Low Cost Log Deck Changed My Firewood Operation Forever

[@bobwollard9105]

Wow, Sandy! That is one fine firewood setup. You really used your old noodle on this one. The ergonomics are perfect for handling the wood. I like the fact that you no longer have to stand out in the weather while splitting the logs. And the log splitter is now protected from the elements as well. I'm real happy for the success in your design. Well done, young man.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Bob! I'm happy with how things have turned out here and sure makes me feel like I'm going to be getting alot more wood cut faster

[@johngreydanus2033]

Work smarter, not harder

[@mikealcoa6002]

@bobwollard9105.. Damn sir! You typed my thoughts almost perfectly. Ive been dreaming of ways to engineer what apparently has, already been done.

[@rob2063]

Great set up, your back will thank you in the future.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Absolutely Rob!

[@DavidRobinson-mx6cl]

That is a nice setup you built there buddy 👍

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks David!

[@DavidRobinson-mx6cl]

Yes sir. I'm glad you videod this , this idea changed everything ! Have back issues but this way is working out for me !!!! Thanks again!!!!!

[@kenbowers8423]

Good afternoon, Sandy. That is one slick setup! Easy on the back,it really has a nice flow and has improved the overall efficiency of the operation. We'll done! Greetings from Peterborough.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hey Ken! that flow is what I"m noticing the most. Really easy to move around now and I'm not having to walk far at all

[@richragan4810]

Sandy I've "Always" been amazed at your camera positioning! That takes a lot of time so thank you Sandy! It's one thing that dew me to your channel over 2 years ago! Rootin for you get get 100K subs!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Rich, I appreciate that! I appreciate you hanging in there for the long haul as a long-time viewer

[@RavensRidgeNC]

That holzfforma sure doesn't disappoint, lol. You went from splitting firewood to full-on processing it, def a game changer - grats!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks, the setup is doing great! That is a true Husqvarna 555 with a Holzfforma 24" bar.

[@RavensRidgeNC]

ahhh@@sawingwithsandy

[@TKCL]

I've had a lot of our viewers recommend that I check out your log deck. Neat idea to keep from bending over and keeping that saw out of the dirt. Take care!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@richardjacques6370]

Nice setup. Great video

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for coming along for the video Richard!

[@w96725]

That sure looks like a great set up. That log table is really something, looks very well made. I've never seen a set up like that. You have great ideas and do great work. The Lord Jesus has gifted you. Blessings to you in Jesus name, amen.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I appreciate that thank you!

[@KillingerUSA]

That set up is awesome!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you sir!

[@VowellVentures]

13 months to get mine, 6 hour flight to get to it, had to drive through a 24" snow fall round trip to pick it up and bring it to our property. Once fired up... WORTH EVERY SECOND!!!!!! That splitter is amazing!!! Even made kindling with it since there is such a fine level of control! So much fun I didn't take the time to video anything for my channel... that can wait! 😂😂😂

[@sawingwithsandy]

Now that's a trip! Good to hear that you're liking it as much as I am. It's one of those things that really makes splitting alot more enjoyable since it's so comfortable to run

[@VowellVentures]

@@sawingwithsandy yup, reading and hearing about the deck, or working height isn't enough. It has to be experienced. Being able to set the height a bit with the tongue jack so it can load straight into a truck bed was a very happy bonus too!!! Just need to start acquiring, or making firewood cages and I'll be set! Well... after I come up with a log deck similar to yours! That layout is simple genius... the best kind!

[@offgrid-bound]

I must remember to build this for my operation… so much wood, so little time! 👍👏

[@mattallen7667]

Sandy, This is an awesome set up you have designed! Seriously saves your back from constantly bending over, you obviously have the long game in mind. Great work, I'm very impressed...

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Matt!

[@jeffhuffman5433]

This is a heck of a good set up all the heights are perfect. I can tell It's much easier on you as it would anybody. I have been cutting a little wood myself and you have got my wheels to turning I really like your set up. Great video, Sandy.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hey Jeff. Great to hear you're digging the idea. It's turned out to be a great thing for me. Much more fun splitting and cutting with it

[@stevenmchenry9276]

Beautiful

[@mirceanouradachian9168]

👍👍👍💙💛❤Acum s-a vazut cat de mult te ajuta acest banc de lucru. Despicatorul imi place foarte mult. FELICITARI , SANDY. 💙💛❤👍👍👍

[@sawingwithsandy]

I appreciate your support Mircea!

[@deer4200]

Thanks Sandy, I built a log deck similar to yours yesterday, I can’t wait to try it out today.

[@gabortoro1236]

Helló gratulálok a kompakt struktúrához amit létrehoztál. Üdv Magyarországból.

[@justinrussell760]

I'd say you are as close to a wood processor as you can get! What a back saver...

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Justin. I agree, this is about as efficient as I can get I'm thinking. Although I do have some other refinements in mind haha

[@cwwhite5137]

You built an awesome log deck, brother. Great work! Really a nice addition. Chip

[@gregnelson1649]

Just would like to say thank you for your channel. Over the last couple of years that I have been watching you have given me several ideas I will be implementing on my homestead after I retire. Thanks again.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Always happy to have ya along and I appreciate your support Greg

[@stihl0256]

For benefit versus cost, your wood splitting system is tops!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you! Price is right that's for sure.

[@dalanbronnenberg]

It really IS all about having a process

[@Captain-Donut]

‼️ Really enjoy your videos and following along your journey ‼️ ❤️🙏 Love from Scotland 🙏❤️

[@TimberJay]

Great set up Sandy, you have inspired me , I now have a HM130 Max, and a Kioti cab tractor, and working on my own channel and building my homestead. Keep up the great Vid's Love It!!!!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hi there Jay! Great to hear that. Hoping you enjoy your equipment as much as I do. I sure do enjoy getting out in the woods whenever I can! Thanks again for watching

[@user-scooter1965]

Good morning Sandy, that log cutting deck is fantastic! Your firewood processing area is set up very user friendly and efficient. Nice job 👍

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks! Coming along nicely and certainly helping my back

[@donmotz5528]

It looks like that log deck works great and its doin the job nicely.....nice build.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Don! Working out well so far

[@deprived56501]

I'm glad the new setup is working for you. I'm also happy that I'm not your tripod, lol. Good vid. Thanks.

[@sawingwithsandy]

That poor camera haha

[@murraywickes819]

That’s awesome,totally enjoy all your videos

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for that Murray. I appreciate you tuning in each week. You've been a regular for a long time

[@saintaugustine1715]

Good evening Sandy that's worki g out really good i do like the fact that you don't have to bend down so much and that way you also can handle bigger pieces without straining yourself When you first did you log rack you where talking about leaving a log at the opposite end so it would not tip and i scratch my head on that one but this might be a solution take 2 bags of concrete ready mix but some good eye hook into the bag and wet them then put 2 hook on your log rack and hook the bags so if you want to move the log rack unhook the 2 bags for the counter weight and you don't have the extra weith to move just an idea have a great day

[@sawingwithsandy]

I like that idea! Would certainly give some good counter-balance weight! Thanks for sharing that

[@stevenkofoed1698]

It definitely is an improvement. In both ergonomically and a time saving. Great job 👏 👍. Way to use the noodle!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Steven!

[@Johnlewissawmill]

Love the log deck , so much better for your back. Nice job!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks John. I'm happy with how things have turned out

[@tomt8320]

Hi Sandy. Beautiful setup. The logs almost split themselves, and the back muscles are barking a little bit less. 😊

[@sawingwithsandy]

My back sure is thanking me here. Just enough exercise but not too much that it wears me out

[@yvesjolicoeur747]

Ilike the cantilever design that prevents you from running the chainsaw through the log deck.smart!!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Yves!

[@joelsanford]

That is a slick setup! Well done!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for that Joel!

[@Wheelloader__]

Cool setup Sandy. Now you need a green chain on that log deck.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Green chain would be a great thing! I thought about making a log deck out of steel until I priced out steel haha. A green chain in that case would be a great add on

[@wilhelme6]

Sandy you need two ibc cages by the splitter then you’ll have half as many trips into the tractor

[@sawingwithsandy]

Think that would be a better idea.

[@williamhill9432]

Best idea by far Sandy. Great thinking my friend, your putting the use of your brain wisely.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks William!

[@bryansaunter4124]

It was an great investment, saving lots of time and the body. Your setup will be very useful for years to come, carbon tax reduced heating. Thumbs up Sandy

[@randiegadberry5448]

A couple of those logs looked like they would make nice lumber. 😊

[@sawingwithsandy]

I think you're right Randie. That's always the predicament for me with lumber vs. firewood

[@benscoles5085]

Hello Mr. Sandy, THE set up is working good, if I cut and split that much in a day, I would be exhausted, You look like nothing happened at all. Good Work!!

[@sawingwithsandy]

I'm suprised how much energy it saves. I normally get worn out doing this much wood but this was nothing

[@sandermartinbachfeldt9329]

This is an awesome idea. Im building a table like this next year for sure!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Glad you came along for the video!

[@donflack3778]

I like your log deck! Looks like it works really well. Great idea. KC Don 😉

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hey there KC Don! Good to hear from you

[@DaninPNW]

Now that's a great set-up Sandy!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you!

[@TimStout71]

New sub here, I've seen you on other channels. Great set up, I saved this episode as it will be a great back saver for me when I get time to build a table.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hi Tim! Great to have ya here on the channel. Welcome!

[@smisky1086]

now you need a chainsaw shelf on the side of the log deck (or the log splitter) so you can avoid walking to far to put it down and then having to bend over to lift it back up! Very great setup you have, sure beats the standard X shaped sawhorse

[@sawingwithsandy]

Spot for the chainsaw would be great! And a chair for some sludge drinking

[@beancreekwoodworks]

I've been thinking about a lot deck myself. I've seen some other builds in KZbin and I'm really liking yours. I may have to get around and mill up some lumber and get my own built now. Good video sir ! Scott...

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for checking out the build Scott. Turning out real well so far

[@charliesaul729]

Nice setup Sandy. Looks like a few good saw logs in there....

[@Jimmyfisher121]

That is a far superior set up Sandy and it certainly speeds up the whole process, talk about a ruff ride though Sandy, I got shavings in my eye and man knocking down a sixty three year old man who is disabled not once but twice, man my head hurts. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@sawingwithsandy]

hahah sorry about that!

[@ironsales5669]

Sandy you are really good with those forks on the tractor.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you for that. It's a bit hard to see as you can imagine way out in front of the tractor so I have to take it slow

[@michelfrechette3430]

Nice set efficient set up 🙌

[@glennegan219]

Love that setup ! Try 2 totes at a time . 1/2 and 1/2 . You'll catch some of the escapees on the way down .

[@sawingwithsandy]

Great idea Glen. That would help I'm thinking! Thank you for that

[@sydneymcconnaughhay5947]

Great video Sandy

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Sydney

[@dougpark1025]

Nice. That is fast enough that I would bet you could split wood faster than some of the low end wood processors.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Sure seems like I"m getting twice as much wood split in the same amount of time as I used to. The real bonus for me is I'm not tired like I used to be

[@MrJFoster1984]

New project for me for sure, what a time and back saver. Cheers

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for checking out the video!

[@MrJFoster1984]

@@sawingwithsandy I watch the majority of them, wish you all the best with your channel 👍

[@pauljb10]

Awesome setup very slick

[@casehanrath4910]

Awesome setup, Sandy. I will be copying it, lol. John at FarmCraft 101 released a video a couple of weeks ago that you might find inspiring: “Turning a Junk log splitter into an Excavator Powerhouse” For those of us who don’t (yet😂) own an excavator your system is actually very helpful. Thank you Sandy, have a great day. 🤗

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you! I think I saw that video as well. Sure get's my brain going haha

[@mikefromwv1010]

I'll admit I had my doubts about the log table, but it looks l8ke it is a great help. Glad it's making it a little easier for you

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Mike!

[@pihva_rusni]

You have a nice table for sawing large logs: strong and massive. It really eases the hard work of gathering firewood and is good for the operator's back. I have also cut several logs at the same time, even 5 at a time and they did not jam the saw bar and its chain. This is because you have fixation only at the front, and the rear block is free and jams the chain. In addition, you have long logs, and I sawed 3-5 pieces, but only 1.2 meters long, which were rigidly fixed with large construction staples. So they are unable to move either during or after sawing, clinging to the pile. Apparently, in your case, sawing logs of a large length and diameter is unlikely to reliably ensure fixation. With logs smaller in diameter and length, this works better and does not wedge the saw.

[@sawingwithsandy]

It's working out quite well and I"m finding sawing more than one log at a time sure is spewing up production with this new table

[@alpinegeordie]

Great proof of concept, now you can tweak it, and patent it ;-) the new Easton made double action with the box blade will keep a couple of guys out the bar for a while !

[@trent5ace]

1st time viewer. One piece of advice you may try bucking with a shorter bar (20") and getting more vertical midway through the log and using the base of the bar/chain versus the tip. I just got a 555 with the 24 inch bar and love the reach but it is actually a bit long for most of the logs I fall and buck (on the ground). Your setup is a huge step up from what I got going on. Nice work.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hey Trent! Thanks for coming along for the video and welcome to the channel! My 20" bar is my go-to for my 555 saw. I like it for it's weight when I"m out in the woods sawing. I tend to just use the 24" bar on the saw when sawing at the splitter for the extra reach for sawing two logs at once

[@denniscampbell8240]

You just gave me an,idea of a set up on my saw mill for cutting wood 👍

[@sawingwithsandy]

I think I want one these logs decks out there at the sawmill too

[@bwillan]

This has to be among the best budget firewood processing setups I've seen on youtube. The only thing faster would be getting an Eastonmade 40c processor with a conveyor. You've certainly taken great advantage of the equipment that you have.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you I appreciate that. haha that 40c sure would be a welcomed addition here. Not sure my budget approves though haha

[@joycei5926]

This is very smart system you got.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Joyce

[@derekcrowe3999]

Sweet setup. Thanks for sharing

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Derek!

[@quarlow1215]

Definitely a back saver. ❤

[@sawingwithsandy]

Sure is a great addition to splitting I"m finding

[@tfitz44]

Dude! Sweet setup you got there. I gotta tell ya, I’ve never seen that kind of trailer with the grapple. That’s got to be so much better that having to constantly maneuver the tractor, especially if the ground is wet. Just pull up and unload.

[@FatherOfTheParty]

Quite the setup there, Sandy. The technical definition of work is a force applied over displacement but if the force is perpendicular to the displacement then no work is done. So, moving the logs from your deck to the splitter involves no actual work (we all know that's not actually true). Your setup really does minimize the effort put forth to generate your wood. Really well thought out!

[@sawingwithsandy]

I'm really like it so far

[@scotpettengill7801]

We have all heard the saying "Work Smarter Not Harder " well this is exactly that Sandy. Good for you. As I have cut so much firewood in my past years, I can really appreciate your design and ingenuity on this one. One idea that may help you safety wise for the potential of a log rolling off the deck towards you, drill a pocket or two in your beams and put a wooden dowel to prevent the logs from rolling off. Great work ethic my friend. Happy holidays to you & your family. Scot from New Hampshire USA

[@sawingwithsandy]

I like the drilled pocket idea. Would be a bit better than the small blocks I think

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for that Scot

[@bcpfarmandtrucking6560]

Really like your cutting table

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you!

[@chucknelson4556]

Great set up Sandy

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Chuck!

[@johnsquires2209]

Looking good Sandy. 😊

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks John! Hope you're doing well

[@WellsFamilyHomestead]

This is a speedy setup nice job

[@Andrew_From_NB]

Hey there Sandy, sorry I didn’t get around to commenting till now but I always watch your vids the day they come out! I’m pretty impressed with the new log deck set up! Ergonomics work nicely there an it will pay off in the long run! Always enjoy dropping by the channel every week to see what your up to in the shop, the chop shop, the redpine forest or the cabin. Fall an winter are setting in for sure down here in central NB. Hope to get out for some more partridge hunting with the ATV and soon will be getting out snowmobile again lol, time sure flys! Anyways, I always appreciate all the hard work you put in on both sides of the camera Sandy! Take care an we’ll see you soon! Andrew from NB :)

[@aeros4me]

A very slick operation now Sandy ;)

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you!

[@TheCritterWindow]

I love this thing going to build one. My only thing I would suggest is move the log deck over so the center of it is where you stand at the spliter. You will save long walks with logs.

[@sawingwithsandy]

That's a good point. The only reason mine isn't centred is because the woodsplitter has to be where it is so the wood falls into the IBC cage

[@TheCritterWindow]

It was a good idea while it lasted.@@sawingwithsandy

[@rodneywroten2994]

That setup works great. Sandy

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Rodney

[@tomki6asp]

The Chop Shop has worked out better than planned. You deserve a Sludge.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Tom! Turned out to be perfect . I'll have to get a easy chair setup in the back there. Nice spot to hang out

[@arthurbauman6871]

Love ur wood setup well played

[@howardkettner]

Slick setup. Super impressive. Love it.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for checking out the video Howard!

[@micked6141]

Another thing: Perhaps consider supporting the overhang. Just as a safety measure. If you would put a couple of supporting posts under two or three joists the deck would be much less likely to tip over in case one forgets one's brain at home some day.

[@Ubergamer256]

Great setup, I may duplicate this in a few years. You could easily put two IBC cages there and cut down tractor time. Also would be nice to put a fence/guidewall up on the backside of the split table to keep the splits from falling off the back side and direct them into the cages. This seems close to some of the fancy processor setups but for a pickup truck-less amount of money. 😂

[@jessel8833]

Great set up brother! Got a nice gig going there. Love the designs on everything.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Jesse!

[@jakebredthauer5100]

Good job. Next you can build a small deck "touching" the splitter to stockpile rounds of wood to be split. The purpose would be to reduce the frequency of shifting between cutting and splitting. Fewer miles per day and fewer cold starts. Many people could use one if they had a loader. If the middle of the deck were arched up, logs would not pinch as much on the bar. You could find a log with an arch in it and peel it and use it to make the top pieces into an arch. When this rack rots away, I would like to see you do one with round logs. To stop the log for sawing gouge out little dips instead of the end block. That would be cute and the log would be more steady. A dip could be cut with your chainsaw or with your leg peeler. An alternative to the sawmill or a jig --- show us some freehand chainsaw milling. People would be surprised how well it works. You may need it if your log is too large. Logs would roll more easily if the deck were slanted more. A movable block of wood could be used to stop the logs where you wanted them to stop. Cantilevers are nice but you are afraid it will tip over. Simply add enough counterweight so it will never tip over. Next time you could stick four posts into the ground and go from there. More people should have these things to make their work easier.

[@nelsonstree436]

Thats a great setup good work

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Nelson

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

Nice saw table Sandy

[@natedscate]

Pure genius! I like that ergonomicaly there is less chance of hurting yourself. Wouldn't it be nifty if you could roll the rounds down a chute onto the splitter deck. Never lift a round! If the quality of the firewood is this good next year, Please order a couple of extra cords and saw some of the bolts and sawlogs. As a hardwood guy, this makes me sad 😢

[@shapeshifter7753]

Yep your doing well there!!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you!

[@mlafond9369]

Tres bien pensé merci

[@pnuttheclownh2254]

check your location of the splitter controls to see if it's centered on the log deck. make equal walking distance to the splitter from end to end of the table.

[@stevencharles4333]

terrific set up in that at each transition point there is an ergonomic application my only concern/suggestion is counterweights for the log deck - i'd be looking at fitting a row of trunks between the posts, below the deck to stabilize the deck's centre of gravity from a forward or backward tilt if/when the logs unexpectedly roll. i'm going to look at borrowing your design in the spring. I have a lot of yard lumber requests and milling projects. This deck also lends it self to enhancing the metal detection devices I use before moving lumber onto the mill.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Great suggestions and thanks for watching Steven

[@ernestgardner7439]

Pleasant video

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Ernest!

[@Lupis1437]

Hi Sandy. I sent this to my dad and he really liked the idea. Currently he has the X style log holder and thinks this would be more efficient for the larger logs. He mentioned though that your chainsaw doesn’t seem to be performing that well being that it is softwood and I have to agree with him. Maybe the chain profile and/or rakers need to be improved/filed? We cut all hardwoods with similar sized saws and takes us about the same time as you are in this video. Not meant to be negative but could improve your efficiency even more.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for coming along for the video. Good to hear your dad likes the design. This wood I'm cutting in the video is all hardwood (hard maple) so it's a bit more slow going for the chainsaw.

[@alphonseroy421]

Awesome job sandy 👏 👍 😅

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you for that! Good to have ya along for the video

[@LarryBottoms-d3n]

I have a wood cutting stand I made also to stop the saw from being pinched I cut half way and use a plastic wage

[@doylerabjohn3435]

That setup works great.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Doyle! I'm impressed with how well it worked. I always had a shred of doubt when building it but turned out great

[@WoodworkingTop535]

Good job, thanks

[@sekatyoukko69]

Nice setup 👌 definitely a backsaver😊 Watch out for the kickback when bucking 2 logs at the same time.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Great reminder for me. I'm not a big fan of sawing one log right next to the other right behind it just for that reason. Could turn bad in a hurry

[@sekatyoukko69]

@sawingwithsandy Hi Sandy 👋 I'm certain that you are aware of the problem and that's good 👍 If I was you I'd probably choose a shorter bar and cut those logs one at the time. It's not worth to hurry making firewood. We must live long and healthy and have a few beers. Thank you for very good videos and keep up the great work 👍 🇨🇦🇫🇮🍻

[@brianwestveer9532]

Thumbs up Sandy

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks for that Brian!

[@adirondackwoodsman]

I like it Sandy works great!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you!

[@alittleofthisandalittleofthat]

Great setup. My back kills me bending over cutting up wood. This is for sure on my to do list. 👍 any dimensions on this log deck?

[@sawingwithsandy]

I hear ya there. Mine was the same. I didn't mind a few logs but after a while my back was asking me to stop and do something else haha. This log deck is 10' wide by 9' long and the spacing between the 4x4's is 8"