Cutting fire wood without chainsaw

[signcrafter]

We are going camping in a few weeks at a state park and I'm cheap so we cut our own fire wood. They let you take whatever you want from the woods that is already down. So I take the kids out and find what we can and bring it back to the campsite. I usually use my corona saw, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GIIQFC/?tag=atomicindus08-20. It cuts pretty good but on bigger logs the arms can get sore.

This site we are going to have electricity so I'm thinking of bringing a sawzall with a blade like this, http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...-Reciprocating-Saw-Blade-48-00-1305/202256182. Never used one of these blades before, do they do pretty good on small to medium logs, maybe 6-10" at the most usually? Or is there another handsaw or option that would be better? I'd love to just take the chainsaw but they frown upon that and the noise.

 

[A_Pmech]

A bow saw is the way to handle such things.

 

[Brian_B_]

Agree...a bow saw would work well in that situation.

 

[930dreamer]

Yup x2 on the bow saw.

 

[signcrafter]

A bow saw is the way to handle such things.

Any reason in particular? Just the design of the saw or the blade or both? You think that would work better then the sawzall with pruning blade?

I was kind of leaning towards the sawzall this time because in years past we have went and didn't have electricity(and I didn't bring the cordless) and it was 100+ degrees out with high humidity and I was dripping wet after cutting a few logs! I don't plan on it being overly hot this time but thought maybe the sawzall would make life better if it was hot out. But I've never tried one of the pruning blades before so don't know how well they will work.

 

[Brian_B_]

I have an old craftsman bow saw that is pretty big (30" maybe?). It has a padded hand grip on the other end so two people can use it to cut large limbs. You would probably only need a smaller one though.

 

[A_Pmech]

You could always buy and try one, the pruning blades aren't very expensive.

A bow saw is the traditional way to cut up small logs. With a sharp blade they cut fast but do take a bit of work to run.

 

[Brian_B_]

different thing of course..but my "little brother" uses demolition blades to cut up scrap metal with. I was not big enough or strong enough to hang onto his saw when I tried it up at his house.

 

[signcrafter]

Ok next question, any small and lite weight ideas to hold the log while cutting? I'm kind of new to cutting wood without a chainsaw!

 

[diggerrick]

All you need for firewood:
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2720-21

 

[pendragon1998]

Ok next question, any small and lite weight ideas to hold the log while cutting? I'm kind of new to cutting wood without a chainsaw!

If you have an axe, notch two logs and place the one you're sawing across the notches.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Electric chainsaw? Small, light, fairly inexpensive now. That and a decent extension cord.

Chainsaw is enough work, bow saw is way more than I'd want to do.

Charles

 

[OccupantRJ]

Battery powered sawsall.

 

[signcrafter]

Electric chainsaw? Small, light, fairly inexpensive now. That and a decent extension cord.

Chainsaw is enough work, bow saw is way more than I'd want to do.

Charles

How loud are they? I've never seen one in action, always had gas saws.

 

[Brian_B_]

I have an electric chainsaw..forgot about those. DUH! It was given to me.

Google "saw buck" to see how they used to cut firewood. Or how they used to hold it up for cutting anyway.

 

[Brian_B_]

They are not loud at all...at least mine is not. Its no louder than any other type of saw..it just has a chain not a blade. Mine is craftsman.

 

[Brian_B_]

 

[Outlawmws]

A pair of canvass and leather work gloves and a big well anchored rock. I'ts camp firewood; it doesn't NEED to be pretty...

Swing the oversized lengths and smack it on top of the rock, and it will snap off. Just make sure to have more length on your end or it will buck out of your hands, and keep the kids out of the line of the swing... large pieces I walk on by.

I also have a "hewing" hatchet head on a 30" small(er) ax handle, and that works well for knocking off limbs off the dead fall logs. I rarely use the blade side unless splitting kindling.


The best firewood tool is a wood carry strap. 12-18" wide, maybe 4 ft long, and a couple of handles. You can make one if you are creative.

 

[sawin]

My opinion is if that is all you are going to cut, just get a bow saw. Prop the piece to be cut on a couple of other pieces, put your foot on it and saw away. Or have some hold it while you saw. Keep it simple.

A hatchet, or Hudson Bay style axe for branches.

I would think, that 1/2 - 1 hour would give you enough wood for a couple/three nights campfires.

When using the bow saw, let the blade cut the wood. No need to bear down, just keep it straight, and moving. Unless broken, (never seen one), a decent blade will last a very long time.

 

[CTyankee]

Buy the pruning blade and bring the sawzall...They cut great.

 

[southalabama]

I'm with outlaw.

I'd take gloves and break or beat the wood into pieces. If I needed a reason to buy an electric chainsaw this is a good excuse but if all you are needing it for is one trip don't bother.

It's called gathering firewood.

Even if the piece is to long. You burn it in half and put the ends in the fire.

Take a fire poker and gloves.

 

[MN4x4]

If you want the ultimate portable chain saw, I recommend this 40 Volt Cordless Chain Saw:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DRBBRU6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Since I got it I almost never use my Stihl anymore. Quick, quiet, poweful, and a pleasure to use! But not cheap...

 

[Flatland Dave]

Depending on the area, fire wood might be a ways away from the camp site.
Just a thought.

 

[Displaced Hokie]

I have cut up whole trees with those sawzall blades. They are great! They make some pretty long ones too. Just didn't want to get out the chainsaw at times.

 

[signcrafter]

I'm with outlaw.

I'd take gloves and break or beat the wood into pieces. If I needed a reason to buy an electric chainsaw this is a good excuse but if all you are needing it for is one trip don't bother.

It's called gathering firewood.

Even if the piece is to long. You burn it in half and put the ends in the fire.

Take a fire poker and gloves.

We try to camp a few times a year. So it's not a one time deal. I don't "need" an electric chainsaw, I have a gas one. Just trying to figure out the most efficient way to cut wood without making a bunch of noise. We go thru a fair amount each night and cutting in pieces and splitting it isn't too bad as long as the weather is alright. But we reserve the spot at least a month ahead of time so no way to know if a crazy heat wave is going to come thru on those days. I don't think cracking it will work the best, still have to split it after if the logs are bigger. I'm fine with a bow saw and a little work as long as it's not too bad, I'm not afraid of getting dirty. But if it's crazy hot out like it has been a few times it's no fun spending an hour cutting and chopping wood on "vacation". Sometimes we have sites without electricity also so an electric chainsaw won't always work for us. I do have a cordless sawzall if needed but will bring the electric one this time since we will have power and they cut a little better then the battery ones.

Bow saws are cheap so I will probably pick one of those up to try out. And also a pruning blade for the sawzall since they aren't too expensive. I'd also look into an electric chainsaw if they aren't real loud.

 

[SteveCh]

I have a bow saw that breaks down and all fits together very small. Made for hiking, etc. works as well as a regular bow saw.

I have those pruning Sawzall blades. Find them really good for cutting branches up to a couple inches diameter. They will cut thicker wood but at a slower rate. For camping, etc, I would not trade my bow saw.

 

[Outlawmws]

The only fire wood I'll bother picking up is about 4-5" or less; unless someone else has left precut log sections around. For that all I need do is split. Until you have tried breaking wood, don't knock it.

Take your saws, but try the work gloves and carry strap (you can buy a strap if you don't feel like making one). It's really a lot less work, other then maybe you have to go further afield, but most organized camp sites are stripped bare of easy pickings anyway. I can fill the back of a pickup in 15-20 minutes easily, faster with help.

Edit: it's called "squaw wood" for a reason... much of it is dead fall from live trees, and pines often have a lot of dead kindling on the lower reaches. Getting that off the trees is a benefit, as its a feed for ground and wild fires...

 

[Steroblan]

The electricity is just for camp. Wood scavengers would have cut up any useable firewood within extension cord range long before you. Go cordless, manual or battery.

 

[jedigazza]

A bow saw is the way to handle such things.

Agree...a bow saw would work well in that situation.

Yup x2 on the bow saw.

Agreed, i use this bad boy myself.

 

[ajchien]

IMHO, an electric chainsaw is kind of loud (less loud than gas) - but it makes such short work out of cutting wood that it wouldn't be on that long. You could get plenty cut during the daylight hours and not be much or a nuisance for that long.

I think a sawzall would also work. Maybe less noisy, but may take a little longer.

But ... You are going camping. Isn't part of the fun of the activity to try to go without modern accessories? Bow saw, axe, knives?

 

[smiffy]

If buying a bow saw make sure you get the corect blades they vary for cutting dried wood or fresh although they will work on each other it makes it easier work with the correct type or find a traditional logging saw someone must still make them and they fly through wood like you wouldn't believe

 

[R.Anderson]

Camping with a sawzall or any other power tool seems wrong to me lol first pick for me would be a axe and or bow saw. I would almost bet I could cut a 5-6" log faster with a good bow saw then with a sawzall.

 

[JonnyMac]

A nice axe and a file..
the satisfaction from chopping the logs is huge but then the best bit comes later on in the evening when you spend an hour gently sharpening it in the camp chair next to the fire with a beer...
My idea of heaven...
This is my camping rig...

 

[pauls_workshop]

I use my 18v cordless recip (ryobi) with a 3, 4, or 5 tooth per inch pruning type blade on the end of it to cut up to 6" dia all the time. Skil or Milwaukee or Bosch or Porter Cable blades are all good. Mine takes maybe 15 seconds max to cut through that, usually more like 10 seconds. If it is taking longer, try one of these aggressive pruning blades above.

I can't imagine needing a chainsaw for camp purposes unless you are going to be there a week or more and need a lot of wood. My recip is about as fast as my chainsaw for smaller sizes. A cordless recip with some batteries would be the easy way. A manual bow saw would come in 2nd to me. I've used those lots too. A good sharp hatchet can also be useful but more work there. - Paul

 

[RedneckWelder]

I don't know what state park system he's going to but you are not allowed to use a chainsaw of any kind at mine.

 

[bcradio]

OK so to sum this up the options are:

A) Buy a $6 blade for a recip saw you already have

B) Buy a $30 bow saw

C) Buy a $100+ electric chainsaw

Obviously option A is the logical choice. A bow saw would be a pain if you have a large quantity of wood to cut. Chainsaw is fine if you would have other use for it.

 

[Squankum]

I just get off the phone with Gov. Schwarznegger and he shouted, GET TO DAH BAHCO!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009GVN2E/?tag=atomicindus08-20


Yeah, it's a minor amount of work. Isn't there anybody else in the family who can do chores?

I've not had good luck using a long, tree-oriented blade on my recipro saw on the branches that fall in my yard. (In my yard, "branch" = 20-30' long, oak, 3-5".) But looking at the blade at the top of the thread, I had better try that blade, it looks more aggressive.

 

[lwlobo]

The reason a bow saw works so well is because this is what it's designed for. It has a thin blade with the right kind of teeth held in tension by the bow, can cut in both directions. The first time I used one I was shocked how well they cut. Quiet, cheap, lightweight, effective.

Between breaking (like outlaw says or by propping an end up and stomping in the middle) and a bow saw you get a pile of camp fire wood in no time.

 

[R.Anderson]

The reason a bow saw works so well is because this is what it's designed for. It has a thin blade with the right kind of teeth held in tension by the bow, can cut in both directions. The first time I used one I was shocked how well they cut. Quiet, cheap, lightweight, effective.

Between breaking (like outlaw says or by propping an end up and stomping in the middle) and a bow saw you get a pile of camp fire wood in no time.

And no batteries, generator, extension cords, fuel, and oil required.

 

[sawin]

Obviously option A is the logical choice. A bow saw would be a pain if you have a large quantity of wood to cut. Chainsaw is fine if you would have other use for it.

Perhaps I think differently. So I guess my thinking is that it would be far from being a "pain" to spend an hour preparing a wood pile.

I have a neighbor that made a living for a few years, (when young), using a bow saw to cut pulp. Pulp wood is used to make paper. Anymore it is mostly tree length.

He bucked up the wood into 4' sticks with a bow saw for $2.00 a cord. Also had to load it by hand, onto trucks to be transported to the mills. I think that paid extra, but not much.

I can remember a few decades of 4' wood. By the time it was my turn, chainsaws, (large and heavy), were quite common.

Progress and modern technology is fine, but our young people still need some tasks that are "character builders".