for lifting that size wood?
Yes, I did not like it.
I see you have one now, I have the long handled one, I like it
Nice!
Have you found a hookaroo that works better with hardwoods like oak and hickory?
They all work but the heavier ones are better with hard woods!
@@InTheWoodyard Could you name a couple of em thats considered a heavier one.ha.Theres alot of em out there for sale.Iwant to buy one and be done.I cut mostly hockory and oak forewood.thanks
it looks to me like the small one needs a little bit more weight to be more effective. looks like you could get a bolt, 2 washers, and three nuts thread one nut on the bolt all the way to the bolt head and then add a washer and push through the hole add second washer and thread last 2 nuts on tight and I bet that would give just enough extra weight to make it perfect
You just might have a good idea there! Thanks!
So Chris I'm going to be buying a new chainsaw. I have an electric chainsaw with a cord, I've pressed it to the max. It has a 16-in bar and been cutting on a huge tree trunk that is 30 in. I tried to do one cut on it and the blade went dull halfway through. I don't think it's enough saw to be cutting oak. So I went to Lowe's and they only have the 50cc engine husqvarna's. I should get a 70cc correct? I don't want to do the step up gradually chainsaw thing. I want to chainsaw like you got. I believe it's a Husqvarna 572, with a 24 inch bar?? I believe it's like a thousand bucks.? I'm going to be cutting a lot of wood in the future and I just want to buy a saw that's going to work permanently, and make me happy. Should I buy this chain saw?
Definitely a good choice of a saw. I have a older Husqvarna 357 XP with a 18” bar and I will not go with a bigger bar on that saw that I bought used from a tree service guy, it is night and day from my new 460 Rancher with a 24” bar. I have yet to get a 20” bar for it yet. Yes, there is a major difference in weight as well as overall higher grade materials between the 2. They both re 60cc saws as well. I will grab the 357 most any day, the 460 was needed for the longer bar that I need often for larger rounds. Over all a 20” bar seems to be the even ground, for most people but it is preference to you, the user.
Yes get the 572xp 24" bar, $1,000, you will love it! BUT and this is a BIG BUT. You should find some one with a medium size saw and run it a few times for a couple hours to get used to it and then run your new 572. The difference is big. Like going from a smart car to a corvette. Good luck and enjoy!
Would log tongs be more efficient?
Maybe, but I would still have to pick them up and put them down each time.
@@InTheWoodyard actually you don't have to put them down all the time. I just keep them in my hand that I run the splitter lever with.
The PPE overview and reminders to actually use them are better than hindsight and regrets after an injury occurs. I suspect most cannot do what Chris does, because they haven’t done what he’s done through the years. Strength, stamina, to achieve his productivity rate and listening to your body to avoid overuse injuries as you work only come through long experience. Recliners and office chairs set up more guys for injuries than daily hard work in my opinion.
Canvas Man, you are the MAN! I agree totally with that! People tell me all the time ....you work to hard ,you are going to get hurt or you need to slow down and that is because they think I am them and they have no concept of what is possible and what I do. The more I do it the easier it is. Thanks MAN!
@@InTheWoodyard I find the same thing when people suggest that at 56 I’m too old to have a second job as caretaker that requires 20+ hrs a week line trimming around cemetery headstones. There’s a good tired that comes from hard physical work that most will never know. I suspect your distance running training regimen that gave you a base of endurance was much the same for you.
@@canvasman2307 Yes!
I have had a couple of cast head pickaroons. The palm swell on the end felt really good. But I had to give them away because they were had to use.
I found the logrite to be a game changer.
I think your right that the size of the round also makes a difference.
Hard
Got it!
Sounds good to me!
Chris do u think u can process more wood with the smaller rounds ur normally have . (They looks small on from the video that is ) I Kno there easier to handle . Or would do think if u only cut and split 22+ inch stuff u could produce wood faster . I not saying ur don't process astronomical amount cause u do . I rather handle the smaller ones .but 90 percent of the stuff u get my hands on are huge .
I am most productive on 8-12" stuff. Bigger is much slower even though you get lots more wood, it is slow going and much more work.
As a small engines repair cat, I also see prematurely old saws from all the jack rabbiting.
Chainsaws are easy: full throttle when cutting, idle when not. No need to flex on the throttle.
I agree with you on that!
Je pense que le travail du bois est un boulot merveilleux même si c'est usant !
Thanks for watching Gerard!
Morning Chris are you going to get the new pusher plate that Andrew has made for the ultra?
Yes, he said he is going to send me one.
There are two ways to view being able to work both sides of a splitter -
1) By varying the side, one gives part of their body a rest, or
2) By varying the side, at the end of the day, one is doubly-tired. LOL
You nailed it David!
When I was first married (1980) I borrowed my Father-in-Law's little Homelight 14" chainsaw and did a stupid thing cleaning up the small branches. Holding the little stuff in my left hane and the powersaw in my right. Dumb, dumb, dumb. Went halfway through two knuckles on the first two fingers of my left hand. Took a year to get 100% back (happily, I did with a LOT of sweat and tears squeezing balled socks on up to tennis balls). Later, when we got more property and my own chainsaw, my Wife made me promise I would wear chaps and helmet/faceshield/muffs. And I still do all these 43 years later. I learned things go bad in fractions of a second and respect the moving bits. Tractors, too. Haven't hit my leg, but somehow managed to melt a spot on the chaps with a hot muffler. I also noticed a large, nicely sliced chunk missing from the left index finger on a pair of heavy leather gloves that was a mystery. Phew
I use a 36" pickaroon to move bucked sections for splitting and a 5' peavey for larger logs. I only cut wood for our own use (wood stove in the living room and a boiler for heat and water heating in the cellar). Four chords sees us through a year as the boiler is also oil fired and we run that through the summer and a bit more.
Yup, not getting hurt is a great goal! Keep cuttin'!
Everyone’s situation is different. That’s what is fun watching other people’s set up. I’m predicting when you get your larger push plate you will lower your 4 way a smidge.
I might do just that, we will see!
“A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still”--unknown. Much like you became self-aware that wearing hearing protection is beneficial to preventing further hearing loss, until there is sufficient self awareness of excessive BLT(not bacon, lettuce, tomato but bending, lifting and twisting) to maintain a healthy back as opposed to guarding an injured back, there will be no change. Even if the sappies or the picaroon take a bit longer time, using them will prolong your ability to have a healthy back. Just my professional opinion. Thanks for the video.
And a trailer dolly i just commented elsewhere. My back feels pinchy and tight when i bend over to heft a trailer up. Moving it sucks too.
Thanks for the advice Doc! sometimes I need to be suggested another way is better for reasons I am not aware of....yet, Thanks a bunch!
Yes, thanks DETHMAUL!
I noticed that you cut with the tip of your saw a lot when you're cutting logs. Doesn't that wear out that part of the blade more?? Just kidding, I know you need a certain amount of dumb questions to keep you on track. That's a good two day's worth of work. I agree with you on the pickaroons. I use one for reaching stuff I can't get to, but not to pick up wood when splitting.
As always your brain is bigger than most, I appreciate your comments and yes the tip does get dull from over use, just the tip, I promise.
I hear ya Chris! Or rather, don’t hear ya… I’m 47 but have the hearing a 70 year old cause I could never be bothered with earmuffs.
Grew up running saws with my dad, then a career in Motorsport. BOY do I regret it now!!
Yup, gotta save the ears and eyes!
Stick the picaroon into the side of the log instead of the end. The bark will help you pull it out better sence your swinging it so hard. Also you filed the tip to a point. U want it more square but also sharp if that makes sence. But to be fair I feel for what your doing log tongs would be great. Expecially when your done with your chainsaw and throwing it to the other piled on the ones that aren't huge
ok
Wate is all them kids u had helping u at ?
They have real jobs now, but I do have a high school age boy coming soon, he is a MACHINE!
I use a pulp hook! The end of a pulp hook is designed to release in a different way and to me it’s faster with more control
Nice to know! Thanks!
Have you seen the new pusher face for the ultra from Easton Andrew is offering
Check it out
Just saying
Yes, he is going to send me one.
Just a small note about this video ( Pickaroons: Long vs. Short) most of the video was watching your splitter work and appears you already decided you didn't like the Pickaroon before you even started. I will be using mine a lot this summer.
Great point! Yup, they just slow me down.
@@InTheWoodyard I am 75 years old now and there is not much that will slow me down much more LOL but this tool may actualy speed me up a little, I cut down the tree then starting at the top, and slice it up in 16" slices, after clearing all the non-usab;le debrie , I start picking up the usable pieces, use a small pickerupper for the small stuff up to 4" then this tool will be great for the pieces it can handle, anything bigger than that will be split with a wedge so I can pick it up and load it into my trailer, I can see this tool saveing a lot of bending over, granted it will not eleminate all of it, but for an old fart like me, every little bit helps. LOl
That little fiskars is hard to come by. I have 2 of the fiskars long hookaroon
Everything is hard to come by now, it is all on back order!
@@InTheWoodyard iv been waiting 3 months for brackets for my backhoe. It's crazy!
@@KillingerUSA I call it the covid after shock!
What kind of wood is the dark centered ones?
Probably maple or ironwood??