Resource Center

What Firewood Burns Best? - Here is a list of the best burning firewood in no particular order. Perhaps some of these names will be new to you.

Finding the Right Log Splitter - When most people think about splitting logs, they often come up with the image of a woodsman bringing an ax down on a hunk of wood, over and over again.

Picking Your Log Splitter Style Made Easy - Splitting wood can become tedious and can result in a lot of hard back breaking work. However it doesn't have to be this way.

Electric Log Splitters Have Advantages - Electric log splitters are a good choice if you want a log splitter that you can use either indoors or outdoors without worrying about unhealthy levels of carbon monoxide buildup.

Electric Log Splitters Selecting the Right One - Using a log splitter can significantly reduce the amount of time and effort that you need to put into splitting wood for your fireplace.

Seasoning is the Key to Good Firewood - Whether you only burn wood occasionally or use it all year round as your primary source of heating, having a fire that burns hot and clean is what matters most.

Split, Store and Season Firewood the Smart Way - So, you have decided that you’re ready to heat your house with wood or start a seasonal business splitting and selling firewood.

Should I buy a Used Wood Splitter or New? - This is one of the those "catch 22" questions. Used log splitters are like cars I guess. There are good deals out there but you have to find them.

What's The Deal With Half Beam Splitters?

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Have you noticed some wood splitters have full beams and some have half beams? So what is the deal with this? Why are we seeing more and more of these types of log splitters popping up in the market? If you're not sure what were talking about, the cylinder sticks out off the end of the log splitter and a "traditional" log splitters have full beams that the cylinder sits on.

So what is the answer? It's simple really, cost! I guess it makes sense, if you use less material its going to cost less money for not only material but labor as well to build the machine. Another cost saving benefit is weight in shipping. Two feet less of beam on every splitter that shipped at least twice can amount to quite a savings in cost.

So what about performance of actually splitting firewood? Its debatable and it depends on who you talk to. The half-beam splitters in my opinion have came a long way the last few years. There have been extensive testing and reviews with in the same brand, full beam vs half beam and there really has not been any evidence one is better then the other one. The half beams in theory could be a little less durable, after all there is less beam for strength.   I think it comes down to your personal taste and what works best for you!


The Use of Firewood

In this era of electric lighting and use of natural gas for heating, you might think that using firewood for light and heat is quaint and mildly outdated. However, camping enthusiasts and people who live in cold climates can tell you that firewood can actually be a lifesaver when you don't have access to electric power or a supply of natural gas. You can also take advantage of the benefits of firewood.

Besides the sun, fire is the oldest source of heat and light known to humanity. The earliest cooking was done over a bonfire once mankind began seeing the benefits of using firewood. Some traditionalists and barbecue lovers still enjoy roasting meat over an open fire. If you've ever roasted a hot dog over a campfire and want to take things to the next level, you may find some masters of cooking things over an open fire who can help you get started.

Even if you do not choose to use fire for cooking, a wood fire does have practical benefits. Fireplaces are popular as a backup when your electricity fails and takes your central heating system with it. They can also provide light when there is simply not enough candles to go around. If you live in an area where winters can drop below freezing, this can actually cause problems ranging from severe frostbite to frozen pipes that can burst. If you keep a stock of firewood where you can get to it even in the middle of a blizzard and are prepared to build a fire in your fireplace, you can at least keep things above freezing to prevent these hazards.

Firewood can also help you cut back on your heating bill. While you never want to leave a wood fire unattended, building a fire in your fireplace can help take the edge off on those frigid winter nights when your central heating system is working especially hard and you don't want to turn it up any more. With a fire in the fireplace or your wood stove, you won't have to.

It is hard to beat the charm of a traditional wood fire. A family gathering around a campfire is a favorite activity in the summer, and don't forget the hot dogs and marshmallows. Wood fireplaces are also a favorite centerpiece for a cozy living room and romantic evenings. Even on those nights when you don't really feel like having company, a wood fire makes a good addition to the setting during times when you just need to get outside and do some thinking.

Firewood is versatile enough to still be useful in this age of modern conveniences. When going camping or just looking for a way to get some family time in your own backyard, ask about local sources of firewood or collect and chop some deadfall to build your fires and take advantage of the charm of a real wood fire.