Howard,
Let's see a good chain saw will run $400+ and a log splitter? $500 for a el-cheapo model or close to $1500 for a decent one. Opps, I almost forgot the fun of operating & maintaining more fossil fueled machines too; pre-mix gas, hyd. oil, bar oil, filters, worn out bars and chains. Whew, brings back memories I'd just assume leave in the past. Of course then you have give up more space to store that equipment along with the cord(s) of wood it takes to heat during a winter. Sorry, I have better things to do with my time than deal with all the hassels surrounding wood heat. My labor is worth more than the time it takes to get heat from wood. I rather spend my free time in the garage working on my toys.
Pete
I won't argue the fact that heating with wood is not for everyone.. I for one love it. The propane man doesn't even know my name and I plan on keeping it that way! Until I am to old and beat up to cut wood I'll keep right on cuttin.
A guys time is worth whatever he thinks it is. I look at like this. (what else am I doing on a Sunday?) I could set around the house drinking beer and watching football. "OR" Go to the woods. Drink beer and cut wood to heat my house and garage.
I try not to make cuttin wood WORK. My wife packs a cooler. We take the dogs. My daughter and son in law burn also so they go along. We run the saws while the ladies watch the dogs run squirrels and such. When the saws shut off we all load and enjoy a cold brew or 10. I just love it. But it's kinda MY THING.
Here's the facts.
$400 dollar saw.... no... $200 gets you a saw that will serve you well enough to heat a shop.
Splitter.... no... Cut what fits through the door.
Pallets and a power saw can heat alot of shop.
Burning wood is a lifestyle that isn't fitted for everyone.
As I said. Heating with wood is not for everyone but for those of us that have more time than money. It's a great way to go.