Build a Firewood Cutting Jig - DIY Wood Processor

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

I thought it would be a good time to build a new jig based on the design of an old one I found on our property. It's simple, portable, and very efficient at turning long branches or slab wood offcuts from a sawmill into firewood. You simply load it up, drop the roped weights over the stack, and run your chainsaw down the slots.

[@mountainviews5025]

Hey there my sons and nephews we all get together and watch videos and they were talking then they asked me if I new what country you were from and I wasn't able to tell them because your English is great so I told them that I would ask you and I said to them how can y'all tell he's not from the United States Of America and there answer was because of HOW you say the word process I said then maybe he's from the beautiful area of Canada so please let them know your our new channel and they are truly interested THANKS and thumbs up

[@shonuffisthemaster]

@@mountainviews5025 my guess was canada

[@MichaelMantion]

Hi I really wanted to watch your video but the annoying background music made it impossible. I don't know why youtubers are adding background music to their videos. Is someone telling you its a good idea? Anyways I watched a bunch of your videos and really liked them but won't be watching your videos again. I guess let me know if you stop adding background music and I can watch your videos again.

[@HcFateFan]

@@MichaelMantion Most people don't like absolute silence when there is no talking, or even when talking. There is almost always a nearly inaudible noise on recordings, which is easily hidden by some silent background music. But it's all opinion and taste ofcourse, I like me some decent background tunes :D

[@MichaelMantion]

@@HcFateFan adding more noise doesn't help anyone. When I have conversations with people I don't add background music because there is silence. Also the music the guy picks while editing witll only be liked by a small fraction of people at anyone time. the odds that the music he pick matches your people who must have random background music is almost impossible. Adding background music is a like a chef cooking a meal and then right before it goes out, coverss it i a random sauce. Maybe it will make it better, most likley it will make it worse. In the end MOST people don't need constant music in their lives, and those that need music CAN ADD IT. The only way i can avoid the annoying music is to unsub, which is what I do now. I only tell the previously good creators to stop adding music. The really weird thing is I would never sub to a person who adds background music. I have already unsubbed from 200+ channels for background music in the last 2 months. I have a strong feeling that their is an idiot like you that needs background music working at KZbin telling people to add background music.

[@cynthiahennessy7]

I have never heard of a firewood cutting jig….. it is a game changer. Thank you.

[@167curly]

A simple and very labour-saving vehicle for standard sized firewood. Brilliant!

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Thanks!!

[@zaxmaxlax]

Absolute genious, I had half a ton of old planks the other day and I used a miter saw to cut them because it was the only tool I had. It took me a day but now I have enough firewood for two months.

[@beebob1279]

At first I thought it was going to be some dinky little marking system to cut wood. I’m glad I watched the whole thing. I particularly like the idea of doing a pile of wood at a time instead of one piece at a time. Thanks for the video. It gives me ideas

[@bob_frazier]

I don't need one of these, BUT, I learn something with every video that I can apply elsewhere.

[@goldassayer93555]

Two points. 1. Put a shelf on the side where you have your chainsaw so that when fully down in the cut the shelf meets the bottom of the saw and holds the chain at the surface of the bottom of the cutting slot without letting the saw cut too deep. 2. Do not stack you firewood against the wall of a building. You are creating a avenue for termites to bore up through the wood and into the woodwork of your house. Nice video!

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Excellent idea! Thanks for the comments.

[@daleford5531]

Totally awesome..I'm going to build one.

[@levismadore556]

Ingenious. Very good instructions, clear indications, Levis Canada

[@unmapa5767]

You can pivot the jig so that it tumbles and positions all the bundles automatically where you want it. The dumper will have an above Mass Center Bolt which you will use to oscillate with minimal force like a rickshaw

[@crazycoyote1738]

Nice job, and your cad presentation is definitely helping . Bless you.

[@10Timewaster]

Well thought out design and a fun build to watch. Keep up the cool ideas

[@borisbash]

Its great watching a pro at work. Great video thank you.

[@bubbareed2004]

I love the way he says project.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

That would be my thick Canadian accent. ;o)

[@lights80088]

Excellent video's and great ideas. Thank you.

[@richardroyles1423]

Good idea thank you

[@Myrkskog]

Only discovered your channel this morning. Got to say I'm loving the noodling bass!

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Thanks! Viewers are really divided on my music selections. Some really dislike it, and some love it.

[@Myrkskog]

@@MANaboutTOOLS understandable, I suppose, but I'm certainly a fan of it. Cheers!

[@Myrkskog]

@@MANaboutTOOLS understandable, I suppose, but I'm certainly a fan of it. Cheers!

[@donflack3778]

What a great idea! I liked it. KC Don

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mvblitzyo]

wow that was an amazing project, thanks for putting this together ..

[@raytry69]

I'd put some pieces of boards to the bottom inside to lift the firewood off from the jig's bottom piece. Perpendicular to the sides and the bottom as well. Then no need a sacrifical wood at the bottom. And better for your back as well. :)

[@SaKcAj]

I would add grove or smth to hold ropes in place, so they are always centered when holding weights. Great vid!

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Thank you!

[@chriss8206]

Instead of a sacrifice board at the bottom. Put individual blocks where the cut will be made. This way when you get to the void rpm.will go up and you will know when to stop. Maybe a 6x6 block between the cuts.

[@cliffphilis7882]

This is what I was going to say. Blocks will add rigidity to the whole thing and skip the sacrificial wood. Only downfall is you could cut less wood each time

[@CaptHayes-tl4tj]

That is an excellent idea

[@jaredfisher1618]

Very neat.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@dosmundos3830]

what a pain in the ass digging the wood out of that thing would be. i'll stick to cutting pole length wood in a pile :)

[@Rust-Trap-Ranch]

Very nice What a time saver Thx for sharing

[@mughat]

How about just using 2 big plates bolted on the side of a beam. When you do the first batch you cut the jig slots to size.

[@adriansymons9536]

Very clear instructions. Very informative. Job well done. You have a new subscriber out of me.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Hey thanks! I appreciate your comments!

[@1mtstewart]

Good video! You could use your voice in many other productions. You should rent it to other youtube video creators. To minimize the wood OUT of the jig, could you use stake pockets in one side to make that half removable? OR A hinge to fold that side down out of your way?

[@9squares]

I would love to see your ingenuity and perfection applied to a garden cart with bicycle wheels if you get bored.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Yer on! But gotta wait for the snow to melt. ;o)

[@9squares]

@@MANaboutTOOLS Awesome, I am looking forward to it.

[@corydriver7634]

Great idea I’ll be building one myself. By the way it’s not a good idea to stack wood against your house and directly on the ground.

[@MNWatchdog1]

Couldnt you get trampoline springs on rope to come over and hook eyelets to get rid of the weight?

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

That would work too

[@lilbird1962]

Awesome 😊👍

[@dwoodog]

Looks very handy. Definately gives me an idea in which direction to go since I need to come up with something like this. I feel you didn't really go over it's critical on the spacing when it comes to the length of firewood you want be it 18", 16" or 14"

[@DcaCo123]

Thanks Man, Great Video and build. From North Michigan, USA.

[@norolemodel2883]

I would have made it higher off the ground. Less bending down when sawing and safer handling in case of kickback due to more distance between head and chain than when bending down.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

That's a good idea. Thanks!

[@maximemineault8117]

True, but you have to be able to grab the wood you cutted at the bottom of the rack.

[@norolemodel2883]

Maxime Mineault, that is true, but there should be a good compromise possible when you make it custom built for yourself. Personally I would sacrifice some inches in height for less bending down.

[@davidkirkpatrick712]

Great job. Should last 500 years

[@markloncarevic3279]

So well spoken

[@gussy6783]

Hint of a lisp. Probably had a nice hot cup of jasmine tea waiting for him when he finished.

[@borden2417]

Good job, Ken I like videos that explain what your doing.

[@PtrOBrn]

Put some 2x4 blocks between the boards to lift your firewood off the base and when you hit the gap stop the saw.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

I do have a waste piece in the bottom that works pretty well for that. Thanks for watching!

[@Mainekt3]

Excellent video and design! Thanks for sharing this with all of us. I am wondering if it is really worth buying bundles of hardwood slab wood at a great price and to go through all the work of building this wonderful jig and THEN having to load the jig, cut each 16" slot, unload each pile and then stack it? You would also have to sharpen the chainsaw every so often too. I have the chance to buy 3/4 cord bundles of debarked hardwood for $75 each which is a great price for hardwood here in Maine. It would be interesting to get feedback from others reading my post. Is it just easier and cheaper in the long run to buy cut and dried 16" hardwood and have it dumped in my yard ready for stacking? Please comment if you would. Thanks.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

I can't say what would be the most economical option here. It depends on what you think your time is worth and the price of the mill offcuts.

[@CAOHnutrition]

Cool idea - hey old contractor here - don't store your would against the house - lots of critters in wood stacks that can get to the house faster. Thanks again for the video great idea.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Thanks! The wood was there temporarily (sorta) while I was building this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnm1gZZ8j5mhg6M

[@CCSandSonsWorkshop]

Very cool idea! New to the channel and happy to have found it!

[@restabrico1]

IT´S AMAZING PROYECT

[@antpilig6256]

Very cool 😎.....this is my second video watching....so far really cool things that are very handy 👍.......

[@colemyst]

What a great idea!

[@kestutisk9397]

Great video nice!!!!

[@Делайсам-м8о]

Интересное решение!))) interesting solutions))

[@joefrank7159]

Great idea. But , use caster wheels. Have many to choose from. 4 Screw each and done.

[@stan.rarick8556]

Caster wheels not good on grass, dirt, sand.

[@davidkirkpatrick712]

What's the weight purpose?

[@mustangtonto5862]

I admire your wood working skills…and your collection of every woodworker’s assortment of power tools. That jig would sell for $499.00 at Tractor Supply or $659.00 if made of PT wood.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Thanks!

[@booifojoe]

2 minutes of action packed into 20 minutes of video.

[@terryrhuebottom]

Have you noticed a difference between the older one with metal weights and the new one with much lighter weights? If so how much difference?

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

I have a bunch of cutting to do this weekend and will be using both jigs side-by-side. I have a load of slabs that we milled recently and will be running them through an edger. So the offcuts will go right in the jigs for firewood. I'll let you know how it goes. Also, I'm considering using bungee cords instead of weights.

[@terryrhuebottom]

@@MANaboutTOOLS thanks, that is good to know. Something that does help is if you are not impressed with the wood weights you can always cannibalize the weights from the old jig.

[@crestonsimpson1370]

only thing i would have added is a few blocks longways inside the jig. This will lift the wood up you are cutting and would help to not cut your jig

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Thanks for the comment! Appreciate that!

[@robford41984]

I was thinking the same but turn them width ways and put them at a upright board in the middle. This way it’s a “stop here” guide. Like maybe that scrap wood you used at the end for a few of those blocks. This way you’re not cutting the jig or the guides.

[@jamesstclair9511]

Nice. One could also use bungee cords instead of weighted ropes, to eliminate the risk of clipping a weight accidentally...

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

James, that is an excellent idea! Thanks for adding that!

[@tommieduhswamy6860]

Nice video ...excellent delivery, neat in every way. Bravo.

[@FixItYerself]

nice pro-ject

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

LOL, I know I know. I didn't realize how thick my dialect was till I put a few videos oot.

[@sarahcox2013]

Should put the ropes in there slots first then stack the wood in the jig and cut so when you're done cutting you can tie off the bundles for faster unloading

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

The weighted ropes hold and compress the stack as the saw is run through. I think it keeps them in tighter bundles to prevent the blade from binding.

[@johnh8013]

genius....

[@ryancanadianchimney200]

Cool firewood jig! Just a "heads up" on the slab wood you are using:. If you are using the wood in a factory built wood stove, or fireplace, I recommend checking to see if the logs were moved in a marine log boom. If they were, they contain salt that will corrode your stove, and venting.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Thanks! And good point there!

[@philliptoone]

It seems to me that old pallets would be a good source of materials for this project

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Yes! That would work well.

[@southrootedoutsideoutdoors2052]

Nice 👍 New to your channel

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Thank you!

[@nuclearexplosion5841]

Wait... snap on makes nailers?!?

[@докторужас-о6м]

Спасибо

[@ابنآدم-ز2ف]

The Lazy Man Way: I would of added an axis that has a clip holding the jig-conainter still, once the cutting finished just unclip the jig-container and pivot it to the side tipping the pieces into their resting place instead of having to unload piece by piece(s).

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

That's a great idea! Thanks for the comment!

[@syedhasan6548]

Nice Video 👍

[@nicholashollow9410]

Could have just used long 1/2in lag bolts to attatch the wheels

[@shonuffisthemaster]

why didnt i think of that....ive had a pile of sticks waiting to be cut forever

[@lockoutking9233]

Ahhhhhh he said west coast i see know!

[@RoseBud-fk4qg]

Make it longer lay a tarp down to catch saw dust and bits of bark

[@davidkirkpatrick712]

Wonder what Wranglerstar would say

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

He's a good man. Love his stuff.

[@bob_frazier]

@@MANaboutTOOLS Oh please. You're a hundred times more polished. Don't go down his road as a shill either... lots of us walked away.

[@lorenelkin9415]

Why is there a need for the weights draped over the wood? Otherwise looks very efficient.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

The weights compress the bundles as they are cut. It keeps the saw from binding.

[@MacWalther]

@@MANaboutTOOLS I just deleted my similar question. Thanks!

[@harveyroad6]

@@MANaboutTOOLS I can see that for a hand saw but do you really need the weights for chainsaw use?

[@cpm324]

Secret step... every oil change, pour the used motor oil on it...keep it green, recycle.

[@scottfurlong5475]

And pollute the ground. Nice idea! Better to use plant based oil.

[@michaelcollins1899]

Been there done that. Oiled trailer bed and it rotted faster than 1st deck I had on it!!! The oil does what??? Yep, it draws moisture!!! Moisture gets in, oil wont let it escape, accelerating the rot proccess!!

[@tribulation138]

When I use my 16 inch bar chainsaw. I use that to determine length of cut wood

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Yes I do that too. The jig has a pretty specific purpose for me. I use it to cut bundles of small branches or sawmill offcuts. I think it's faster than cutting them one at a time. For logs that will need splitting, I cut them right on the ground where they fall. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@Anakwad]

How about A knob to tie to or bungee cord skip the weights

[@harveyroad6]

Think I could have cut a cord of firewood to length before this jig was built. Use your saw with bar as a guide to length. This firewood afterall not cabinets. And no need to store the jig for years. I see the need for ropes and weights using a hand crosscut but not with the chainsaw.

[@joes2362]

You win the first cord. Over time. the jig will cut far more cords, faster and easier, than your method ever will. All he has to do is stack the wood into the jig and cut however many slots there are. You will have to cut every piece of wood individually. After cutting the wood, all he has to do is take the wood out of the jig and stack it. You will have to handle every piece of wood that you cut. Your cut wood will be laying everywhere. His cut wood is in 1 place, inside the jig, or right beside it. After his jig is built, he will have his wood cut and stacked before you are finished cutting yours. You are the perfect example of.... why do things an easy way, when there is a hard way of doing them.

[@harveyroad6]

@@joes2362 we burn 5 cords of wood here and a half dozen pick up loads of slabs each year. Your assuming things. Who said anything about cutting each piece individually. We cut the whole bundle using the bar of the saw, cutting 6-20 pieces at a time. Then move over 16-20 inches and make another cut and repeat the cut slabs lay where they are cut. In nice little piles. Then take those and stack them. The next bunch requires no measuring as you can see where your saw went the first round. No jig required, less handling, nothing to store. I like this video and think it is neat. I am a big fan of the old methods but with new tools come new capabilities. Will give him this, his chain will stay sharp longer as there's no chance of touching the ground. The weights are unnecessary if not dangerous. With a hand saw, absolutely required. Btw, nice edit, more polite. Appreciate that. Have a great day.

[@scor440]

I don’t see the weights having any use

[@db1959ED]

💪💪💪👍👍👍

[@ericmp20091]

also known as a cutting box

[@gordonchapman222]

I wonder if the original builder of the jig used one of those massive hand saws instead of a chain saw. Also I thought it was not a really good tip when you said you should use a bit of 'sacrificial' wood to make sure you don't cut into the bottom of the jig. If you're not careful and paying enough attention, you'll cut through the sacrificial wood and the jig regardless 😊 Anyway great video, very informative

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Thanks for your comments. I always appreciate feedback and questions. We did find a large handsaw in a shed on the property so the previous owner may have used it with the jig. There are chain saw marks on the old jig and some sacrificial boards on the bottom.

[@gordonchapman222]

👍

[@richardhatt6541]

I am lazy and don't want to handle the wood more than I have to. Go right from the truck to the jig. Clean the jig in the woods so you don't have to clean it off the lawn.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Yes absolutely!

[@johnmccomb43]

Handles will break

[@Zekespeaks]

Cool idea, but I have a suggestion for improvement; rather than chamfer the edges of the vertical pieces after assembly, set up a router table with a 1/4" round bit and run all four edges of each board across it. It would be fast and assure no chaffing. Just a thought.

[@kidglove100]

I gave up fire wood and bought a harman wood pellet stove ....amen

[@augustreil]

I have a pellet stove also with a 120lb hopper. Runs for 3 days straight. I can see where this would work pretty good for people who get slab wood and for the smaller tree limbs.

[@dosmundos3830]

may as well have a furnace if you're buying your fuel anyway ;)

[@normangorton9008]

GM em

[@stephenflood4526]

Use wooden weights😉

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Yup

[@drmachinewerke1]

1. Ok you load wood in truck 2. Unload truck 3. Load jig 4. Unload jig 5. Stack wood. 6. Load and transport My way. 1. Load 20’ trailer with slab wood bundles at mill using their loader . 2. Drive home and cut wood on trailer. I do not need a tape to know how long to cut wood. I use my bar length as a gauge. Not really I’ve done this long enough to know where to cut 3. Back trailer into barn and dump trailer, pull forward . Eat some breakfast and go get another load. Cut wood on trailer. 4. When I need more wood. Drive garden tractor with small trailer from barn to house loaded with wood . 5. Open basement window and throw wood into coal room in basement. No stacking no jig 6. Repeat as needed.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

I like your way. Mine was more for demonstration purposes.

[@RedowlMB]

No need for background music during your commentary IMO....got really annoying fast.

[@hankclingingsmith8707]

If you know how to cut wood, you dont need this. Dont waste your time and money it's a joke.

[@carsongoodman5581]

Hank Clingingsmith wasting time sharpening your chain. Better having your chain go into wood... as it should instead of the dirt.

[@carsongoodman5581]

That’s about the only good thing I can think this would be good for. Honestly it can be done way cheaper than what this guy did

[@idmtztemp9211]

Made me cringe way he was using the file!!

[@bear9923]

CURIOUS. WHY DOES FIREWOOD HAVE TO BE CUT TO AN EXACT LENGTH. I SEE PEOPLE DOING THIS FREQUENTLY. I GET THAT WOOD HAS TO FIT INTO THE WOOD STOVE, BUT, WOULDN'T IT SUFFISE TO JUST EYEBALL IT AND NOT WASTE ALL THE TIME PUTTING IT INTO JIGS OR MARKING EACH LOG WITH A CALIBRATED SPRAY PAINT GUN. SEEMS TO BE JUST BUSY WORK. CUTTING 12-15 FULL CORDS I DON'T HAVE THE TIME TO MESS AROUND.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Sounds like whatever you are doing is working well for you. Good stuff.

[@Ebolson1019]

Only reason I can think of is if the wood is being used in an offset smoker and you want to cut logs short enough to fit but not so short that they burn up immediately. Having a somewhat consistent length helps cause you can know roughly how long each piece will burn for.

[@robbyb6380]

I fucking hate the sound of a fretless bass.

[@joecoolmccall]

A firewood cutting jig??? Seriously?

[@stefanpruszkiewicz8919]

Haha. Precision is what we need for firewood.

[@robertspencer4009]

Never stack against your house

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Yes I agree. It was temporary while I was building this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnm1gZZ8j5mhg6M

[@guyparham575]

Never sill stack near your house be quicker to bring in side and dry out wear pleanty of sunlight

[@dosmundos3830]

Guy Parham i stack it inside AND outside of my house, what possible difference do you see?

[@WebInvasion]

Silly

[@mWaffen]

Sorry to see that you need to bounce and sway up and down, back & forth, and left to right as you announce. Thank God you don't do that when you are using dangerous tools.