I just posted my entry over on Skillcult. I can't tell you how excited I am to finally get started on this challenge. I guess I would put myself in the intermediate skill range. Lots of time with an assortment of tools in the forest but never really attempted to process firewood completely with an axe. I"m also excited to see so many interested in the challenge. Good luck all, and stay safe.
I love the deadpan and detailed way you present your ideas, ha ha, it's quite entertaining. I think I totally fit into the target group for this one, I have plenty of confidence swinging hand tools (and the calluses to show for it) but have not had enough quality axe time to consider myself skilled in it's use. I've carried it plenty, all sorts of crazy places, winched out of helicopters into the wilderness with it in my hand many times, but mostly it gets used to bash in wedges, a few odd jobs and very occasionally to cut a bar out of a bind. The hardest bit about this for me is to find some standing timber I can legally cut. But now that I think about it, here in the burbs my neighbour has some trees they want removed, and I've got a couple in the front yard that I was intending on replacing...hmmm... my neighbours will think I've lost my mind...
Ha ha, yeah, I'm all business! I know access to wood is a major problem for a lot of folks. It's easy for me. If I could somehow manage to finish my property (NFW that's gonna happen), I could just start in on my neighbor's places. Sounds like you might have access to enough to test the waters at least. It is nice to be able to pick your trees too, but then again a challenge is a challenge and cutting up less than ideal stuff is going to have it's own lessons I guess. The neighbor's thinking your crazy sounds like a bonus to me :)
What’s crazy is it’s very much a perishable skill. I’ve gone through phases of using an axe in my life and I’m surprised how foreign it can feel when you’ve been away from it. Especially with bucking. I’m toying with accepting this challenge. I know I’m late to the party, but I’m 51 years old now and need to get my body moving constantly again. I’m always busy, always working, but can tell I need to challenge myself again with something productive. Thanks for making this video.
I have been watching your videos all day and I have to say, I at first, did not care for the critical way you went over some aspects of a tool. That's when I realized I have become so indoctrinated by the fanboys and self proclaimed experts, that have zero or very minor complaints about a product. Mostly due to inexperience in actual use. You however are different, and I find that I appreciate the way you give a truly detailed analysis of something. Thank you for producing something useful, and not just the usual short cookie cutter video. Great quality content, well presented, in an unbiased truthful manner that's actually valid. Great channel!
Thanks. I appreciate that feedback. I guess most of my opinions and stuff formed over the years in relative isolation. I have a new axe review out tomorrow.
Really enjoying all the axe related videos here. I've learned a lot just watching them. I was using a similar splitting style with splitting axe against rounds. You're help has improved my technique. Thanks so much
Thanks for that. I appreciate the feedback. I regret not being able to pull off more actual axe instructional vids yet, but I'm glad this stuff helps anyway. Stay safe :)
That paint was super annoying actually. You can't even sharpen or work on the axe at all without getting rid of a bunch of it. They do it because the axe is left so rough. It's cover up. it's wearing off more though.
I would LOVE to learn how to use an axe. As a paramedic though I have one request to everybody doing it- Please buy and CARRY a tourniquet when you chop wood-especially if you're on your own.
Thanks. I should encourage that, basic first aid kit with tourniquet and stick to turn it, whistle and cell phone. One guy commented once that he saved his life with a tourniquet when he chopped his leg. Have you ever been called on an axe cut?
After riding the fence for a while...I'm in. Videos are on the way starting tomorrow morning. I did fell a tree, and start chopping the wood about a week ago...just didn't know if I wanted to put myself out there or not but what do I have to lose? Only a couple toes or limbs...lol kidding. Today I was having so much fun I decided to get off the fence and jump in. Thanks for the encouragement and great videos.
It might be good to leave a comment here too, because it helps it look to people who are on the fence that other people are doing it. If you want that is. No pressure. skillcult.com/cordwoodchallenge
Yes! that is one thing you will notice is that your gear has to reach an acceptable level of fittness or it ain't going to work that good. If the bit is too thick, every blow entails significant wasted energy. If the handle is too rigid it's going to beat your ass up, or your wrists and hands anyway. What kind of wood are you cutting? Happy to hear someone is getting to work.
I am working with various hardwoods, a couple of varieties of red oak and sweet gum (sugar maple) predominately. The sweet gum hates to split even remotely clean.
Who is this freak with the crazy doo I thought. But I listened a few minutes anyway, and then listened to the whole video. Great idea and great views on life. Thank you, enjoyed it. I'm working on my excuses now...
When I buy some property of my own I am definitely doing this! Until then I will learn more forestry knowledge and keep practicing on logs left by the power companies.
Great. Definitely get the practice in first. It will really make a difference. Really that's the best way to do it. If you haven't, already join the facebook group.
I certainly wasn't. I didn't really grow up aroiund people using their hands or tools all that much. Some, but not enough to rub off. I had to go learn all that stuff on my own.
Just used my husqvarna traditional axe to cut down a tree for the first time with that axe. Now my hands and wrists are in so much pain! I swing hammers at my job all the time with no problems.... can't wait to see how you finish up that axe because now I believe everything you said about it. No rush though :)
I think another reason people get beat up by axe and sledge handles is taking and maintaining a death grip. That transfers a lot more shock and just tires the hands. But yeah, that handle is a bruiser! I did okay with the tree I cut up with it, but I wouldn't have wanted to use it a lot longer or for multiple days in a row. The handle I'm using now is very thin and feels great. I feel some experiments in axe handle thickness coming on...
Going to attempt to cut half a cord, so I am in. i am a pretty confident axe guy but last year I chopped my shin with an axe I just sharpened when limbing, 9 stitches later and 2 weeks from work I was back up and running. After that, I started to pay more attention to where I was swinging, especially something as care free as limbing, from now on I was work the opposite side of the tree from when I am swinging from. Just a heads up, when you're tired, stop!Great channel by the way
excellent. Only 3 weeks left though! I need to finish mine up still, but I'm well along. Thanks for sharing the accident story. everyone needs reminding....
Say Heah Steve, I know you would enjoy using a Ochencopf OX 620 H-1257 with the Rotband Plus, Yeah, I was thinking a lite head but the Husqvarna Forest Axe came defective, So I exchanged it for the Ochancopf Axe. it's a 2.9 Head on a 27" Haft with a mote secured head/haft attachment, That little extra weight does alot of work for you. ,, .
Have you 'really' had any experience with an ax? Your Ochenbcok 5000 with massive handle and bolt on protection u may think is the best thing since sliced bread as u paid a small fortune 4 it. But trust me get a vintage $20 ax, haft it, tune it, file it, grind it, strop it, oil it and use it until u no longer form blisters. Until it feels like almost a part of u. Do that for a few years, then tell me about the Ochitenchop 5000 & how much you regret buying it. U may think your offering advice but those who ax daily or weekly see through it, they see the red flags indicating a green novice.
Ok I'm in. I got two trees on my property that need to come down and get chopped up. Do I get extra points if I do it all in 5 feet of snow? hahaha Thanks for putting this on and inspiring me to get out there and get moving. I'll document my progress on my channel. You should setup an Instagram account. That'd make tagging you on pictures easier. All the best, Jay
Awesome. I would have liked to get started earlier for people in deep snow country, but next year maybe. You still have 5 months though. I have instagram as skillcult. I dont' really know how to use it though.
Happy New Year Steve. I think this is a great challenge you have created here and you make some good points. Yes, injuries will inevitably happen, I hit myself in the shin with a 3kg maul about 7 years ago and have a scar. I would like to have a go at this but it is a hard winter here at the moment. I was dragging sections of a 100ft Ponderosa Pine out of our creek a couple of weeks ago and it was below -20C, with the windchill probably nearer -28C. I burn 16" lengths, typically smaller diameter (3"-4") based on the Birch, Spruce and Vine Maple on my other property I am clearing. The Pine I referred to on the property where I live is 24"-30" diameter. So is splitting large rounds permitted? As I am fairly experienced, but 63 years old (with consequent wear and tear issues) I would have to decide what axe, or axes I would need to use to remain as efficient as possible (this is me thinking aloud). Most of my axes are 2 to 2.5 lbs, a couple are between 3 to 3.5lbs and I have yet 3 or 4 more that are 3.5 to 4.5 lbs (though I would need to re-haft these).
Well, if you are using an axe on large diameter wood, I'd think you'd want to split long logs and then chop them into bite sized pieces. That seems to be typical in a lot of videos I see from Europe, but it's uncommon here. I'm sure it used to be much more common in the age of axes. Any of that is fine with me as long as there are no saws involved. If I do this next year, I'll probably release it a lot earlier. You could always wait till then too.
No, I would not be using the big diameter logs as they were already bucked up into 12 foot lengths. I would have to wait until April to get back up to my other property that is very heavily wooded, today I visited it and it was -20C with a couple of feet of snow.. I guess you are looking for participants to fall standing trees, then buck them up. I have a lot of 'hang ups' (of the tree variety) and 'widow makers' that need to be processed, though I imagine this cannot be part of the cordwood challenge?
I hadn't really thought about that, but I don't think I'd mind that if you didn't fall them with a saw in the first place. Same goes for wood that is windfall or just lying about. Green wood is an awful lot easier and funner to process though!
I consider trying an axe cord whenever I find myself in the zone bucking for campfire fuel, but I'm over-committed this year already. Maybe 2018. Great stuff, I hope everyone keeps safe.
I'm quite intrigued, but sadly, am too much of a novice with an axe to participate. Nonetheless, I'll be watching and learning. Currently, I'm working on a Husqvarna 26", have slimmed the handle some, smoothed and oiling is in process. I have managed to profile and put a decent edge on it. Regardless, I do not posses the skill, strength or resources to participate this year - perhaps next. At any rate, good show, and thanks for helping to get my axe craft juices flowing. Steve
It'll probably be around in some form for a while. The husqvarna is a little light for firewood, but you can use it well enough for that kind of stuff if you cultivate some skill with it. Also, if a person wanted to be really good with one of those light small axes, processing a cord or two of wood would certainly do it.
i only need wood for my 3 season fire pit and have a small rack of junk wood for that. so whilst it won't be a cordwood challenge, the pine tree I had to fell a year or so ago is going to be bucked and split in the next couple weeks pretty much for kicks but also for practice and more wood. and then if I can get my hands on any more logs, do those too. thanks steven for the motivation.
I think that's a better approach for most people honestly. Start digging in and see how it goes, how you like it, tune up your skills and axe. Have fun and stay safe!
Just logged onto the official Land Alchemy page. Some nasty pictures, that split toe is is worth the view. I will give one of the wedge heads a go with a fresh, new, green, Yellow Birch handle. I expect it will need adjustments as it dries.
Last green handle I did I put in too early and ended up shimming the back of the eye. Best to give a little time to season, but it sure is hard to be that patient or tell how far along it is. Look forward to the results.
Working on it. Good to stop now and again when the hand gets cramped or goat kids show up. Not sure exactly what to expect with the drying, I'm going to leave a bit of extra on the handle below the head for shrinkage so it can be seated more. The last one I did I roughed it out but cut it too close to tolerances and there is a gap in the end of the eye, but its holding. I will glue on a strip and tidy it up some day.
I've fixed lots of end gaps by shimming. I just carve something around the right shape to fill the space,, but quite a bit thicker dip it in glue and drive it in as deep as possible. It usually actually works pretty good, I will cross wedge it afterword as well to spread the eye lengthwise. Leaving some extra shoulder sounds smart.
Coming in late to the game. Will you be doing the challenge next year? My level is beginner for sure. I've only used an axe to fell but haven't used them to cut up the tree. Also, knowing my kids they would be begging me to to help so can they "assist" me? Thanks. Love the channel.
Yeah, I'll be doing it. I hope to have a video out pretty soon, but you can start if you want. You can cut any length, but if they logs are long, you'll need more wood, because it's going to be judged this year on the number of cuts, not the actual wood measure, for various reasons. Saws are only allowed on back cuts in felling if you need them to fell safely, that's fine. Mauls are okay, but I encourage using regular or splitting axes and wooden wedges.
I leave some, but charcoal, lime burning, kindling. The biggest ones are more like firewood for the two 12 inch stoves here. Tim Springston @ oxbow farms is growing mushrooms on them. ua-cam.com/video/glrHMPcBSbU/v-deo.html
It seems like most heavily wooded areas are full of stuff that should probably be cut for management and habitat improvement. At least from what I've seen. That pretty much describes most of my county. It's actually a huge problem here. I'm sure we could cut down literally half the biomass in the county, shred it and leave it on the ground and it would be a huge improvement in some sense.
Full disclosure I am starting my 2018 cordwood challenge this weekend (Sept 30/2017). We get too much snow to wait till January. Some years we get 4 feet of the stuff. I'd rather be by my fire then be up to my waist in the white stuff trying to swing an axe.
Did you notice any improvement in your fitness level after doing the challenge? I been thinking I need to join a gym, but would rather swing an axe in the forest. Cheaper and produces a useful output Hopefully I dont have to clear cut my 20 acre bush to get back in shape! haha.
lol. I didn't really. I think it will depend on your overall physical efficiency which should improve a great deal if it's not already pretty dialed. Also, how short a period of time you do it in. Grab a wheelbarrow or sled if you have snow, and move the wood that way. That should help! Maybe add 10 pushups on ever tree, deadlift some long sections, tuck your feet under the fallen trunk and do situps. The full cordwood workout :)
I cut mostly oaks, madrone and fir. The madrone and fir are okay, oak is better, but what I really like is Oak Bark. Not all oak barks work well, but the good ones are amazing. Great flavor and now my new favorite for smoking meat too.
I might take you up on this, but I might not have time. I'll be moving for university soon, so I might not get the opportunity. I think it would be awesome, though!
I hope I can find the time to do this, but I doubt it this year. I haven't fell or bucked a tree with an axe in more than 20 years. Most people who live here don't know that in Canada, a cord is defined under The Weights and Measures Act. I don't recall the "legalese" but it is a 4' tall, 8' wide, 4' deep unit. "Bush cord", "Face cord", "Stove cord", are simply not real measurements. So a 12" cord is either 4 rows deep, or 16' long, is that what you are calling for in your challenge? Anyway, thank Tim, I'm subscribed now.
The equivalent of 4 x 4 x 8, so three 4x8 @16 inches, Four at 12 inches or Two @ 24 inches. Very different amounts of cutting, but I'm trying to keep it simple. Any term that contains cord for any amount of wood that doesn't is just not cool :)
SkillCult right now, my focus is on 15, 1-4' diameter white pines that need to come down for light in the garden and/or orchard, and get hauled to the sawmill. I am handycapped by a type of asthma called "Reactive Airway Syndrome". At 19 it used to throttle me at -40, but now past 50, it throttles me at -10C... So winter wood harvest is a wee bit of a pain, but if I can find a couple of 6-10" trees this summer, I'll give it a try.
Have you heard of buteyko breathing method, might be worth looking into. Definitely seems to help some people with asthma a lot. ua-cam.com/video/RvyBAWwMf7Y/v-deo.html There's tons of stuff on youtube about it.
I had never heard of the name before, but I have been practising it most of my life, It has its uses, but it is also an unsubstantiated new age(ish) fad. RAS is temperature causing alveoli to contract and shut down, BBT can help some, but removing the trigger is the only thing that stops the reaction.When I was put on medication for asthma I was prescribed and emergency inhaled and told to expect to use 200 doses+-, a month, and a steroid, 2wice a day 365 days a year, now 200 doses of the emergency inhaler lasts 6 months or more (with half of that being allergy related), and the steroid in only needed 1ce a day (mornings) on days I expect to be working outside in -10C (or colder) for more than an hour. I doubt the veracity of this article too, but it is an interesting counterpoint to the BBT fanclub: www.womenofgrace.com/blog/?p=13301
SkillCult can you answer my question when you have time: How practical and useful is a 2 pound axe with a 26 inch handle? I see these on YT a lot.Back in my homeland i used only a full size (over 32") bearded axe for chopping a tree down and a 19/20" bearded hatchet to clean the limbs.Anything in between seems to me to be a compromise or is it a one tool option?
I'm partial to light short axes if I'm to only have one. I used a 2-1/4 lb this year mostly. 2 pound is definitely lighter than I would prefer, but so is 2.25 lb. But I can make them work, partly because I've used them so much.
Thanks for the reply! Iasked because i have no experience with 26" axes .Another question(if you don"t mind) : do you consider a larger cutting surface an advantage or disadvantage,since in Bulgaria and Russia mostly bearded axes with often over 4 1/2 " cutting edge are used and they seem to be pretty efficient if the quality is right ?(With straight handles-easy to make).
I have no real opinion, but my guess is that popular patterns like the Dayton are a compromise for multiple use. I cut hardwoods and softwoods and never blink using a dayton or similar bit. If I was using a very wide bit, I think I'd notice, or a very narrow bit. Being partial to multi purpose tools, I'm inclined toward the middle ground, but I haven't tested the proposition really. If one were habitiually working in a certain extreme of wood, I could see having more of a preference, but I'd say use what you have and decide if you like it.
dang, i didnt find your channel until last month. maybe next year i can do your challenge. i've dropped around 30 or 40 trees with my trusty harbor freight double bit - a surprisingly serviceable axe, if one understands how to fix the factory grind. i'll be practicing in the meantime! ps - how much protection do steel toe boots offer? i always wear them anyway (i work in construction so) but i'm curious if that is the difference between splitting your foot and dulling your axe.
I wouldn't know about the boots. Hopefully I'll never find out! I'm sure they help in some situations. The leather too. But watch out for the false sense of security. ;)
When is the deadline? I just found this (almost a year old). Or are you going to have another challenge this year? Face cord or full cord? Does it matter what type of tree?
I'll be doing it again this year. Not sure about deadlines etc, I need some input, but it's okay to start. I'm changing up the way the wood is measured, so you can cut any length. it will be by how many cuts are made, rather than how many cords of wood. Should have more info out soon. Doesn't matter what kind of wood, but green is much easier than seasoned.
Thanks. I was hoping it didn't have to oak or maple. I have some big (tall- not huge around) trees that are a softer wood that I burn when I boil maple syrup. I usually use a chain saw, but might be fun cutting some of it down and up with an axe. New for me- I've only really used an axe to remove the heads from chickens :)
Very little if you pick up the chips. Waste is relative too. I don't mind leaving some chips or other bits of the tree in the woods Sometimes I pick them up and sometimes I don't. If technique is good, the chips are large and easy to pick up. Last tree I cut up I probably picked up 90% of the chips in about 2 minutes. It took three minutes, but I was listening to heavy metal on my ipod so I had to stop frequently to head bang and play air guitar. There are a lot of chips produced though for sure. I have endless uses for them though. I make charcoal and burn lime, they are excellent clean kindling and Tim Springston is growing mushrooms with them.
Thanks for asking and not just telling me how wasteful it is. There are a lot of things to consider, like how plentiful wood is and whether there is a legitimate use for chips. For me it's just not an issue under my circumstances.
Nice video but in my opinion its a challenge with a lot of limitations.First you must have access to the resources in order to proceed to the given challenge. I know a lot of people that use wood for heating purposes but they have to buy them because the harvest of wood is prohibited unless you have a tree that is permitted to be cut in your property. Here in Greece after the economic depression a lot of people use wood for heating including myself. Initially i started to harvest firewood of my property with a chainsaw but soon enough i found that using an axe after the initial cut was way far more difficult and challenging. I consider myself an axe user for the past years and every day i learn new things regarding safe axe handling and care so by no means iam considered an expert. I think that cutting a cord of wood is a manageable goal if you know proper axe handling but for the novice starter might be a nightmare because he has to pass the initial learning curve of safely using an axe.In my opinion that period is where the most serious axe accidents happen .Thats where the useful and hard to find info you have included must be studied carefully before proceeding. A lot of time ,effort and given resources must be found. So in my opinion its not the amount of wood to be cut the real goal but the personal mind set challenge in learning a new skill by investing a lot of your free time. So in the end you dont have to get credit for that, because it was really a personal challenge rather than a public one. Κeep inspiring us!!!
No doubt the early phase is very dangerous. it could be much less dangerous with good instruction. The materials there have a lot of good information, but it is a lot to digest it all. I still read back through that stuff and see things I probably wan't ready to remember or understand before. That's why I discourage newcomers from taking the full challenge, even 1/4 cord the first year. It really takes some time and getting into it a little to figure out where someone is at and what they need to work on and how much. Going out and trying to cut up say an entire tree into firewood will very quickly highlight if someone is ready or not, and how important approaching the work methodically and thoughtfully really is. I realize that access to wood is very limited for some people, but that's the only way to really do this. There could be something else like it with more options I guess, like a bucking challenge,, and people can make up their own versions of course. I'm okay with people using dead and downed wood. too as long as it's all processed with axes. thanks for your thoughtful comment.
I just posted my entry over on Skillcult. I can't tell you how excited I am to finally get started on this challenge. I guess I would put myself in the intermediate skill range. Lots of time with an assortment of tools in the forest but never really attempted to process firewood completely with an axe. I"m also excited to see so many interested in the challenge. Good luck all, and stay safe.
Yay, more company!
SkillCult hey, just uploaded, not only my first UA-cam video, but day one of the challenge. Peace!
I love the deadpan and detailed way you present your ideas, ha ha, it's quite entertaining. I think I totally fit into the target group for this one, I have plenty of confidence swinging hand tools (and the calluses to show for it) but have not had enough quality axe time to consider myself skilled in it's use. I've carried it plenty, all sorts of crazy places, winched out of helicopters into the wilderness with it in my hand many times, but mostly it gets used to bash in wedges, a few odd jobs and very occasionally to cut a bar out of a bind. The hardest bit about this for me is to find some standing timber I can legally cut. But now that I think about it, here in the burbs my neighbour has some trees they want removed, and I've got a couple in the front yard that I was intending on replacing...hmmm... my neighbours will think I've lost my mind...
Ha ha, yeah, I'm all business! I know access to wood is a major problem for a lot of folks. It's easy for me. If I could somehow manage to finish my property (NFW that's gonna happen), I could just start in on my neighbor's places. Sounds like you might have access to enough to test the waters at least. It is nice to be able to pick your trees too, but then again a challenge is a challenge and cutting up less than ideal stuff is going to have it's own lessons I guess. The neighbor's thinking your crazy sounds like a bonus to me :)
What’s crazy is it’s very much a perishable skill. I’ve gone through phases of using an axe in my life and I’m surprised how foreign it can feel when you’ve been away from it. Especially with bucking.
I’m toying with accepting this challenge. I know I’m late to the party, but I’m 51 years old now and need to get my body moving constantly again. I’m always busy, always working, but can tell I need to challenge myself again with something productive.
Thanks for making this video.
I know what you mean. There is a facebook page you can check out now. Kevin's disobedience runs it now, so check his channel too.
I have been watching your videos all day and I have to say, I at first, did not care for the critical way you went over some aspects of a tool. That's when I realized I have become so indoctrinated by the fanboys and self proclaimed experts, that have zero or very minor complaints about a product. Mostly due to inexperience in actual use. You however are different, and I find that I appreciate the way you give a truly detailed analysis of something. Thank you for producing something useful, and not just the usual short cookie cutter video. Great quality content, well presented, in an unbiased truthful manner that's actually valid. Great channel!
Thanks. I appreciate that feedback. I guess most of my opinions and stuff formed over the years in relative isolation. I have a new axe review out tomorrow.
You are welcome, I look forward to the new review! Keep up the great work.
This has peaked my interest... I think I am in. Videos to come. Thanks SkillCult
Cool. It's the right thing to do ;)
Really enjoying all the axe related videos here. I've learned a lot just watching them. I was using a similar splitting style with splitting axe against rounds. You're help has improved my technique. Thanks so much
Thanks for that. I appreciate the feedback. I regret not being able to pull off more actual axe instructional vids yet, but I'm glad this stuff helps anyway. Stay safe :)
@@SkillCult you do the same, sir. : )
I like how much less paint there is on that Council Boy's Axe these days.
That paint was super annoying actually. You can't even sharpen or work on the axe at all without getting rid of a bunch of it. They do it because the axe is left so rough. It's cover up. it's wearing off more though.
I would LOVE to learn how to use an axe. As a paramedic though I have one request to everybody doing it- Please buy and CARRY a tourniquet when you chop wood-especially if you're on your own.
Thanks. I should encourage that, basic first aid kit with tourniquet and stick to turn it, whistle and cell phone. One guy commented once that he saved his life with a tourniquet when he chopped his leg. Have you ever been called on an axe cut?
I enjoyed your philosophical discussion. Good luck; hope there is good participation. Nice rewards offered.
After riding the fence for a while...I'm in. Videos are on the way starting tomorrow morning. I did fell a tree, and start chopping the wood about a week ago...just didn't know if I wanted to put myself out there or not but what do I have to lose? Only a couple toes or limbs...lol kidding. Today I was having so much fun I decided to get off the fence and jump in. Thanks for the encouragement and great videos.
Awesome, you totally rock! I think that is smart to feel it out a little. It is fun :)
It might be good to leave a comment here too, because it helps it look to people who are on the fence that other people are doing it. If you want that is. No pressure. skillcult.com/cordwoodchallenge
DevaJones03 oh snap u a real bad ass!
DevaJones03 my boys chops!
Just got started today, and having a blast. It became obvious pretty quick that I still need to tune my axe. Starting to work the kinks out, though.
Yes! that is one thing you will notice is that your gear has to reach an acceptable level of fittness or it ain't going to work that good. If the bit is too thick, every blow entails significant wasted energy. If the handle is too rigid it's going to beat your ass up, or your wrists and hands anyway. What kind of wood are you cutting? Happy to hear someone is getting to work.
I am working with various hardwoods, a couple of varieties of red oak and sweet gum (sugar maple) predominately. The sweet gum hates to split even remotely clean.
Who is this freak with the crazy doo I thought. But I listened a few minutes anyway, and then listened to the whole video. Great idea and great views on life. Thank you, enjoyed it. I'm working on my excuses now...
Ha ha. I like being what people don't expect lol. Good for you. I only have to make excuses to myself whether fortunately or unfortunately.
When I buy some property of my own I am definitely doing this! Until then I will learn more forestry knowledge and keep practicing on logs left by the power companies.
Great. Definitely get the practice in first. It will really make a difference. Really that's the best way to do it. If you haven't, already join the facebook group.
A little late to the party on this one, hopefully you continue this challenge next year. I need a good excuse for using my forestry tools.
I probably will, though I'm not sure what i'll do about incentives. We'll see.
I was born with an axe in my hand . grew up on a farm.thank you for the good talk brother.
I certainly wasn't. I didn't really grow up aroiund people using their hands or tools all that much. Some, but not enough to rub off. I had to go learn all that stuff on my own.
@@SkillCult well, you are good at it.i miss the way things were. I envy you.
Just used my husqvarna traditional axe to cut down a tree for the first time with that axe. Now my hands and wrists are in so much pain! I swing hammers at my job all the time with no problems.... can't wait to see how you finish up that axe because now I believe everything you said about it. No rush though :)
I think another reason people get beat up by axe and sledge handles is taking and maintaining a death grip. That transfers a lot more shock and just tires the hands. But yeah, that handle is a bruiser! I did okay with the tree I cut up with it, but I wouldn't have wanted to use it a lot longer or for multiple days in a row. The handle I'm using now is very thin and feels great. I feel some experiments in axe handle thickness coming on...
Who are the "Vito girls" that you reference at 15:45?
Check out axe connected. they have a blog and a youtube channel. Vito family. Amazing people.
Wish i had a woodstove to need a cord of wood, might just end up chopping up a few dead trees for shits and giggles
ZombieFighterOf2001 I am chopping to run my campfire cooking setup. Who couldn't use a cord of firewood?
Do you garden?
You could always sell firewood.
Going to attempt to cut half a cord, so I am in. i am a pretty confident axe guy but last year I chopped my shin with an axe I just sharpened when limbing, 9 stitches later and 2 weeks from work I was back up and running. After that, I started to pay more attention to where I was swinging, especially something as care free as limbing, from now on I was work the opposite side of the tree from when I am swinging from. Just a heads up, when you're tired, stop!Great channel by the way
excellent. Only 3 weeks left though! I need to finish mine up still, but I'm well along. Thanks for sharing the accident story. everyone needs reminding....
Say Heah Steve, I know you would enjoy using a Ochencopf OX 620 H-1257 with the Rotband Plus, Yeah, I was thinking a lite head but the Husqvarna Forest Axe came defective, So I exchanged it for the Ochancopf Axe. it's a 2.9 Head on a 27" Haft with a mote secured head/haft attachment, That little extra weight does alot of work for you. ,, .
Have you 'really' had any experience with an ax? Your Ochenbcok 5000 with massive handle and bolt on protection u may think is the best thing since sliced bread as u paid a small fortune 4 it. But trust me get a vintage $20 ax, haft it, tune it, file it, grind it, strop it, oil it and use it until u no longer form blisters. Until it feels like almost a part of u. Do that for a few years, then tell me about the Ochitenchop 5000 & how much you regret buying it. U may think your offering advice but those who ax daily or weekly see through it, they see the red flags indicating a green novice.
Ok I'm in. I got two trees on my property that need to come down and get chopped up. Do I get extra points if I do it all in 5 feet of snow? hahaha
Thanks for putting this on and inspiring me to get out there and get moving. I'll document my progress on my channel. You should setup an Instagram account. That'd make tagging you on pictures easier.
All the best,
Jay
Awesome. I would have liked to get started earlier for people in deep snow country, but next year maybe. You still have 5 months though. I have instagram as skillcult. I dont' really know how to use it though.
Wranglerstar was born for this challenge ;)
Cody. How many cords you chop this year ?
0
Happy New Year Steve. I think this is a great challenge you have created here and you make some good points. Yes, injuries will inevitably happen, I hit myself in the shin with a 3kg maul about 7 years ago and have a scar. I would like to have a go at this but it is a hard winter here at the moment. I was dragging sections of a 100ft Ponderosa Pine out of our creek a couple of weeks ago and it was below -20C, with the windchill probably nearer -28C. I burn 16" lengths, typically smaller diameter (3"-4") based on the Birch, Spruce and Vine Maple on my other property I am clearing. The Pine I referred to on the property where I live is 24"-30" diameter. So is splitting large rounds permitted? As I am fairly experienced, but 63 years old (with consequent wear and tear issues) I would have to decide what axe, or axes I would need to use to remain as efficient as possible (this is me thinking aloud). Most of my axes are 2 to 2.5 lbs, a couple are between 3 to 3.5lbs and I have yet 3 or 4 more that are 3.5 to 4.5 lbs (though I would need to re-haft these).
Well, if you are using an axe on large diameter wood, I'd think you'd want to split long logs and then chop them into bite sized pieces. That seems to be typical in a lot of videos I see from Europe, but it's uncommon here. I'm sure it used to be much more common in the age of axes. Any of that is fine with me as long as there are no saws involved. If I do this next year, I'll probably release it a lot earlier. You could always wait till then too.
No, I would not be using the big diameter logs as they were already bucked up into 12 foot lengths. I would have to wait until April to get back up to my other property that is very heavily wooded, today I visited it and it was -20C with a couple of feet of snow.. I guess you are looking for participants to fall standing trees, then buck them up. I have a lot of 'hang ups' (of the tree variety) and 'widow makers' that need to be processed, though I imagine this cannot be part of the cordwood challenge?
I hadn't really thought about that, but I don't think I'd mind that if you didn't fall them with a saw in the first place. Same goes for wood that is windfall or just lying about. Green wood is an awful lot easier and funner to process though!
I consider trying an axe cord whenever I find myself in the zone bucking for campfire fuel, but I'm over-committed this year already. Maybe 2018. Great stuff, I hope everyone keeps safe.
A year to warm up eh? eh? yeah? eh? You know you're going to do it eventually. the allure is too strong. Tom Sawyer effect...
SkillCult Who knows- I might get a fire under me in April and go hog wild. I really do need the practice.
I'm quite intrigued, but sadly, am too much of a novice with an axe to participate. Nonetheless, I'll be watching and learning. Currently, I'm working on a Husqvarna 26", have slimmed the handle some, smoothed and oiling is in process. I have managed to profile and put a decent edge on it. Regardless, I do not posses the skill, strength or resources to participate this year - perhaps next. At any rate, good show, and thanks for helping to get my axe craft juices flowing.
Steve
It'll probably be around in some form for a while. The husqvarna is a little light for firewood, but you can use it well enough for that kind of stuff if you cultivate some skill with it. Also, if a person wanted to be really good with one of those light small axes, processing a cord or two of wood would certainly do it.
i only need wood for my 3 season fire pit and have a small rack of junk wood for that. so whilst it won't be a cordwood challenge, the pine tree I had to fell a year or so ago is going to be bucked and split in the next couple weeks pretty much for kicks but also for practice and more wood. and then if I can get my hands on any more logs, do those too. thanks steven for the motivation.
I think that's a better approach for most people honestly. Start digging in and see how it goes, how you like it, tune up your skills and axe. Have fun and stay safe!
Just logged onto the official Land Alchemy page. Some nasty pictures, that split toe is is worth the view. I will give one of the wedge heads a go with a fresh, new, green, Yellow Birch handle. I expect it will need adjustments as it dries.
Last green handle I did I put in too early and ended up shimming the back of the eye. Best to give a little time to season, but it sure is hard to be that patient or tell how far along it is. Look forward to the results.
Working on it. Good to stop now and again when the hand gets cramped or goat kids show up. Not sure exactly what to expect with the drying, I'm going to leave a bit of extra on the handle below the head for shrinkage so it can be seated more. The last one I did I roughed it out but cut it too close to tolerances and there is a gap in the end of the eye, but its holding. I will glue on a strip and tidy it up some day.
I've fixed lots of end gaps by shimming. I just carve something around the right shape to fill the space,, but quite a bit thicker dip it in glue and drive it in as deep as possible. It usually actually works pretty good, I will cross wedge it afterword as well to spread the eye lengthwise. Leaving some extra shoulder sounds smart.
Coming in late to the game. Will you be doing the challenge next year? My level is beginner for sure. I've only used an axe to fell but haven't used them to cut up the tree. Also, knowing my kids they would be begging me to to help so can they "assist" me? Thanks. Love the channel.
Yeah, I'll be doing it. I hope to have a video out pretty soon, but you can start if you want. You can cut any length, but if they logs are long, you'll need more wood, because it's going to be judged this year on the number of cuts, not the actual wood measure, for various reasons. Saws are only allowed on back cuts in felling if you need them to fell safely, that's fine. Mauls are okay, but I encourage using regular or splitting axes and wooden wedges.
what do you do with chips of wood???
I leave some, but charcoal, lime burning, kindling. The biggest ones are more like firewood for the two 12 inch stoves here. Tim Springston @ oxbow farms is growing mushrooms on them. ua-cam.com/video/glrHMPcBSbU/v-deo.html
ya no problem ps im in northern ontario canada and im also fortunate enough to have a great tree harvesting area
It seems like most heavily wooded areas are full of stuff that should probably be cut for management and habitat improvement. At least from what I've seen. That pretty much describes most of my county. It's actually a huge problem here. I'm sure we could cut down literally half the biomass in the county, shred it and leave it on the ground and it would be a huge improvement in some sense.
we are part of the chain not above it.we have our part to do as well totally agree with your comment
The thing that matters to me is efficiency and preserving my body.
Full disclosure I am starting my 2018 cordwood challenge this weekend (Sept 30/2017). We get too much snow to wait till January. Some years we get 4 feet of the stuff. I'd rather be by my fire then be up to my waist in the white stuff trying to swing an axe.
That's great. I need input from people like you to figure out when to start and how to run the thing. Be safe.
Did you notice any improvement in your fitness level after doing the challenge? I been thinking I need to join a gym, but would rather swing an axe in the forest. Cheaper and produces a useful output Hopefully I dont have to clear cut my 20 acre bush to get back in shape! haha.
lol. I didn't really. I think it will depend on your overall physical efficiency which should improve a great deal if it's not already pretty dialed. Also, how short a period of time you do it in. Grab a wheelbarrow or sled if you have snow, and move the wood that way. That should help! Maybe add 10 pushups on ever tree, deadlift some long sections, tuck your feet under the fallen trunk and do situps. The full cordwood workout :)
what kind of wood did you chop? Is it good for bbq?
I cut mostly oaks, madrone and fir. The madrone and fir are okay, oak is better, but what I really like is Oak Bark. Not all oak barks work well, but the good ones are amazing. Great flavor and now my new favorite for smoking meat too.
I might take you up on this, but I might not have time. I'll be moving for university soon, so I might not get the opportunity. I think it would be awesome, though!
It is a big time commitment for sure. The energy is less than some would think, but it still takes time and it can't be rushed.
I hope I can find the time to do this, but I doubt it this year. I haven't fell or bucked a tree with an axe in more than 20 years. Most people who live here don't know that in Canada, a cord is defined under The Weights and Measures Act. I don't recall the "legalese" but it is a 4' tall, 8' wide, 4' deep unit. "Bush cord", "Face cord", "Stove cord", are simply not real measurements. So a 12" cord is either 4 rows deep, or 16' long, is that what you are calling for in your challenge? Anyway, thank Tim, I'm subscribed now.
The equivalent of 4 x 4 x 8, so three 4x8 @16 inches, Four at 12 inches or Two @ 24 inches. Very different amounts of cutting, but I'm trying to keep it simple. Any term that contains cord for any amount of wood that doesn't is just not cool :)
You can always do a smaller amount, or just start and see if it feels right to finish.
SkillCult right now, my focus is on 15, 1-4' diameter white pines that need to come down for light in the garden and/or orchard, and get hauled to the sawmill. I am handycapped by a type of asthma called "Reactive Airway Syndrome". At 19 it used to throttle me at -40, but now past 50, it throttles me at -10C... So winter wood harvest is a wee bit of a pain, but if I can find a couple of 6-10" trees this summer, I'll give it a try.
Have you heard of buteyko breathing method, might be worth looking into. Definitely seems to help some people with asthma a lot. ua-cam.com/video/RvyBAWwMf7Y/v-deo.html There's tons of stuff on youtube about it.
I had never heard of the name before, but I have been practising it most of my life, It has its uses, but it is also an unsubstantiated new age(ish) fad. RAS is temperature causing alveoli to contract and shut down, BBT can help some, but removing the trigger is the only thing that stops the reaction.When I was put on medication for asthma I was prescribed and emergency inhaled and told to expect to use 200 doses+-, a month, and a steroid, 2wice a day 365 days a year, now 200 doses of the emergency inhaler lasts 6 months or more (with half of that being allergy related), and the steroid in only needed 1ce a day (mornings) on days I expect to be working outside in -10C (or colder) for more than an hour. I doubt the veracity of this article too, but it is an interesting counterpoint to the BBT fanclub: www.womenofgrace.com/blog/?p=13301
SkillCult can you answer my question when you have time: How practical and useful is a 2 pound axe with a 26 inch handle? I see these on YT a lot.Back in my homeland i used only a full size (over 32") bearded axe for chopping a tree down and a 19/20" bearded hatchet to clean the limbs.Anything in between seems to me to be a compromise or is it a one tool option?
I'm partial to light short axes if I'm to only have one. I used a 2-1/4 lb this year mostly. 2 pound is definitely lighter than I would prefer, but so is 2.25 lb. But I can make them work, partly because I've used them so much.
Thanks for the reply! Iasked because i have no experience with 26" axes .Another question(if you don"t mind) : do you consider a larger cutting surface an advantage or disadvantage,since in Bulgaria and Russia mostly bearded axes with often over 4 1/2 " cutting edge are used and they seem to be pretty efficient if the quality is right ?(With straight handles-easy to make).
I have no real opinion, but my guess is that popular patterns like the Dayton are a compromise for multiple use. I cut hardwoods and softwoods and never blink using a dayton or similar bit. If I was using a very wide bit, I think I'd notice, or a very narrow bit. Being partial to multi purpose tools, I'm inclined toward the middle ground, but I haven't tested the proposition really. If one were habitiually working in a certain extreme of wood, I could see having more of a preference, but I'd say use what you have and decide if you like it.
Ok.Thanks !
dang, i didnt find your channel until last month. maybe next year i can do your challenge.
i've dropped around 30 or 40 trees with my trusty harbor freight double bit - a surprisingly serviceable axe, if one understands how to fix the factory grind.
i'll be practicing in the meantime!
ps - how much protection do steel toe boots offer? i always wear them anyway (i work in construction so) but i'm curious if that is the difference between splitting your foot and dulling your axe.
I wouldn't know about the boots. Hopefully I'll never find out! I'm sure they help in some situations. The leather too. But watch out for the false sense of security. ;)
When is the deadline? I just found this (almost a year old). Or are you going to have another challenge this year? Face cord or full cord? Does it matter what type of tree?
I'll be doing it again this year. Not sure about deadlines etc, I need some input, but it's okay to start. I'm changing up the way the wood is measured, so you can cut any length. it will be by how many cuts are made, rather than how many cords of wood. Should have more info out soon. Doesn't matter what kind of wood, but green is much easier than seasoned.
Thanks. I was hoping it didn't have to oak or maple. I have some big (tall- not huge around) trees that are a softer wood that I burn when I boil maple syrup. I usually use a chain saw, but might be fun cutting some of it down and up with an axe. New for me- I've only really used an axe to remove the heads from chickens :)
I’ve never had a chainsaw so for years I’ve only been using an axe for processing fire wood
are you sittin or squatting? If squatting, how the hell do you do that my legs would be dead
squatting. I"m sure I it wasn't easy to get up, but I just always have done it a lot, so I'm pretty tolerant.
how much wood gets wasted with this method
Very little if you pick up the chips. Waste is relative too. I don't mind leaving some chips or other bits of the tree in the woods Sometimes I pick them up and sometimes I don't. If technique is good, the chips are large and easy to pick up. Last tree I cut up I probably picked up 90% of the chips in about 2 minutes. It took three minutes, but I was listening to heavy metal on my ipod so I had to stop frequently to head bang and play air guitar. There are a lot of chips produced though for sure. I have endless uses for them though. I make charcoal and burn lime, they are excellent clean kindling and Tim Springston is growing mushrooms with them.
10 4 thank you
Thanks for asking and not just telling me how wasteful it is. There are a lot of things to consider, like how plentiful wood is and whether there is a legitimate use for chips. For me it's just not an issue under my circumstances.
Personal responsibility is the key to a better world.
It is the only key to a better world!
Wood! Axe!
Step 1-sharpen axe
Step 2-how much is a cord?
Id like to make an axe handle out of a red colored wood. I think thatd be beautiful.
Sure, but quality of wood over looks. There is always stain! Red ochre mixed with linseed looks pretty neat.
Nice video but in my opinion its a challenge with a lot of limitations.First you must have access to the resources in order to proceed to the given challenge. I know a lot of people that use wood for heating purposes but they have to buy them because the harvest of wood is prohibited unless you have a tree that is permitted to be cut in your property. Here in Greece after the economic depression a lot of people use wood for heating including myself. Initially i started to harvest firewood of my property with a chainsaw but soon enough i found that using an axe after the initial cut was way far more difficult and challenging. I consider myself an axe user for the past years and every day i learn new things regarding safe axe handling and care so by no means iam considered an expert. I think that cutting a cord of wood is a manageable goal if you know proper axe handling but for the novice starter might be a nightmare because he has to pass the initial learning curve of safely using an axe.In my opinion that period is where the most serious axe accidents happen .Thats where the useful and hard to find info you have included must be studied carefully before proceeding. A lot of time ,effort and given resources must be found. So in my opinion its not the amount of wood to be cut the real goal but the personal mind set challenge in learning a new skill by investing a lot of your free time. So in the end you dont have to get credit for that, because it was really a personal challenge rather than a public one. Κeep inspiring us!!!
No doubt the early phase is very dangerous. it could be much less dangerous with good instruction. The materials there have a lot of good information, but it is a lot to digest it all. I still read back through that stuff and see things I probably wan't ready to remember or understand before. That's why I discourage newcomers from taking the full challenge, even 1/4 cord the first year. It really takes some time and getting into it a little to figure out where someone is at and what they need to work on and how much. Going out and trying to cut up say an entire tree into firewood will very quickly highlight if someone is ready or not, and how important approaching the work methodically and thoughtfully really is. I realize that access to wood is very limited for some people, but that's the only way to really do this. There could be something else like it with more options I guess, like a bucking challenge,, and people can make up their own versions of course. I'm okay with people using dead and downed wood. too as long as it's all processed with axes. thanks for your thoughtful comment.
I chop wood with a machete. Am I a badass?
I think it depends on how much you cut, but probably :) Either that or we're both stupid.
I think I have three good excuses for not doing the cord wood axe challenge. I have no axe. I have no land. I have no wood.
You're off the hook!