Van Life 101: Process Firewood Like a Pro

If you want to live as cheap as possible, it is good to be able to provide your own heat and to be prepared for anything! There are many great reasons to be able to provide a fire for yourself:
1) Heat and Warmth 2) Cooking 3) Comfort 4) Signaling and 5) Protection!
AMAZON PRODUCT LINKS
-Sven-Saw
amzn.to/3B5JWFt
- Fiskars Hatchet
amzn.to/3XV7fLW
- Silky Folding Saw
amzn.to/3XXrGrp
- Folding Crosscut Saw
amzn.to/3B6aeHw
- Esee Junglas II Knife
amzn.to/3XWgqMb
- KaBar BK Knife
amzn.to/3Fkf9XP
-KBar BK2
amzn.to/3B5mHeu
- Morakniv knife
amzn.to/3FmRF4f
amzn.to/3XQSJ7P
- Winnerwell Woodstove
amzn.to/3B93qZQ
-Danshel Stove
amzn.to/3B2sMbC
-Danshel Stove Pipe
amzn.to/3B74xJh
-Shovel
amzn.to/3XRbQia
Subscribe: / @cheaprvliving
Be sure to check out my Amazon store, which is full of items that I either use myself, or know other nomads who use them.
My Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com...
AMAZON LINKS - Items I Recommend:
~Power Stations
amzn.to/3P4S3YV
~12V Batteries
amzn.to/3R16srM
~Portable Solar Panels
amzn.to/3PzhK5z
~Hard Solar Panels
amzn.to/45EVXPi
~Gas and Dual Fuel Generators
amzn.to/3L8Ix5W
~Air Conditioner Units
amzn.to/3P5wAip
~Pop Up Tents
amzn.to/3sNkFyc
Buy anything through my Amazon Store and the commission helps support the channel.
______________________________________
Website:
cheaprvliving.com
My Book- How to Live in a Car, Van or RV:
amzn.to/3LDxDWW
Need a Cool Hat, T-shirt, or Sticker:
cheaprvlivings...
My Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com...
---------------------------------------------------------------
Socials:
• Facebook: / cheaprvlivingdotcom
• Instagram: @CheapRVliving
• TikTok: / cheaprvliving
______________________________________
Thanks for watching!

[@TheJoedonbakerfan]

I’ve been off-grid for seven months now, and I can verify that bears aren’t scared of your campfire.

[@carmenmartinez2882]

Neither coyotes. Lol

[@marciafox1953]

Hi Bob! I am a 70 yr. old woman, and I've had a Worx brand electric chain saw, 18" bar that I have cut a LOT of wood with! It works great and isn't too heavy. I bought it since I was lacking on strength to start a gas saw. Love your series on preparedness! Thanks for all you do!

[@auntlynnonline6206]

Marcia, I'm in the same boat... do you run your saw off of your solar setup? Thanks.

[@SC-hb8vs]

WORX tools are the best!

[@djpotts2554]

You should explain to your audience about burning only seasoned wood. As a camphost for a number of years, I've seen so many campers try to burn freshly cut wood.

[@hogroamer260]

Yet, a nomad in a van can't cut and haul wood for a year till it's seasoned. They have to find dead logs or small limbs.

[@MinerMaGold]

I happen to love this episode. Let's face it, you have a lot of people looking up to you. Preparing us to know how to survive in any situation, is a noble act. I know I appreciate it.

[@sharkcookie.YouTube]

I love that you took the effort to use the hatchet. It shows how it's just not the right tool. I had not seen the type of saw that folds up to a stick. Very useful

[@hogroamer260]

The only thing a hatchet will do quick is cut your finger off.

[@auntlynnonline6206]

I agree, Bob. Knowing how to process your own firewood is extremely important. One thing that I would love to see added to your videos is a piece on etiquette in the forests, though. 'How to gather wood.' For some reason, parents think it's 'cute' to let their kids run around with the hatchet, whacking on living trees. I've seen this more than enough times to make a comment about it. Even if the kids have the strength and perseverance to take down a living tree, that wood isn't going to burn anyway. But, usually, they just end up scarring the tree, which is totally irresponsible.

[@derykmacleod4979]

I also carry a small sledge hammer to help split wood with the hatchet...I like cooking on my heavy duty rocket stove, so any of the bow saws makes quick work of branches.

[@bigcountry968]

Try the Dewalt 20v chainsaw. It has a little 12” chain bar, but you can buy an Oregon 18” bar and switch it out. Also, a 2 or 3 pound sledge with the Estwing splitting wedge will work well for you. I do over landing and these go with me. In the Appalachians here, it is not uncommon to find a tree that fell across the road. The chainsaw is invaluable in this situation. And all you have to do is charge the batteries off of your solar generator.

[@vanidevidasibrahmabhutadas840]

Also use a wood splitting wedge that you can get from any hardware store.

[@stephanywilkes3598]

Excellent video, for ANYONE, on the safest, most effective ways to process firewood. So useful and widely applicable, and I didn't know some of these tools existed!

[@MBMCincy63]

I don't camp, or RV/nomad but I truly enjoy watching your channel to enlighten myself. Carolyn RV mentioned you 4-5 mo ago I have watch most of the episodes. Thank you for your time to educate me.

[@HerSoulVacation]

I grew up close to the South Pole, in Patagonia Chile. Fire was our only source of heating so I grew up learning about tending a fire. I installed a wood stove in my Rv. Best investment I've made so far. I go to the mill, load my jeep for $20. Then I unload the wood in my gazebo and chop the wood with an ax then I saw it in half with a reciprocating saw for the perfect size log for my stove. I ENJOY the physical activity of it all! I look forward to my chopping days about twice a week. I think I'll add the Sven saw to my tools. Thank you!

[@cindyshipley1]

Thanks, Bob, for another great video! Bushcraft is the perfect addition to vanlife, as long as we do it safely, as you said. Another viewer mentioned having a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket on hand as well, which would of course give added safety. A video that covers fire starting AND safe fire extinguishing would be the perfect follow up. Thanks for all you do, Bob!

[@vivianallen9772]

Great suggestion, Cindy!

[@RLeeVanCamps]

Great advice. Like having a car that goes also needs good brakes to stop it

[@carmenmartinez2882]

@@RLeeVanCamps interesting you mention brakes, going downhill like on the mountain and hitting the brakes too much can and has sparked fires, best to downshift and check that your brake pads are not too worn out.

[@justlucky13]

Thanks Bob, I have the Echo 56v cordless chainsaw for cutting firewood hatchet for splitting

[@petuniaromania6294]

Processing wood could be really therapeutic and the end results satisfying.

[@bettina868]

I loved it Bob! Especially the notion of “ consider it your hobby” - I do consider gathering and cutting up wood to be my hobby. It’s amazing how much wood cutting can be done with just handsaws, and it’s very satisfying.

[@keith01956]

I want to thank you for showing this video because a lot people have no clue how to build a fire. I've been camping for over fifty years. I have showed my kid's about survival tipsThanks again

[@shanecoite3292]

The saw is the way to go. Less effort and less waste. God Bless

[@rodgergracy4922]

Bob, consider a sawzall ( battery or electric ) with a 12” blade to cut firewood. I live on a 20 acre farm in east Texas full of trees. My Jackery 1500 and my electric Ryobi sawzall is all I use. Cuts like butter with no effort. Stay safe !!

[@voiceOreezn]

This was really helpful. And to be honest, it was comforting to see you struggle a bit (I thought it was just me). Thanks Bob, and keep em coming!!!!

[@kenmcclow8963]

I have a Cobalt electric chainsaw with a 12" bar from Lowes that uses the 40 volt batteries in common with my lawn mower, leaf blower and all the other yard accessories. It really only needs some oil and a sharpener once in awhile otherwise it is always ready and the batteries charge in 30 minutes, or an hour depending on the size. I don't think I have ever needed to change batteries before I ran out of things to cut. Mine was $179 when I bought it, so the manual saws are cheaper and more compact, but when you get older, sometimes the electric assist can save the day

[@cbp9510]

Fire for water purification is another very good reason. Always enjoy your videos Bob!

[@Warp9pnt9]

Wood Lesson: 1) Cut to length with a saw 2) Coarse split larger pieces with hatchet 3) Fine split with a sturdy knife. Alternatives to wood, I saw a video that converted an old military ammunition case with some pipes for vents (external vent and cross vent to separate heat from exhaust), into a small heater using JB weld (exhaust manifold weld), and parafin candles as a fuel source. Those candles can be expensive, but you can also possibly use cheap lard or Crisco, or other vegetable oils, to make a heat or a small stove. Long shelf life, edible, and an alternative fuel source. The tricky part is to initially melt then reform into candles with a wick. But maybe there's other options. Have multiple ways to make heat and/or cook.

[@s.campbell6394]

I like how you emphasize the safety aspect of a fire. I'm in central AZ and the brush can dry out so quickly hereabouts. My small folding Silky saws (which are scary sharp) cut on the pull stroke, which helps reduce bending of the little blade, whereas I'm thinking your Sven saw cuts on both pull and push. Your information is like having more tools in our toolbox of knowledge. Thank you. Oh yeah, I just got my GStove (hot tent stove) a couple of days ago, so I need to go check it out in the woods.

[@jamessexton6]

Shasta-Trinity Nat'l forest Fremont-Winema Nat'l forest in Northern California and Southern Oregon issue a 4 cord minimum for $20 ($5 @ cord) it gives you free camping in the Nat'l forest while looking for firewood to cut and haul. regardless of how much you cut $20 is worth it to spend time outdoors and gather some dry wood for down the road

[@billholmes4516]

Hello Bob, You had mentioned in this vid that you would like an electric chainsaw. Ryobi puts out a fantastic 40v one. They come in 12in, 14in, & 16in. I own the 14in one and I love it. You could charge the 40v battery with your solar, its completely portable and you can cut a lot of wood on a single charge.

[@hargersadventures]

This is great. If you want to survive or thrive, then you need to be able to process wood. Love it.

[@onlineshopper2510]

Wow!!!!!! Great to see you Bob and Abiyah together. Love you both❤️. All jokes aside you guys would make a great couple!!!!!!!

[@mrsjohnson1743]

I love this stuff Bob! These are skills that we all should still have. We never know what kind of situation we will be in with weather, circumstances etc. I love to hear your opinions on the items as you are experienced and have so much to share. I appreciate you suffering to cut that log so that we could all learn. (I never go anywhere without my Sven saw 😊.)

[@jasonosullivan8068]

Hi bob it's always great to see you....just be careful with that hacket...please don't sit down when using it !! ..... phew I'm glad your still in 1 peice....God bless u Bob u are such a Ray of sunshine and hope

[@survivor2338]

I use a stainless steel colander from the Dollar General for my barbecue it's the most wonderful barbecue I've ever had

[@barefootincactus]

How does that work as a barbecue? Curious

[@creativeartist2]

Thrift stores may be an alternitive for some of these items. This was fun, Thank you Bob!🙏🙏🧑👧

[@theresaconley5930]

Good job. Keep these vides comming. It never hurts to know how to do something and then practice them. Thanks

[@Xelsorsior]

Very good video, definately educational.

[@bridgetoconnor7229]

This is something I would never have thought of! The Sven Saw is a great idea! Thanks for sharing more great info from your wealth of knowledge! Be safe, God bless!!

[@favorflavor707]

Winnerwell sells a water tank that goes with the stove as well as a oven and whatever stovepipe needs one may come across. Also the battery powered chainsaws are a good option the prices are not that bad. It's always a good idea to have the basic hand saw. Axes can be dangerous when overworked, the ax can glance off and hit a leg. With all the right tools it can be a safe light duty job. A electric saw can be used to cut out any large knots that make hand sawing and splitting difficult. Sometimes cold weather can limit exposure time and the right equipment will make for easy work for most.

[@Chainmale75]

Hi Bob ! I picked up learning this stuff over the lockdowns. (noone looking for ya in the woods). I would pack a bag and go live out of it for 3 days or so. These days i find myself missing the wilderness. I'm looking to be on the road by fall 24'. Thanks to you, my fears about it have been greatly reduced !!

[@ellalinecarnaro9037]

Thanks Bob for sharing the recommendation to have a shovel and 5 gallons of water! 👌🏻

[@najruqwi7008]

I think everyone who boondocks should know based survival skills. Thank you for your sharing this with us 👍

[@Dee-im7zd]

Great video! A topic I’ve been wanting to see as Im planning for SHTF, and as I plan for on the road. Thanks a bunch, Bob!!

[@johnhuff393]

Good morning from Godley Texas, saws are good for cutting,hatchets are good for splitting,and good knife is great for making kindling 😎

[@nancysweigart4123]

Survival tips are always in season. Thank you Bob.

[@ScottyInHawaii]

Aloha from Hawaii! I can see your enjoyment in sharing. You remind me of my older brother RIP He taught me how to build a fire when we were kids. 🤙✌

[@GratefulWarriorMom]

This is good info, Bob. I'm renovating my little 21ft winnebago warrior so that I can hit the road. I'm putting together the tools and emergency supplies for my travels. Will have a small handsaw, hammer and good knife for my kit, but I'm also looking at a small rechargeable chainsaw. Could come in handy!

[@Patrick_Gray]

Hi Bob, I was an assistant Scout Master and we tried to keep our boys safe. Of coarse we did not want the boys to have a big knife and swinging a hatchet can also be very dangerous. If you don't swing a hatchet right it can can come back at your leg. A good trim saw, a splitting wedge and a 2 lb. sledge hammer should get the job done with out being to dangerous. Where to get fire wood and where you can transport it is also very important. We usually brought dry fire wood with us when we could. In the east coast where we usually camped, wood laying on the ground will be damp and not burn well. A better place to get wood to start a fire would be from dead branches still on an evergreen tree. You can break them off or saw them with a trim saw.

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Very informative, if people will listen, use common sense, I tried to use dead fall,leaving live trees alone I keep bucket with dirt water shovel and always clean 2or3 feet around fire,keep my fires low, Smoky the Bear will love that, also thank you firefighters for keeping us safe

[@jeanschultz8857]

Good information and something all can learn from. I enjoy watching bushcraft videos.

[@danniedamour4397]

I love that you find every possible way to teach new things to the community Bob! ❤ Thank you 🙏🏻

[@davidcostantino1838]

Hey Bob! I use a Mora for 90% of my kindling processing. Start with a piece of shaggy bark juniper(I think that's what you may have there) and get it down to 1/2 pencil thickness. Looks like pinion pine you were chopping. That's a great wood to use in the rain. Start the tiny branches and work your way up to thumb thickness. Once started the resin is extremely difficult to put out.

[@VANESSASBLESSEDLIFE]

Very helpful information I need all of these tools; the spin saw is nice.

[@2avcrm]

No please, please keep on this topic. It is very helpful and thought provoking.

[@chadfaulkner3600]

I have a green works electric chain saw. It's a 40 volt with a 16inch bar. It works great. I love it.

[@richardweinberger2756]

Yes! I just got a Ryobi 40v 14" chainsaw and it's fantastic,.

[@rhondacooper3565]

Perfect lesson for us all!

[@mesjosh363]

I’ve actually batonned small wood with my mora companion (their cheapest $15 knife) time and time again. Incredible knives!!

[@carmenmartinez2882]

Looove Mora knives, try their hatchet is awesome too.

[@janetkoball44]

I enjoyed this video very much because you actually did the work no matter if it was easy or very hard for you to do. Thanks. I heat with a wood stove and kindling is most important , especially dry. Being an older female, u don't really have quite the power I used to but one way or another, I do the wood thing. There is nothing like a wood fire to keep you warm, but alot if work. I even pick up the tiny 4 inch dry sticks from the oak tree in the fall. See you next time.

[@artatexture889]

Howdy Bob, if you take just a regular ol Hammer and wack that backside of the hatchet it will split logs. Also the claw side of a regular hammer can be used to make kindling in a pinch.

[@brianleonard6885]

And the ax needs a good sharpening! Bob you're awesome thanks so much.

[@mattinthehat22]

Always love you’re videos, Bob (& crew)!! Chopping over an old tarp or pillow case makes collecting chips easier afterwards. Processing firewood is about increasing surface area of the fuel so it’s more reactive and starts burning quicker. Hatchets/Hand axes are really for sticks no bigger than your arm. Most important thing about starting a campfire is choosing dry wood that’s off the ground. Also be careful about carrying firewood across jurisdictions as there may be restrictions due to insect infestations (you’ll see signs stating: use only local firewood).

[@cherylduckworth8185]

I really enjoyed the various ways you can chop up wood. Just adding it to my knowledge box. Thanks great job!

[@jonthebru]

I became exhausted just watching Bob work! A battery powered chainsaw is great for smaller logs for firewood.

[@allannickerson1586]

The hatchet chips are kindling. I always pick up wood and sticks and keep them in a tote for future use.

[@guyburgess5337]

I grew up with wood stoves. Nothing better than wood heat. I love outdoor fires and have one whenever the weather permits. Electric chainsaw is a big plus!!!

[@nc8524]

Good topic. Something that will make splitting firewood easier and a lot safer is a Kindling Cracker. There are 2 sizes now, the XL size looks most useful for all sizes logs.

[@reedofurantia606]

My favorite other than an ax is a fiskers extendable loper. Brush is everywhere. And burns well, but for bigger stuff a battery powered reciprocating saw.

[@nancythornton2947]

When using the hatchet to split logs , get it to stick into top , not trying to go thru put to set still. and hit head with mallet. Works great for splitting.

[@cynthiaself1197]

I saw a video of a guy out in the forest cutting wood like butter. He was using a Husqvarna with a battery on the side of the engine. It wasn't too big either. Unfortunately it may have a big price tag. What l loved about it was he was harvesting logs to build a cabin, which was right up my alley. Plus, being a woman l don't want a real heavy saw. I couldn't get the number because he was to fast. 😁

[@libbygardner3021]

Great video, very useful! I’m dating myself here, but I’ve carried a Sven saw all across the country since my early canoeing days in the BWCA. I paid $25 for it, new!

[@stanbyme7874]

I dunno. I think a First Aid kit next to me! When I’m by myself in middle of nowhere, I buy & take firewood. I’m too scared of cutting myself or having wood pop up & take out my eye! Thank you for honest video. I’m a 60 yr old small female. I live OR & as you know it’s a (mostly)No Fires State. I’ve lost two homes in two parts of State. I’ve a completely unused Solo stove.

[@barbarakuhn3239]

Have you ever seen the little many ones that are battery operated chainsaws I don't know when they came out with them but they're really pretty impressive and they cut a lot about that size

[@simonbattle0001]

Good to see you Bob. Thanks as always,

[@johnzee691]

the saws you used are different. one cuts on the push and o e cuts on the pull. there should also be some cleaning of the blade because the build up of sap or any rust will make it so it doesn't pull thru the wood.

[@pianogal853]

I found hair from my brush to be an amazing flash for kindling

[@alive-awake]

I think all your videos are worth a lot!

[@ScottHenion]

That sven saw looks good. I have a bow saw I plan to bring. They can be cheaper, the Sven is over $52 now. I see the non-folding Stansport 18" is $14 with 2 blades. One tip for open saws like a bow saw and sharp tools like a hatchet. Take some old garden hose and slit it along its length and slip it over the sharp edges. Besides being safer it wont get caught on things or damage them when stowed. My hatchet has a piece of hose over the blade and a small bungee holding it on.

[@wrylife57]

Nice starter video for processing firewood. I actually think you did a great job on the log using the hatchet--only 2 mins longer than with the Sven saw--and you got a free workout to boot! lol If any viewers are interested in all things bushcraft check out the KZbin channel, Simon, a Bloke in the Woods. He's in England and one of the best bush crafters around Imo, especially his older videos. Another good one for fires is the David West channel. He starts fires using various tools and materials. His videos are short, to the point and very informative and fire-making is all he does.

[@kcrich1310]

I have one of those folding saws, a machete and a metal bar for cutting and splitting wood. Works just fine.........

[@bangalorebobbel]

Good advice! Thanks a lot, Bob! And a nice example of how exhausting and dangerous it can be to work with a hatchet/axe. Wouldn't recommend this tool for beginners, using a saw and batoning is in most cases much more precise, secure and less exhausting. If you baton it might help to put first a rubber band around your log so the pieces won't fall in all directions and you don't have to run around and bend down for every little piece of wood ... I love to use a billhook for batoning bigger pieces of wood. Also good for many other purposes like cutting small branches or cleaning the camp ground from small bushes etc., imho almost always much better and much safer than using a big knife or a hatchet. Billhooks are used in forestry, farming and households since thousands of years but got meanwhile a little bit out of attention and use in some countries, I guess most people in the USA don't even know what it is. Just google for it if you are not familiar with that tool. Modern variations of this traditional tool are also called e.g. Clearing Hook or Brush Axe (both from Fiskars), the later one is similar to the traditional tools I'm using, the first one has a saw on the back and cannot be used for batoning. Batoning is really fun and can be done by everyone of any age, but sawing is very exhausting over the time, especially for elderly people it is usually not really fun but more a pain i.t.a. ;-) I would recommend to check for any electrical tool if required, there are meanwhile plenty of cordless little saws available. And well, if you don't purchase the wood but get it for free in the forest: first look always for small branches before you go for the big logs. You don't have to saw nor split, usually you can break them using your hands or by stepping on them. Especially for cooking, using a small hobo stove (or kind of that) and making just a stick fire inside is totally sufficient and doesn't require to use any dangerous tools and do risky actions in which you could potentially harm yourself. Always safety first, and especially if you are alone outside in the woods.

[@Jim-vi4hh]

Thanks Bob. I think I will be adding the large knife to my tool box. Maybe a good, short machete may be a more economical option than the large knife. Also, Fiskars has a chopping axe that is a little heavier with a 24 inch handle that I find easier to use than a small hatchet. For a shovel, try the Cold Steel Spetsnaz Tactical Camp Shovel. This shovel has sharpened edges that can be used to limb twigs off logs and is on my wish list. Take care and stay warm.

[@om.stevediyandtravels8684]

great video Bob I have been useing my electric chain saw for years off my 2000 watt inverter dont care for chopping wood anymore

[@hogroamer260]

Heated my home with wood for many years and prior to that, was a boy scout. If you have an electricity source, you want a 14" homelite (my preference) electric chainsaw, a 50/100' extension cord and a splitting maul. Avoid trees with lots of limbs (knots) and crotches, those are about impossible to split without a hydraulic log splitter.

[@talea5604]

Also, please wear eye protection when using a hatchet. It could save your eyesight. Thanks Bob!

[@dogpawz2010]

I love batoning wood. There is just something very zen about it. The more practical point is that you can’t take firewood from state to state in my area. It’s against the law due to the spread of parasites and diseases. So I sometimes have to buy firewood bundles. I can’t start the fire with a log, I need to baton it down to very small pieces and a 72 year old woman with a monster big knife is quite a conversation starter! 😉

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

You certainly are not crazy Bob. Fire making and bushcraft skills come in handy and are very fun! Make a chair, table or cooking apparatus. Comes in handy!

[@scottmcfarland2149]

Great effort Bob.Fin saws are outstanding for packing and processing. Combine a two pound sledge hammer with your hatchet. Far less work to split. You're correct about the Mora brand. Inexpensive and extremely sharp! I have several of their line. From whittling to bushcraft and survival. Overall good beginner video. I'm glad you recommend bushcraft as a hobby. All skills everyone should know. I've been doing bushcraft for fifty years. Still learning new skills. 🐾🙏🏻✌🏻

[@loujeanadams2500]

If you just do the occasional campfire it might not be logical, but if your going to be in the woods camping with firewood needed very often, you need a wood-maul and a good old fashioned ax..You have the smaller version of both, but the wood maul and ax will make your work in cutting and splitting wood much faster and easier

[@rebelgirl7289]

I always get something from your videos, Bob. Throw in a ferro rod to the mix and you will always have a fire. Thx.

[@greghudson5737]

There are many great battery powered chainsaws available today. I have the Kolbolt 14 inch 40 v with a 4 amp hr battery. Very impressive saw!

[@duncdunc76]

Bob is Awesome! But as many have suggested in the comments and he had a thought about, an electric chainsaw would probably be so much more efficient and less fatiguing for most out there. Also there is a gadget out there that you can attach to a cordless drill that will split wood with less effort then batoning. It looks like a large cone that has groves like a screw and it bores into the wood and splits it.

[@alonewolf190]

Great video bob

[@funzeevanzee]

Thanks, Bob. I learned a lot from your wood cutting video.

[@RLeeVanCamps]

Lots of good information! You worked hard with that hatchet.

[@DeliberateNRandom]

I have a DeWalt electric chainsaw I bought for a screaming deal of $80! It's underpowered and can only do some logs a little bigger than the one you chopped. I bought a Ryobi chainsaw that's 40V for a little more at about $115 from DTO on Black Friday. My friend bought one, I don't know how big, and cut up a huge tree with it. I was amazed! Foresty Forest built a cabin in the woods with a Ryobi! I just want basic and easy, not something I plan to use frequently, but I've used my DeWalt several times and it has been worth the money, and I haven't had to sharpen the chain yet. Definitely get one if you want to cut wood but don't feel comfortable working on a gas chainsaw.

[@norakilpatrick4571]

Really helpful, Thx for all the really good videos.

[@jbro6236]

I like your practical advice.

[@sharongypsydove6080]

Hey Bob you should look into the chainsaws where they take battery packs like your drills that way you don't have to buy extra battery packs you can just buy the little chainsaw you don't have to buy one of them big electric chainsaws those little handheld ones are pretty fantastic

[@douglasvamateurradioandmore]

My buddy and I were scouting an area near crown king, az and finished putting out coals. Good thing they left a pet water bowl with water in it.

[@FidoHouse]

I have a good solar power supply on my rig, so I have a few cordless tools that I can recharge without difficulty. One of them is a mini chainsaw by Milwaukee - though Bosch and maybe Dewalt also make them. Great for my Cub-sized Cubic Mini Woodstove - wood for it can't be more than 5¾" long! I also have a thick-spined (at least ¼") bush knife for batoning - great for making kindling for campfire. I have split tough wood with my hatchet occasionally but I place the hatchet on the log, then strike its hammer-like back end with a short-handled iron mallet to make way thru the wood.

[@OverlandOne]

Thanks Bob.

[@walterblackledge1137]

I like a double-headed hatchet/axe. Bury one end into a stump, or fallen log, the other end place the firewood on and baton it to split it. Its very safe.

[@brianlindsay2727]

hi bob, lash here from bc. check out the dakota fire pit, a great cooking fire, you can regulate the burn rate by opening and closing the air feed tunnel,and there's way less smoke to inhale.