Best saw for chopping wood for the fire?

JodyBPM

Hope this is the right place to post this?

We have an open fire in our dining room, which we use in the evening and weekend daytimes instead of putting our ancient back boiler central heating on.

We had an huge old oak tree trimmed back 2 years ago, and asked the workmen to leave the larger branches in the garden for us, so we could chop in for the fire. So we basically have a huge stack of uncut but seasoned branches down the end of our garden! We have quite a bit, enough to keep us going for at least a few months.

DH is meant to have chopped it over the summer, but he hasn't Apart from the fact that he's being a bit of a lazy so-and-so, I think it is actually pretty hard work, as he's doing it by hand with a normal saw and an axe for splitting. The times he has gone out for an hour or two, he only seems to chop enough for one nights burning!

What would be the correct equipment for him to chop this wood quicker? He's not confident using a chainsaw, so that isn't an option, but there must be something better than the general purpose saw he's been using?

Also, how do you sharpen an axe? could I do it with my knife sharpener (the basic ones, a simple metal post with handle) in the same way that I sharpen knives?

Any help much appreciated, as its driving me crazy buying wood, when we have a load of free wood in the garden that just needs chopping...

bobhawke

If the branches aren't massive he could use a chop saw. If they are too big for that then he will need a chain saw.
When you say a normal saw do you mean a hand saw? if so a bow saw with bigger teeth would make it much easier.

JodyBPM

bobhawke wrote: »

If the branches aren't massive he could use a chop saw. If they are too big for that then he will need a chain saw.
When you say a normal saw do you mean a hand saw? if so a bow saw with bigger teeth would make it much easier.

Hi, yes I do mean a handsaw! DH isn't confident using a chainsaw, and I'm not going to encourage him, as I'd feel really bad if he hurt himself! Given he's not confident, I think the sensible thing is to steer clear! Also, the cost of a chainsaw would surely outweigh the saving in wood costs.

I'm off to google chop saws and bow saws - I assume these could be found in any DIY type place?

suisidevw

Yes, a bow saw and a grinding stone for the axe. bosh.

bobhawke

From everything you have said a bow saw is most suitable then.

Or you could just leave him with the hand saw, by the time he gets through the logs with that he will be trying to cool off :rotfl:

suki1964

JodyBPM wrote: »

Hi, yes I do mean a handsaw! DH isn't confident using a chainsaw, and I'm not going to encourage him, as I'd feel really bad if he hurt himself! Given he's not confident, I think the sensible thing is to steer clear! Also, the cost of a chainsaw would surely outweigh the saving in wood costs.

I'm off to google chop saws and bow saws - I assume these could be found in any DIY type place?

But the cost will be recouped over the years because believe me, if you are cutting wood by hand the novelty will soon wear off making it less likely that you go collecting your own in the future and will instead spend money buying ready cut

RHYSDAD

Even sawing Oak with a chainsaw is hard enough work!! Two to three hours of chopping should then yield enough logs for a week's worth of open fires......

Lotus-eater

There are bow saws and there are bow saws.

This one is excellent and is what I use.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bahco-BAH102423-10-24-23-Bowsaw-24In/dp/B0001IX7TC/ref=sr_1_3?s=outdoors&ie=UTF8&qid=1291735156&sr=1-3

getmore4less

How big are the pieces?

For stuff upto 6" a mitre saw would do the job. (£30 might find one cheaper)
Might need a couple of cuts and might go bigger with care

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/40588/Power-Tools/Compound-Mitre-Saws/210mm-Compound-Mitre-Saw-240V

Another power tool to look at is a Reciprocating Saw might be able to get upto 12 with one of these

For big stuff the chainsaw is the answer

Another approach is to split first to reduce diameters then cut up with power tools.

samtheman1k

YOu can get alligator type electric chainsaws that are pretty safe to use. Not as versatile as a proper chain saw, but might just get you through, failing that, tell your OH to man up and get a proper chainsaw! :rotfl:

Swipe

You may think the oak branches cut 2 years ago are seasoned but, believe me they will not be. Oak takes 2 years to season and that's chopped and split. It is a nightmare to cut even with a DIY 30cm chainsaw. I scored a load of uncut oak last winter and I've got through chains like no ones business. I've tested some oak logs sawn and split 12 months ago and they still sizzle when put on the stove due to the wood being so dense. Lesser seasoned oak may be ok for an open fire though but not for a stove. It's a waste to burn unseasoned wood, especially oak.