The Best Poor Man's Firewood Processing Layout Ever

[@davekeehn8388]

Just learning what each station is called is worth it. Great content.

[@samsdoinstuff]

@@davekeehn8388 Thank you! I'm still perfecting my process. The "live deck" is still a big part. I love how portable and FREE it is, lol. I still haven't given up on using ibc totes for stacking. Just wish my tractor could lift more. 🤠👍

[@robertzapatka1082]

Sam, Sam, Sam, if it wasn't for dad's wood, we wouldn't be enjoying your videos! Thank him for us!

[@samsdoinstuff]

Hahaha! He's my #1 motivation ❤️ Will do!!! Thank you 😁

[@jacquelynhull2261]

You should always take care of your dad you only have one day.

[@samsdoinstuff]

He's my #1 motivation and still will be after he's gone ❤️

[@danielmoulton4117]

Having heated primarily with wood since the 1970's my system has evolved to constantly handle the various stages less and less. At this point, I fell and limb in the woods. The tree lengths are skidded to a landing, and reduced to 16 foot length and moved to my wood yard on the forks. I buck to 20 inch length while on the forks, allowing the rounds to drop on the ground. After forwarding and bucking for a few hours, i use the bucket to push the pile up. The wood is just now ready for its first manual handling onto the splitter( I'm too old to split with an axe now) and once its split, it again falls to the ground. I then stack it in crates built of pallets, cover and set aside to season. From there the crates move to the door nearest the stove and i have to handle it yet again. Long way of saying everyone adapts to thier own situation but eventually unnecessary handling is eliminated from the process because it is inherently inefficient. Save yourself handling and you'll improve your efficiency. Just one grumpy old man's take on wood.

[@samsdoinstuff]

Love that system! I often toy with the idea of building crates but ultimately, my Kubota BX won't lift enough to make it worth building anything so I'm going back to old school and just stacking in rows. I'll have to handle the splits more than I want to, but if I'm selling it, the quality of the product is the most important. The bulk firewood for my Dad is working perfectly in the corner. Just scoop and load 😁👍 Thanks so much for the comment!

[@freeforester1717]

Here in Scotland; logs (10ft long) are laid on to a midriff height table with a 90° inset roller table, with an overflow table on the other side for oversized logs too big to go into the processor.I take the log across the roller table (feeding the end into the processor - Palax Combi MII, link below - the split logs are carried up the elevator and into one of two opened mesh log bags sitting on top of pallets. Once filled, the forklift lifts the one bag on top of the other, and the two are lifted via the pallet under the lower bag, and moved into the store. From there, 18months or so later, they are taken up as is to the burner room, where I touch the logs for the second and final time, loading them into the log boiler. My table gets filled by the truck delivering the logs (23 tonnes at a time). Palax Combi: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXW8fmqObbdqoNksi=FO5Hx4P-Ru31cc4k Japa are available in the US as an alternative machine (40+ year old design now)

[@adirondackwoodsman]

Great idea! I was doubting it at first but you made me a believer out of me!

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thanks! Me too!!!!

[@wildbill23c]

Some U-Bolts and flat stock would secure that IBC tote to your pallet fork frame much better. Makes more sense cutting the whole front off than what most people do only cutting a section out then trying to dump stuff out of it LOL. Wish I had a log splitter like that...I just have the 5 ton electric one from Harbor Freight, it works, but its slooooooooow!! Luckily I only need it once a year for a few days LOL. Which is why I went with the electric one over a big gas powered one that would sit 360 days out of the year...and be a constant pain with fuel/carburetor issues.

[@samsdoinstuff]

That Honda engine is the key to my splitter. Can't beat em! It's slower than it looks in time lapse, lol. I've got another idea for the tote... stay tuned! And thanks so much for watching!!!

[@wildbill23c]

@@samsdoinstuff Oh I bet its still faster than the electric one I have, which to me is dangerous, I've almost been hit a few times from flying chunks of wood....you have to hold the power switch with one hand and operate the hydraulic lever with the other, so your face is right there next to the round you are trying to split...that power switch should just be an on/off toggle switch, and I may modify it for that since its long out of warranty...I think it should be a safety recall.

[@benreber2277]

I love this setup. I have not gotten mine in place yet so I can’t comment much but my plan is very similar to yours. I want to place all the logs at full length onto a table of sorts. A bunch of 4x4s spaced out 4” gap on each. The thought is to set the whole log times like 5 at a time onto the table. Cut it to 16” on that table and then roll the rounds to the end of the table where the splitter is and then stack it straight onto pallets and wrap it with plastic wrap or I am going to try plastic bands so it will be half cord on a pallet that can set to dry and then be moved around as it is on the pallet so machinery does 80% of the work and I only have to handle for the splitting and rolling and nothing I have to Bend over for so I can go longer. Everything downhill setup so the rounds want to get split.

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you! Great ideas too! 💡

[@judge058]

I love your approach, the KISS principle. Very efficient, low cost and something similar to what I could set up. Great video!!

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you very much! I'm so glad you like it. I still use the same setup and it's modular which really helps since I don't always split in the same place 😁👍

[@ChrisLascari]

You're putting a lot of faith in that bungee...

[@samsdoinstuff]

I agree, and I have improved that situation. Stay tuned 👍

[@buroakridgehomestead5995]

Hello from SE Minnesota. Great work with your channel. I’ve subscribed and look forward to following along.

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you so much and welcome to the channel 😁 👍

[@goodsamaritanfirewoodproject]

Hey Sam ! Catfish here ! Your a man with a plan ! Leave Dads wood alone ! Whatever floats your boat in your wood yard is all ok !

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you!!! 👊 Yup, it's my woodyard so it's my way, but I wanna keep y'all in the loop 😁 And of course I'll be honest if my ideas go south 👍

[@mattburleson2651]

Another great video. Cool concept. Gives me ideas for organizing my wood yard this year.

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you! I was really hoping it would inspire 👍 what I had was working but there's always room for improvement 😁

[@chadwalker50]

Hello, I'm in Southeast Ohio. Nice setup, Thanks for the idea!

[@samsdoinstuff]

You are welcome! Glad I could help 🤠👍

[@jandblawncare8570]

Thats a great set up, waist height so no bending = no store back. I bought a thumb for my backhoe and going to try using that to pick up the logs and cut right from there and use my skid steer splitter to pick up the rounds and split them into a pile right by my Sure Split to try to limit the bending over, if that doesn't work out I just might try this system.

[@samsdoinstuff]

More machines = lighter work. A thumb on a backhoe would be perfect but I honestly think my system is faster because I can do 10-12 logs all at once rather than hopping on and off a machine. Glad you liked it!!! 👍

[@outdoorsinthe608]

Wow what a great process Sam! The table is awesome👍👍

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thanks so much!

[@hayesrutherford9415]

Something similar has worked well for me. I cut a couple pockets for the deck runners and sit the other ends on some v notched blocks. When done, I just cut up the deck and cradle logs and split them too.

[@samsdoinstuff]

I love all the great ideas like yours! We're all getting it done without spending 10's of thousands of dollars 😁👍

[@Z-Bart]

I would say, on average, a piece of firewood is handled about 7 times before it gets burned. But I'll keep burning it with with cost of home heating fuel oil. 👍

[@samsdoinstuff]

I agree. It's definitely still worth it 😁

[@chriselliott2364]

If you had a couple of old conveyors then you could just send dads wood to it's storage spot and the other wood to it's storage spot and then you could have more tractor time scooping the wood up! Lol great video!

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you!!! Believe me, I've been keeping my eyes open for one. They're not cheap and if I could find a decent one at the right price... 🤞

[@ryankelly2800]

​@@samsdoinstuffI have a conveyor in geauga county we might be able to make a deal on, let me know if you are interested

[@patriciahibbert6139]

I like the log deck idea going to use it for the sawmill lol. pallets stacked and 2 square timbers , good idea

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you! I really like it too 👍 the key is just the right amount of slope so they don't roll down on you by themselves. A small piece of 1/2 inch plywood tacked on the end helps.

[@cheeseymccheese7249]

Nice efficiency. Good ideas

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you!!! 😁👍

[@markpiechowskijr7700]

Awesome set up! Only advice I've got is use the tractor to lift the rounds to splitter height so you can slide them onto the splitter deck. Saves my back.

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you!!! I definitely do that with the rounds that are too big for me to lift. Otherwise, I like the workout 💪 😁

[@attheranch3830]

I just love your videos! That's a fantastic barn, I love it! Keep up the great work, sir!

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you very much! I will do my best 👌

[@darrellobrien4416]

you could use some carabiners to latch the totes to tractor

[@samsdoinstuff]

Great minds think alike 😁👍 Thanks for the idea 💡

[@ChrisLascari]

Good stuff. I'm glad this randomly popped up on my feed. I'm going to check out some more and possibly subscribe

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you!!! 👊 and welcome 😁

[@MJADoingStuff]

Nice work Sam 😁👍very organized you got the best all around log bucking setup that I have seen. Wow you are picking up subscribers as fast as you split wood 🪵 keep up the great videos 🚜💨🍳

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you!!! Should make processing much faster and more enjoyable. Looking forward to Spring and nicer weather too. Oh, and I am loving the growth of the channel 👍 hope it keeps going 🙏

[@williamrgrant]

Nice video! I also greatly benefited from seeing your harbor freight trailer side wall brackets. My current system is to screw an angle bracket to fix the side walls. But I don't like doing this because it takes a while and I keep the trailer folded in the garage for storage. I think between the ones you are using, and the ones with a fold down lever I should be set!

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you!!! So happy I could help. I love that little trailer 😁👍

[@ArrBee6]

Nice one, Sam. Cheers.

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you so much! Cheers 🍻

[@mikeh8228]

Working smarter, not harder! Love it! and the older you get the more you will like it too! HA HA

[@samsdoinstuff]

The smarter one is when he is younger, the better he will feel in his later years 😁👍 Thank you!!!

[@mattpee55]

good idea with the pallets and 6x6s

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you! It works SO well. Still using this setup 😁👍

[@Dick-d1m]

Pretty good system you got set up. Only I don't put the chunks in a basket.. Grab the chunks right off the end of Where you are cutting wood. 1. Cut up 1 log. 2. Split chucks And repeat.. Eliminate the basket. Have the wood splitter close to log pile.. cut one log, split it. Cut one log, split it. Maybe what you can do. Have the wood splitter, close to were You are cutting the logs into chucks. Cut logs into chunks and pile beside the wood splitter.. 🧐🤔🤝💬🤷 Won't know until, You try it..

[@samsdoinstuff]

Love the way you think! I'm getting ready to start processing this week. I'll keep your suggestions in mind 😁👍

[@KNLFirewood]

Just found you and subbed! You are a busy beaver. Nice work! Great video!

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you so much and welcome 👍 You will get WAY more than just firewood with my channel 😁 variety is the spice of life, right? Enjoy!!!

[@e.tanner8656]

Hint: 2-3 empty pallets below the tote = not bending over as much

[@samsdoinstuff]

That's a great idea! Thank you, my back isn't getting any younger 👍

[@certifiedhoarder]

I did wrapped green bundles one year and the plastic condensated and grew mold. It didnt work. Rabbit cage wire will work better, can be reused, and will stack much higher. We use it to wrap pallet of quarry stone for interstate transport. 4x4x4 and about 3200 lbs each.

[@samsdoinstuff]

Your timing is perfect. Tomorrow's video shows how I moved my stacks into the fields and I don't use the plastic wrap anymore. Lesson learned 😁👍

[@FatherOfTheParty]

Sweet system Sam.

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thanks! It's working very well 👌

[@PapaRug.58]

A ratchet strap about a foot up from bottom will work better than a rubber bungee cord and secure it back to the forks just food for thought Great job 😊😊

[@samsdoinstuff]

Great idea 💡 I actually had an idea lying in bed last night... I'll show it in the next video 👍

[@tinbeater36]

Maybe one more pallet on the upper end? Use gravity to help feed the logs down. Just a thought, nice setup.

[@samsdoinstuff]

I don't want to make it too steep or they'll roll off the other end but if it needs a little more, that's a great way to do it. Thanks! 😁

[@johnricks1630]

Is great job🎉

[@samsdoinstuff]

@@johnricks1630 Thank you! 🤠👍

[@geezerindawoods]

Yes! Use what you have. Well Dun!

[@samsdoinstuff]

You said it! Thank you 😁

[@hillbilly2224]

Great setup 🤙🇦🇺🍻

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you! And it's portable 😁👍

[@rodneyblair515]

Looks good

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you!!!

[@nebraskawoodstr]

Just found you and subbed. Started my channel last year. Welcome to the KZbin firewood community. Good vid. Look forward to following your channel.

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you very much!!! And welcome 😁 I will certainly check your channel out and return the favor 😁👍

[@Lens-KeepingBusy]

Hi Sam, just found your video, I also do wood part time, have you been on Dan’s livestream Friday Night. A lot of wood hounds there, Welcome, nice video ❤️🇨🇦

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you! No I haven't seen "Dan's livestream", I'll have to check it out. Thanks again 😁👍

[@bertwalts3211]

like it keep up the good work

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you! Will do 😁👍

[@militarygradegear4004]

Like number 900! Great Job!! 👍🏻

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you very much!!!

[@buckinfirewood]

Nice set up!!..

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you! It's still working well 👍 I just need to get back to making firewood 💪

[@barrypope4358]

I guess by now you would have hinged the cut off piece of the tote at the top and fixed two snap latches at the bottom so you can fill it to capacity then release the snaps and dump it.

[@samsdoinstuff]

That would work splendidly if my little tractor could only lift a full IBC tote of firewood. If I had a more capable machine, I would definitely do something like that 😁👍

[@MP-ef6mc]

I liked your video, you gained a new subscriber. Within the next year I am making the transition from a full time job of driving a log truck to being self employed doing lawn care and firewood. I was really surprised how much work your little Kubota tractor can do, just curious what model Kubota that is? Thanks

[@samsdoinstuff]

Hey! Welcome to the channel 😁 Congratulations on the life change, and best of luck 👍 My tractor is a 2018 BX2380 and it still surprises me too! Thank you very much for subscribing!

[@MP-ef6mc]

Thanks for the reply, I’m in the stage of looking for a tractor. I’m used to using a 2022 Kubota 97.2 skid steer that will literally lift my semi trailer off the ground, empty of course. I’m a little spoiled but that a $85k machine.

[@fricknjeep]

hi there well done i also have a system but a bit different , no easy way to do firewood , john

[@samsdoinstuff]

When I earned my black belt in Shotokan at age 42 someone asked me "how long does it take the average person to earn a black belt?" I answered... "An average person doesn't earn a black belt." Same can be said for firewood. If it were easy, everyone would do it. 👊👍

[@RockhillfarmYT]

What part of the country are you in?

[@samsdoinstuff]

Northeast Ohio

[@samsdoinstuff]

Love your channel, btw. Keep it up!!!

[@hillbillyfranks]

Nice job

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thanks!

[@hotpoker4212]

Great video, what is d make of that splitter,

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you!!! That is your run of the mill, big box store, Countyline 28 ton splitter from Tractor Supply 😁👍 Slow as molasses, but works great!

[@lipripr55]

Nice video. Which Kubota tractor is that? Thanks

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you! I have a 2018 Kubota BX 2380. It's a great little machine 😁👍

[@wlan246]

1:36 I see the Harbor Freight trailer, plate mounted in the middle instead of on the left (under the plate light), AND the plate is folded under the frame... and I know the exact sequence of events that led to this point. 🙂

[@samsdoinstuff]

Hahaha! I bet you do 🤣👍 Good one!

[@fernandesfamily3204]

In what video do you talk about your bucking station on the pallets? I’m wondering how you get the half logs to stay put

[@samsdoinstuff]

Good question, thank you. They simply sit on the pallets and sometimes they do slip but I just push them back in place. I have considered screwing some 2x4 blocks on either side to hold them in place.

[@douglasmcleod7481]

its so great when rich people do a video on how poor people do things lol. the land and equipment you have puts you in the top 1 percent in the world and at least top 10 percent in the country

[@samsdoinstuff]

You don't make money by throwing it away. Doesn't matter how much you have, you can become successful with hard work and wise decisions. I've been poor, and the lessons I learned when I was will be with me the rest of my life. 😁👍

[@douglasmcleod7481]

what do you mean by "you dont make money by throwing it away"thats kind of a no brainer. my point was, a poor man doesnt have a tractor or equipment or land so the video doesnt really apply , does it .

[@samsdoinstuff]

You know what. Watch this Saturday and I'll explain. I really appreciate the comment and there are probably others who may want to hear why I make those kinds of videos. Thanks!

[@Poorboychickencoop]

Ok.. I never wrapped firewood in plastic wrap but from what i can see it will still dry out... its on a wood pallet so air flow from bottom tops are not covered so air flow from top add that together and that equals air flow which with time dries out firewood come on people its not rocket science.. I have built fires from green firewood, damp firewood, and from a tree that we pulled out the creek ( now that took a lot of rich lighter pine) or (as whatever folks call it fatwood) i mean we used the tractor drug the oak out the creek chain sawed it up splitting mal made a camp fire and cooked up our fish and squirrels. With a pine sap ball and lighter pine you can build a fire in any weather..

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you! If you watch my latest videos, you'll see I'm stacking full cords out in the field. I don't think the plastic was a problem but the firewood just didn't get as much sun and wind as it should where it was. Stacking on pallets was somewhat helpful, but took more time than it was worth. I'm refining my process every day... or should I say year. Never stop thinking about how to improve 😁👍

[@deernutOO]

Might have a cool system. But you put it on super-fast-forward, and then edit the video to cut out the intermediate steps. So in the end, when we FINALLY got to see your "layout" working, we really didn't see much but a lot of fast movement. Good luck with it. You will make more improvements.

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thank you for your comment. I'm always trying to decide between making my videos informative and entertaining, or at least as much of both as I can. I'll keep that in mind for future content 👍

[@jakebredthauer5100]

Wire mesh wrapping instead of plastic wrapping. In each end of the fence could be a stick of wood for opening and closing.

[@samsdoinstuff]

Thanks for the tip!

[@jakebredthauer5100]

@@samsdoinstuff I have never tried wire circles on pallets. When setting it up I would leave space between the sticks for human access to the wood. I would have an elevator to drop the wood in. Random loose is 190 cubic feet / cord. My plan is to avoid attaching the wire circle to the pallet.

[@ShannonFreng]

Have you considered getting a helper? He could shuttle between bucking and stacking.

[@samsdoinstuff]

That is the best tool anyone can add to their woodyard. No matter how efficient you have it set up, an extra set of hands will at least double your efficiency. I never say no to help 🤠👍

[@ShannonFreng]

@@samsdoinstuff Aye, Sam. I used to be a boss on a rough lumber chop/resaw crew. It was piece work, so I had a fun (not!) time keeping everyone doing something. Did I fire anyone? Lots! I understand. Good videos and operation.

[@samsdoinstuff]

@@ShannonFreng Thank you very much!

[@ShannonFreng]

@@samsdoinstuff You're welcome.

[@Gunner662]

Where did you steal those blue pallets from? The last time I tried to steal some, CHEP wouldn't let me have any. They said its their pallet and it belongs to them to be used in their pool of pallets they use for their customers.

[@samsdoinstuff]

Pallets are just an opportunistic grab. They turn up in all kinds of places. The heavy duty ones are great, but every once in a while I'll run into some plastic ones and that's the real find. Just gotta keep your eyes open 🤠👍

[@skoolzone]

I must be doing good only four times for me off of the pile.

[@samsdoinstuff]

Keep it up!

[@billhamilton7524]

A poor mans process is an old truck a maul a wedge and an old wheelbarrow the wood will dry covered like that but will have no integrity ,,it needs to breath

[@samsdoinstuff]

You are correct! Very timely that you said that about the wood drying. Watch this Saturday. I always like trying new things, but I've learned a thing or two since last season 😁👍

[@jeraldjaquet7650]

Need to set up a live deck for rounds then you wouldn't have to pick them up

[@samsdoinstuff]

I've been thinking a lot about that. Some kind of a gravity conveyor system like those roller conveyors you see in production lines 🤔

[@EsFirewood]

👍

[@shanehumphrey4827]

Cut trees with no knots. Wood splits easy!! By hand!!!

[@samsdoinstuff]

I do love splitting with an axe 🤠👍

[@bruceandericalee9515]

The hanks

[@samsdoinstuff]

You're welcome 😁👍

[@marsha1024]

Go Brownies?

[@samsdoinstuff]

My wife says YAY!!! I've been a 49ers fan my whole life 😁👍

[@marsha1024]

@@samsdoinstuff I’m glad you didn’t say Squeelers!

[@gattonpc]

"Poor's Man"? Beeing cheap doesn't mean you are a poor man.. It means you are a smart man. Why invest lots of $$$ to split wood once a year.. or once per 2 years.

[@samsdoinstuff]

Exactly! I prefer "frugal" but yes, you don't have to be poor to be frugal. I split a lot more than once or twice a year, but still, why spend thousands on a log deck when a few pallets and some 6x6's do the same job? 😁👍

[@poonamdayal9088]

@@samsdoinstuff YES. "Frugal" is the right word... whether rich or poor, it is wise to be frugal.

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

Why would you mix trash with good wood??

[@samsdoinstuff]

My dad sorts it and burns EVERYTHING. One man's trash is my Dad's treasure. And I don't mind saving it for him 👍

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

@@samsdoinstuff Nothing wrong with that. I was just wondering

[@michaelblair2370]

Way too much back work to be the best set up.

[@samsdoinstuff]

I do like the workout. But you're right, everything can be improved 😁👍

[@johnlewis4761]

Doesn't look like a poor man. Poor men dont have tractors, trailers, and barns.

[@samsdoinstuff]

Poor men can afford tractors, trailers and barns because they use "poor man's" tools and don't waste their money. One does not have to be poor to remain frugal 😁👍

[@johnlewis4761]

@@samsdoinstuff tractors aren't a poor man's tool. But each to his own.

[@samsdoinstuff]

Maybe it's not clear in the video, but the "poor man's processor" consists of the pallets, the 6X6 beams and the log split in half. It can all be done without the tractor, of course. We processed 100's of cords with nothing but a sledge and a wedge when I was growing up. Thanks for watching! 😁👍

[@johnlewis4761]

@@samsdoinstuff silly you

[@poonamdayal9088]

@@samsdoinstuff Yeah, next time I would be more sensitive to the folks who really are poor and looking for "life hacks" which are usually cost-cutting hacks. -You had a great hack but made the mistake of speaking and titling the video as if YOU were poor. -Either limit the camera to the part that is "poor man" or articulate that (while you are doing well) this development can be used by anyone who can get a log split vertically. -How DID that happen anyway? a mill saw? chain saw?

[@davidGservantofGod]

Spending too much time twigging around

[@samsdoinstuff]

@@davidGservantofGod Time spent now is 10X time saved later. 🤠👍

[@markstahovic9226]

U talk to much by

[@samsdoinstuff]

🤣

[@PeterBeatty-su8ux]

What waffle really painful to watch someone go on and on on on

[@samsdoinstuff]

Opinions vary

[@shottyshoshco]

I like the live deck. Can I borrow the idea? The bigger peeler cores I get will make good runners. The rounded runners will have less surface area to interfere with the rolling of the logs.

[@samsdoinstuff]

Absolutely! That's the whole reason I'm doing this channel. Good ideas and helping each other 👍