That’s all I got cut to stove lengths today. I intended more and in fact was raring to go and had lots of wood left to be cut. But I had to quit…
…because the switch on my chopsaw packed up. I can probably fix it – I got it free from a neighbor because of the switch, and I’ve already fixed it once so I’m hopeful. And even if I can’t I’m not out of business; a couple of years ago I inherited another from my dad. But it’s a much nicer saw and I’d rather not use it out at the woodlot unless I have to.
In any case, in the end I was happy to have stopped where I did, because…
…the final step is always hard on my back. Load the stove lengths into a wheelbarrow…
…and stack them as neatly as possible. This isn’t physically difficult at all, but a lot of it is done while constantly bent over. I did at least remember to put my brace on before the pain began, and though I’m currently a little sore I don’t feel at all damaged.
I’m feeling your pain come Tuesday when I have two cords of firewood due to be delivered. I suppose while I’m at it I may as well cut and split the half a cord I’ve got piled up in the backyard already.
Since you are starting early in the season, a few minutes each day is all that you need to do. Over time, that little daily stretch session might even do your back some good!
What is this “firewood” of which you speak???
If need be, that switch can almost certainly be found online. There are several sites that specialize in power tool parts, and they make themselves easy to find. Search with your model number. Shipping can be slow, so you may need your backup saw for awhile.
Not having to deal with packrats/rats/squirrels/chimpunks* and suchlike, I am a bit curious:
Would the bottom of the stacked wood become defiled were it stacked on top of a pallet? Essentially giving the vermin free roam UNDER the wood, so they aren’t trying to nest IN the wood.
What would be the CBA on such a situation?
*not a misspelling; so named due to their wild hairdo and wantonly destructive nature
I’ve tried stacking firewood on pallets and it invariably makes the problem 10X worse. Rats like to build nests in ground-level pallets anyway, and then later generations move upstairs to be near mom and dad or something. They just really like stacks of things, and the pallet makes it easier for them to turn it into a nest.