Learning how to cut firewood can be a fun and rewarding activity. Afterall, with the costs of heating your home with electricity, natural gas, and oil, wood can be a good alternative heat source. Here are some important steps to follow before venturing out to cut your own firewood.

Tools For Cutting Firewood

The chainsaw is one of the most useful tools you'll need when cutting firewood. I've found that with chainsaws, buying a good quality chainsaw is a wise move. I have gone through several chainsaws through the years because I have just put them to so much use, it doesn't pay to get a cheap one. And when you do get one, I would advise on getting one with at least an 18" long blade.

You can get electric or gas, and I would recommend the gas version if you plan on doing a lot of cutting over the years. Dragging a long extension cord out to where you are going to cut may just not be very practical or convenient.

Splitting maul and wedges. After sawing your logs into convenient lengths, you'll probably need to split them down to size for easier , and for better burning in the fireplace or whatever you are going to burn your wood in. I keep a big stump handy where I chop my firewood down to size, and typically use the splitting maul and occasionally the wedges when I just can't seem to get the maul to do its job. Maybe age is creeping up on me here, but use the wedges when you have to. Working smart and not wearing yourself out is important when cutting firewood.

Getting Started.

Safety should be the primary concern when learning how to cut firewood. I remember when I first started cutting firewood. I thought I would go as fast as I could cutting with my saw. Was that ever a mistake. I just about cut through my pants leg and could have done some serious injury to my stupid self. I was trying to show off! Take your time, go slow, and be very careful.

Some more interesting links on firewood.

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