Firewood / Log splitter estimate

[gwa000]

need some advice from some experienced people who cut and split their own firewood. i had 6 ash trees taken down ranging from 6-8" up to 22" in diameter. i've cut all of the wood but would like:

1. an estimate of how many face cords i will get out of this wood.
2. how long it will take 2 people using a log splitter to split the wood (not necessarily stacking it).

reason i am asking is that i have to rent a splitter from either a big box store (for a 24 hour period but realistically will only be able to run it from about 9AM - 5PM due to village ordinance and daylight) or a rental store for the weekend. price is roughly the same.

if we could complete it in 6 -7 hours that would be best as my son (coming in from out of town for the chore) could return it. if i have to go the rental store route i would have to ask a neighbor to return it monday morning but i would rather not impose on him unless the splitting is going to require more than 6 - 7 hours (i.e. two days, the second day i would work alone).

i've attached a few pictures of the wood that has been cut.
Picture # 1: overview of all the wood
Picture # 2: Pile # 1, front view
Picture # 3: Pile # 1, side view
Picture # 4: Pile # 2, front view
Picture # 5: Pile # 2, side view



thanks!!

 

[farmer steve]

I'm guessing 2-3 cords. (I don't do face cords) I'd rent the splitter for the weekend. 2 guys should be able to knock most of that out in a day depending on splitter operation experience. Get it for the weekend just in case. I'd noodle some of the bigger rounds just to make it go faster.

 

[chucker]

less then 3 cords, and two guys will do it in 6 hours if you are not used to the job.... splitting the bigger blocks into say 6" wedges, smaller will kill the weekend for you! 7 face cords(4'x8'x16"/18").

 

[motorhead99999]

less then 3 cords, and two guys will do it in 6 hours if you are not used to the job.... splitting the bigger blocks into say 6" wedges, smaller will kill the weekend for you! 7 face cords(4'x8'x16"/18").

A lot of it you could probaly split faster by hand beings it’s ash

 

[TRTermite]

It's ash -
Grab a splitting maul and wedges for the gnarly ones or a bit of chainsaw cut to start the spit and finish it off with a maul of your choice.
Might need to stock the fridge for anticipated help.
And figure a few weekends to rest and Split and SIP refreshments and repeat.
I have noticed no body bothers me when I am Splitting wood...
I have a nice hydraulic splitter and I still have my peace and quiet.

 

[gwa000]

I'm guessing 2-3 cords. (I don't do face cords) I'd rent the splitter for the weekend. 2 guys should be able to knock most of that out in a day depending on splitter operation experience. Get it for the weekend just in case. I'd noodle some of the bigger rounds just to make it go faster.

can you explain "I'd noodle some of the bigger rounds"?

i've only split wood (with a splitter) once before so i'm a newbie as far as terminology.

 

[gwa000]

A lot of it you could probaly split faster by hand beings it’s ash

yeah, that ain't gonna happen (based on my age).

 

[TRTermite]

can you explain "I'd noodle some of the bigger rounds"?

i've only split wood (with a splitter) once before so i'm a newbie as far as terminology.

Rip not cross cut with chainsaw

 

[gwa000]

It's ash -
Grab a splitting maul and wedges for the gnarly ones or a bit of chainsaw cut to start the spit and finish it off with a maul of your choice.
Might need to stock the fridge for anticipated help.
And figure a few weekends to rest and Split and SIP refreshments and repeat.
I have noticed no body bothers me when I am Splitting wood...
I have a nice hydraulic splitter and I still have my peace and quiet.

if i was a little younger, possibly split it by hand, and if it was a smaller amount. with the impending winter approaching i just want to get it done!!

 

[gwa000]

Rip not cross cut with chainsaw

do you mean all the way through or just part way to get it started?

thanks for the quick replies!!

 

[TRTermite]

if i was a little younger, possibly split it by hand, and if it was a smaller amount. with the impending winter approaching i just want to get it done!!

I hear Ya
Another thought is to craigslist or some how rent two guys and a splitter I have helped friends out that way before.
Just keep it all business if you don't know them..

 

[gwa000]

I hear Ya
Another thought is to craigslist or some how rent two guys and a splitter I have helped friends out that way before.
Just keep it all business if you don't know them..

"renting" my son, he's free!! and the weekend rental for the splitter is very reasonable so we (son for one day) should be able to handle it.

 

[TRTermite]

do you mean all the way through or just part way to get it started?

thanks for the quick replies!!

Splitting is quicker with a maul but I get Chunks 30 or 40" diameter and break then down by noodling/rip cutting them partially then use the splitting maul to small pieces I can throw in the truck then haul them home and back up to the splitter and split off of the tailgate.
If the chunks are frozen they split easier.

 

[TRTermite]

Tip him with refreshments...
It should be called Bonding
Miss being able to do that.

 

[TRTermite]

do you mean all the way through or just part way to get it started?

thanks for the quick replies!!

most cut all the way but to me noodling is rip cutting that makes long stringy sawdust/chip/NOODLES

 

[Deleted member 117362]

"renting" my son, he's free!! and the weekend rental for the splitter is very reasonable so we (son for one day) should be able to handle it.

Rent a splitter that will go vertical, will make those larger rounds easier to split. Place a piece or 2x6 or 2x8 in front of splitter to make it easier, sets log up and flat to splitter base.

 

[gwa000]

Tip him with refreshments...
It should be called Bonding
Miss being able to do that.

thanks for you help and the quick replies.

 

[TRTermite]

Try to stack the splits with the bark up and because it is ash it might be a good idea to get it burned the season. And a pallet will keep it off of the dirt for the bugs

 

[gwa000]

Rent a splitter that will go vertical, will make those larger rounds easier to split. Place a piece or 2x6 or 2x8 in front of splitter to make it easier, sets log up and flat to splitter base.

the big box store's splitter operates horizontal and vertical. pretty sure the local rental one does also but i will verify if i rent from them.
thanks for the tip on putting 2 x 6 (8) in front of splitter to make it even with the splitter base. that should save on my back a little!!

 

[gwa000]

Try to stack the splits with the bark up and because it is ash it might be a good idea to get it burned the season. And a pallet will keep it off of the dirt for the bugs

i have some 2x4x8's to keep it off the ground.
you stated "might be a good idea to get it burned the season". are you saying it should be burned this season? i thought ash was a relatively hard wood and does it have to season for a while?

thanks!