CHEAP DIY Gadgets To Cut PERFECT Firewood

[@HometownAcres]

Thanks to Hone for sponsoring this video! Go to honehealth.com/hometown to get your at home assessment and doctor consultation for only $45.

[@robertsteen8685]

Neighbour Doug is a perfect name and description. It encompasses all he is, no matter what he does. From work to entertainment to helping with the pond, mower and everything else

[@springfieldfarm1695]

I love how you & your neighbor have become friends!

[@whiteysolly6760]

I simply mark the bar at 16, 18, and 20", place the tip of saw at the end the log, note where the desired mark is and put a small cut there and so on down the line

[@ricka5471]

A good name for neighbor Doug could be Douggiever. Great video with alot of thought on different cutting & spliting tech.

[@blueberryridgeoutdoors]

Invaluable having a neighbor that is that handy and willing to share his ideas.

[@firefamily2000]

Enjoyed the video. Never seen anybody split wood inside a garage. Never seen anybody make 'improvements' to an old tire. (been split'n wood in a tire by hand for decades) I have used a power splitter only a couple of times and have found splitting by hand is at least 75% faster. Regarding cutting logs to length; I have never even considered anything but eye-balling wood for my stove. my stove takes 18" logs but I can stuff a 24" one if I try. I stack wood in a circle, and a crappy pile really does not bother me. I also do not generally cover my wood or even worry about seasoning it. I use a hockey puck size chunk of a dura-flame and it will start pretty much anything, and I place the next load in front of the stove to dry, it works every time. i burn 2-5 chord every winter., depending on the price of oil and my ambition.

[@robbiebaker2412]

I like that splitting ring he made with the tire. I would have never thought of that

[@johncollins500]

Great neighbor Doug is what I would call him. Wonderful person.

[@LiftRanger]

Great video and ideas, guys. Old guy here: the predominant reason we cut firewood to 16" is 3 rows of them 4' tall X 8' long makes a cord of wood. In the old days, firewood was sold/priced by the cord. Keep up the good work.

[@curtesamoangelos5995]

Watched from Yosemite Kentucky. Great video. Thanks for sharing the great ideas.

[@timothydarrow9474]

After I saw your magnetic pvc marker I simply took an extendable magnetic pickup tool and marked it at 16 inches. Works great and is easy to collapse and stick it in my pocket.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

I love that idea!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@zjedinite]

That’s a good one bud! I might just steal that one 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@Pyromanemac]

Fuck, I have one of those sitting in my junk drawer, that's perfect. Last haul of firewood was awful sizing. Anything from 8" to 20". Definitely grabbing the magent next week.

[@tbroome04]

The PVC pipe trick is the best way I have found. I glued a wooden dowel inside the PVC pipe and then drilled a pilot hole in the wooden dowel center. Then attached the magnet to the dowel using a recessed screw. I painted band lines on the PVC pipe at 3 different lengths. 1 for fire pit, 1 for fire place, one for wood stove.

[@TheFiremanJoe]

Wilson. From the TV show Home Improvement, he was always full of wisdom and great advice.

[@kenrolfsmeyer1484]

Hey Adam, I think of neighbor Doug as Dougie Do Right. He always has great ideas and analysis.

[@nickk4010]

I'd say " Do it right Doug" may be a fitting nickname for neighbor Doug. The guy is the living example of being prepared, thinking things out and if you are going to do it, you may as well do it right.

[@Pat2317]

It makes me pucker cutting those old dead ash trees down too. The tops break out as they fall and when they hit the ground the bark and limbs go flying. Great video! It’s always a blessing having neighbors like Doug around. He is a wealth of knowledge and experience it seems like. Take care and stay warm! We’re almost through this winter lol 😂

[@scotttex1054]

The zip tie idea is the best idea I have seen so far. Flexible and will not fall off. Easy to change lengths or use multiple length ties. I will not loose or damage these. I am pretty sure it will produce exact length cuts with practice. Thank you!

[@fricknjeep]

hi there interesting . i have been using a loggers crayon an a stick for years , mark the log while the saw warms up if needed . then i am not walking up or down a log with a running saw . its fast does not take much room . wont fall off the blade . your over thinking it , .this is also why i like my wood boxes instead of the totes they are a bit more forgiving in length . been measuring firewood for at least 30 years john

[@alanj7306]

I like Neighbor Doug. After watching him with that axe, I might call him Madman Doug. He was going to town. Awesome system he made with the tire... automatic kindling too. You’re blessed to have such a great friend and neighbor. It’s awesome that he stocked up your garage with the wood. Everyone loves seeing him.

[@dvasymmetry9696]

David here: economically for production if you do all 16-in lengths, you're doing about 1/3 less cuts versus a 12-inch length. On the other side if you cut long you're giving away one piece of firewood every 10 to 12 cuts. So if you're in production you don't want to go too short or too long. Would you charge more for 12 in lengths? There is a little bit more work involved. Nice video here

[@davehogan4776]

we"ll have to work on the name for Doug! But I still say he needs his own channel!! Awesome job as always!!

[@robertsnyder5193]

Tinker, somebody might think that a tinker means somebody that peas around but I believe historically a tinker is the original engineer. Blessings neighbor Doug.

[@ProductiveRecreation]

I used to go by eye and not care a whole lot with anything 15”-19” long. Now I have a different stove that just barely takes an 18” piece front to back, so I’m cutting everything 16” so it fits easily and less ash gets on the bottom door lip and glass. I have an old 4’ piece of conduit that I marked at 16” increments and I go down the tree marking with a piece of my kids’ sidewalk chalk. Ash is a dream to split. Unfortunately it’s all dying around my property due to the borer, so I’m going to be cutting and burning a bunch of it in the next few years.

[@JLC24]

Good morning Adam, The Answer man, or Ans man, try a bingo dopper to mark the logs when measuring longer lengths , enjoy your channel, the pace, your cadence, and humble approach

[@FORKinFISH]

There are a few versions of using a tyre to aid splitting, without constantly picking pieces off the ground, this is my fav version.

[@Lakecenterlawncare]

I made what you did except I put a cap on the end. Then I bolted the magnet to the cap. Dougyver is the man!

[@walterabernathy5663]

I made a scratch on the bar at 16 from the end. Use the bar to measure 16 from the last cut. Not precise but it gives me within one inch which is close enough for what I'd use it for.

[@TheHobbyShop1]

Dougeiver is the nickname I thought of. Fits him perfectly.

[@toddfraisure1747]

Years ago I got an approx. +16" circumference lawn mower wheel and put a 24" handle on it so it would roll along the log. I strapped on an inverted marking spray paint can (for ground marking utilities) on the handle so the tip was about a half inch from the tires outside and 2" to the side and stuck a small sheet metal wedge so it shown as a pyramid sticking out the side of the tire that triggered the spray nozzle to squirt a dot on the log. The best thing about it was I could walk along the log forward so I could pay attention to my foot placement and not have to bend down over and over. I could have done some minor improvements but it worked well. I don't burn wood anymore but I'm sure it's somewhere in my basement garage. I may have spent $20 on parts.

[@toddfraisure1747]

@@jayamburn1959 Cleaning my shop to get ready for my next project.

[@mrtammy2]

Best video I have watched in months, well done.

[@DDL2728]

We had Grands for the last 4 days & just getting to this. Sha (Cajun saying) Doug, he's always ready to help!! I call him Ever Ready Doug - just what I named him when we talk about your videos ❤ Love y'all - God bless y'all!! Editing: No way EVER would a log split like the tire logs in South Louisiana - NEVER!!! 😆😆😆

[@jon3296]

I’ve never seen wood split so easily. That was very satisfying to watch

[@PRShoup]

Hello Adam and Doug! As a former military guy the enlisted men always referred to good leaders as "Cap't" or "Chief" regardless of actual rank. Doug is certainly a good neighbor and a good leader. With my military comments above what came to mind with me is "Cap't Do-it". Best of luck picking a nickname for Doug, and I wish everyone had a neighbor just like him!

[@renem6441]

Neighbor Doug is the neighbor we all should be!!

[@marcuswhite3628]

It has to be “DYI GUY” - perfectly describes him. Great guy and a wonderful neighbor!!! Marcus from Chesapeake VA.

[@dvasymmetry9696]

DIY Doug

[@aldiminico6513]

Morning Adam. I have a designated area in my back yard for splitting. I’ve been doing the tire holder for 40 plus years. I have a 36” piece of red oak, 12” high, on concrete, with the tire attached in four places. It’s the best and easiest way to hand split. Thanks for the video.

[@KenMrKLC]

I like when neighbor Doug is in your videos, I love the shop video where he shows his ideas etc. good vid!

[@geofreypejsa54]

Another good video Adam. I enjoy the efforts with Neighbor Doug and all of the videos really. Please keep up the good work.

[@kevinliveez4192]

I made your log measure tool a while ago and I still use it. I found a magnet atHD and it had a” U “on it. I ground the pipe out some and glued the **** out of it. I jammed it on there and like I said. I still use it.

[@kenmatthews6476]

That was cool. I learned a few tricks thanks.

[@livedlearnedDIY]

Doug never has a lack of explanation of his project. He is quite in depth with his descriptions. Good work guys. Have fun.

[@craigsudman4556]

Hey Adam, I asked Ann what she thought about a nick name for neighbor Doug and Ann came up with, "Mr. Fix It". My suggestion would be, "Do It Doug". Great video thumbs up.

[@kenmatthews6476]

I would add a screw into the magnet then add a piece of a wood dowel in the conduit to screw it in.

[@thebigkahuna2753]

Regarding neighbor Doug's new nickname. One of my favorite shows on TV was Home Improvement, and neighbor "Wilson" was always on hand to give Tim and the family wise, reliable and topical advice and/or information on any subject. I think that this suits Doug to a tee, and is a fitting memorial to Earl Hindman, the man behind the fence.

[@dannys813]

I think neighbor Doug is perfect..it rolls off the tongue nicely. Also it reminds me of what being neighborly is all about. Doug seems like a very humble man.. always willing to be neighborly. As far as personally, I would never be considered a MacGayver...but I am always considered a neighbor... Neighbor Doug reminds me to be a better neighbor myself! 😊

[@stephenrickettsNL]

Love the car tire idea. Great name for Doug is "TINKER" He is always tinkering with something.

[@Willy12927]

New garage? Decide how big you think you will need, double that, and then add 10% and your building should fit your current as well as future needs. It took me 50 years to learn this.

[@darthgbc363]

Whatever fits in the log splitter is what fits in the outdoor wood stove. Also, whatever fits through the door. I like to put in a layer of splits, then a few big pieces. Big is smaller than 18" x 18" x 36". Top it off with more splits. I burn whatever the local arborist drops off. I like the Zip Tie idea best. Here's an improvement - drill a hole in the big Zip Tie for a small Zip Tie to be a pointer. Closer to your round. Doug is Doug.....

[@GregPrince-io1cb]

That excavator and Joe's expertise.... Brad .... Priceless!! So cool to see quality operators on equipment... Powersaws included. Massive amount of work done in 3+ hrs!! Well Done!

[@seecesar]

Great video. I always felt like I was thinking too much about this topic but I guess I am not alone. LOL, thank you.

[@marlinbauer6808]

The tape with a piece of sidewalk chalk works best for me.😀

[@dougdodson7498]

Been using an old tape measure for years. Just have a piece of angle on the end also. but I may have to add the point on it. I cut 16" and 20" lengths and use carpenter crayons. prefer the red color they show up best

[@johngrossbohlin7582]

I run a Stihl MS261 with an 18" bar for most of my cutting. If I keep the rounds an inch or so shy of the distance between the bumper spikes and tip I'm about 16." For those times when I need to calibrate my eyecrometer I simply lay the saw along the log a few times and I'm good to go. If I ran a 16" bar it would be even easier to calibrate the eyecrometer. If I run my MS461 with it's 25" bar I have a "spot" on the bar that I use for calibration. 😉

[@ebinmaine]

"Eyecrometer". :-)

[@jeffpeters1014]

I’ve been using the zip tie method since I saw Chris from In the Woodyard and it works great. On the off side you just eyeball on the log where the cut will be, after a while you get pretty adept at measuring.

[@jeffpeters1014]

Edit: using the magnetic measure in brush the magnetic measure gets caught in the brush. Looks pretty useful in clear area

[@karlbenz8232]

Neighbor Doug, The Man, The Legend!

[@gregwitkamp5583]

16” and 24” works great for measuring for a rick or a cord , three 16” ricks makes a cord. Two 24” ricks makes a cord. Cut your fire wood what ever size fits you stove , fire place, or fire pit.

[@eddiepulleyblank438]

When my eye ball measurements go bad, it’s time for kids to start doing the job!

[@gregs9187]

With the measuring tape I would use a hatchet to mark with not spray paint

[@DanKlein_1]

I like 16 for a couple reasons. Mainly 3 x 16in = 48in =4ft. so I know a stack 4 ft tall x 8 ft long is a face cord. 3 stacks is a cord. Then, what you already said about stacking easily into an IBC tote. What I do, for measuring is I have a 20 inch bar and I marked from the end 16 inches and drew a line with a black sharpie. so, I can turn my saw, and see where 16 falls. it is a lot of motion turning the saw to measure than turning perpendicular to cut. Maybe a combination of that along with the zip-tie is best. that way if zip-tie is on the wrong side, you still have the measurement on the bar to go by.

[@kingwood4357]

Like the tire log splitter idea, works great.👍

[@leovogelgesang4398]

I used a 95 lb magnet with a 1/8” all thread and a fender washer at the other end. Works well for me.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Doug sure is an idea guy! Nice work.

[@marcuswhite3628]

I agree - he could be called “IG” short for your description.

[@gardeningpreacher]

I used a piece of PVC pipe and a cap bolted to my magnet and JB welded to the cap with a small piece of aluminum on the other end (instead of a washer)... works great! I also tried super glue and two-part epoxy... neither one held - the JB Weld did the trick!

[@PapaRug.58]

great ideas Doug I like the tape measure with the chain idea cause it never fails to drop or have tape come off while walking thru the bush then have to back track to find it

[@derekbrehm8018]

I also cut my firewood at 16". Great idea for splitting firewood!

[@briananderson7497]

I call him Doug from State Farm. Cause like a good neighbor, Doug is there. You know you can always count on Doug.

[@michaelthola1709]

Doug is quite the inventor for sure. I think the magnet with some kind of measuring device on the side of the bar is my favorite, gives good measurements and is easy to attach or remove. When i cut firewood i just eyeball it but i also don't have a wood stove in my house for heat mine is strictly for campfires. Awesome video. I like "Doug the creator".

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

I like the Mingo Marker the paint take a while to freeze and not work (Minnesota ), I have a stick and sidewalk chalk, I have the PVC pipe also and I use the MS180 from bar tip to a mark on the saw. I like to use the Mingo and the sidewalk chalk the most.

[@terrypomatto907]

Back in my younger day the firebox on my boiler was about three and half foot deep. I could put in three foot longs but I split the logs into pieces that I could handle. The children would split wood into sixteen inch pieces so that it would be easier for them to handle. I heated the house, garage, and also the hot water heater with hot water. The boiler was out in the back yard so I didn't have any mess in the house to clean up. This was back in the early 1980's. We only burned trees that were dead and the bark was mostly dropped off. Doug is the Good Neighbor!

[@daveknott4563]

Always good to see you Adam. Would you be able to cook up some more content with Doug in proving work flow, or ideas that can be helpful to prep and organize? In the snowy North I'm trying to take care of things before the days get warm and long with outdoor activities. Much appreciated!

[@albanasinia9]

I have a nickname for Neighbor Doug, Ax Murderer Doug. The way he was swinging that ax, he's had some practice 😂

[@thecrankyoldretiredlady5237]

Dang, I wish had that tire-wood-corral gizmo back in my youthful years when we heated with wood! That was awesome.

[@markfin7225]

The tire ring was worth the watch!

[@joeshmo4110]

Acc-u-mark for firewood measuring. Expensive but I bought the adjustable 1 and its great!

[@kevinmason3086]

I tried the magnet and PVC it did come unglued then got thinking I put a rod through the magnet and the PVC then put a washer on the other end and nut on each end works great. Done that about 3 weeks ago still working great. I do like Doug's way with the aluminum arrow makes it even lighter.

[@brandonhoad9033]

For the magnetic pvc measuring device you made, I pvc glued a end cap ( after drilling and attaching a threaded magnet) onto the pipe. Works great and now worry of falling apart like yours did

[@brandonhoad9033]

No worry , not now worry

[@cgsoutdoors_professor3883]

Neighbor Doug; I tried using the bar with a magnet and quickly got off 16” so glad I wasn’t the only one. I really like the tape measure; makes it easier

[@p.davidcarlson7789]

Mingo firewood marker great tool! Just keep the paint warm before you go out in frigid weather

[@duanekalmbach1864]

Dougivor = saw it below in the comments and love it! 🙂

[@jayoutside6087]

Use an end cap for the PVC and bolt it to the magnet. Or what I did was use a dowl rod and screwed the magnet to it with a 1-1/4 inch drywall screw.

[@jamesgulrich7416]

Yeah, the "D" man. Quite handy to have as a neighbor. I think Neighbor Doug is still a great name. My girlfriend's stove is an Avalon and 14 inches is perfect. Luckily, the Mingo Marker has a 14-inch wheel (separate purchase) and I use the heck out of it. Those other ideas seem pretty handy and simple, but I love the Mingo Marker! Great video!

[@stevensfirewood8658]

I started using the zip tie on all my saws about a year ago instead of the the magnet rod on the bar. Once I got used to the zip tie and the reference points to my eye I can make nice and consistent firewood.

[@kennethanderson3129]

I use a red carpenter's crayon to mark my lengths. I also made up a gauge block at the desired length from a piece of 3/4" plywood with an integral handle. I move it from one crayon mark to the next. Works well.

[@thomasgreene5750]

The tire fixture without the sidewalls also doesn't collect water, which can be a breeding ground for mosquitos in the warmer weather

[@OneEyeCustoms]

You are absolutely correct!

[@randiegadberry5448]

I use a 28” bar with a cpvc spacer , magnet, and end disc. I put the spacer rod close to the tip of the bar. Better accuracy.

[@brucewatson8451]

Good video guys...enjoyed it!!

[@PapaRug.58]

having consistent measuring all the stacks same width I like the idea of the ibc totes. going to see if i can find some in my area cheap

[@joebrock4548]

Doug is dyno mite!! Dyno mite Doug!!

[@johnkeyes5719]

What a great team y'all are....Doug's nickname...The Douginator !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mikeheilman2560]

"The Professor" would work and compliment Doug.

[@matthewholtz6825]

One question, around 21:50, where you are marking the log on the ground, how do you eventually cut without the risk of hitting the blade on the ground? It looks like you are just cutting the log on the ground without propping it up for ground clearance.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

The log is laying on about 8” of snow so I knew it would not be putting the blade into the dirt. Great question!

[@terrysanders6018]

When you sell firewood you have to go by the cord rule. 4×4×8. Three 16 inch increments equal 48. At 16 inch increments you get three ranks to a cord. I had a man wanting to buy a rank at 24 inches. That gives him a half cord at a rank price. He didn't want to pay for the difference. At sixteen inches it's easier to handle and store. It's just a good common size overall. I like your videos. Hopefully this is helpful as your ideas were for me. Thank you, Terry Sanders.

[@guly]

I cut same lengths because i have a pretty small stove from audro called åsgard 2. In Norway the standard size is 30 cm, but i cut my own firewood at 24, so i can get it in both ways and fill up pretty decently. I use the same technique as alot of people, magnet with hole in middle gets skrewed onto a 4 mm electrical cable which is very rigid and wont really bend unless i try to bend it. Havent fallen loose yet and ive taken down 4 big trees and bucked with the device. Another benefit of same lenghts is how nice your stack:)

[@lorinkramer1524]

Excellent video!! What is the brand/name of that splitting ax and do you think it would work nearly as well on oak? Thanks!!

[@DocRaunchy]

If you didn´t use CGI, both of you guys have a fantastic aim splitting wood. Impressive. Regarding a nickname for Neigbour Doug: In Germany McGuyver was a reference for the younger boys and guys. Me being a bit older Walt Disneys Gyro Gearloose ( Daniel Düsentrieb in German ) comes to mind. But to be honest, I like Neighbour Doug. He is a great example of what a great neighbour should be. He holds his own ground, so finally I would go with Neighbour Doug. Watching all your videos and feeling the sense of community, what big fun ( and lots of work and preparation ) would be a big Hometown Acres fan meeting on your fabolous grounds in the summer.😉

[@keen9629]

Take an antenna from a truck and cut it to the length. Drill a hole in the saw blade and screw the antenna to the blade.

[@rockymountainfirewood3873]

Definitely easier than a measuring tape and marking. Nicely done.

[@buildlife]

I like "Neighbor Doug" just fine but "Do it Doug" has a nice ring to it.

[@mattshell7753]

Great video again on a cold day in the Ozarks. I just have a tape measure and piece of chalk works fine for me. Still thinking about name for Doug lol

[@jerryheer1961]

Doug is very clever in the things me makes and are useful. Good video Adam, lots of useful tips and lmformation.