5 Essential Firewood Cutting Tips For Beginners

11th June 2023

Chopping your firewood can be rewarding, it makes for great physical exercise and it can save you money too. You will even be able to get your whole family involved and can make it into a family activity.

However, there are some things you need to know, such as safety, which tools to use, such as tips on Chainsaws, and ensuring you’re chopping the wood legally. Knowing when to chop, and how to do so to the right length.

So, let’s take a look at what you should be considering before you get started!

#1. Always Ensure You Have The Right Safety Equipment

You need to ensure that your body is protected before you start chopping up wood.

These are the safety items you should get before you start chopping away:

Eye protection: Goggles/ face shields.
Hearing protection: Earmuffs.
Chaps.
Boots.
Gloves.
Head protection: Helmet.
Water.
A friend/cell phone, in case of emergencies.
First aid kit.
Knowing how to lift with your legs.

You should ensure that you have all of these things before you start chopping wood. Having only one or two, or even half won’t cut it, as if there is an accident you can end up hurt, or in hospital. Do ensure you always have a way to contact someone in an emergency also.

#2. Make Sure You Have The Right Tools For The Job

As well as having the appropriate safety gear, you also need to ensure that you have the right tools for the job as well. To properly cut up firewood, you will need several tools, which you should be able to get from your local hardware store.

A chainsaw.
A bar and chain oil to ensure your chainsaw runs smoothly and does not suffer wear and tear.
Gas for a gas-powered chainsaw, double check what type your chainsaw needs.
A sharpener, as you will want to ensure that the chainsaw blade stays sharp and able.
An ax to help split/chop your firewood.
Wedges.
A log back to help you turn extra heavy logs or hold the above-ground level for an easier cut.

#3. Ensure You Are Doing So Legally

Something you may not have considered is that you need to ensure that wherever you are cutting down trees for firewood, you are doing so within the law. You can cut down trees on your property without issue, however, if you need to go elsewhere, ensure it is within the law.

Many national forests will allow the cutting down of trees for your use, however, you do need to get a permit to do so first, and you are now allowed to sell any of the trees you cut down.

Check on your ‘National Forest’ service site and there will be guidelines based upon the area in which you intend on working.

#4. Know When The Right Time Of Year For Cutting Is

You should not wait until the very last minute to cut any firewood. Some firewood is best to use once it has been seasoned for half a year. If the wood is unseasoned then it will be significantly harder for you to light and it will likely produce a great deal more smoke than if it has been properly dried out first.

If you have the opportunity to do so, try to split and stack your wood in the early spring, and by the winter, the firewood will be ready to use and you won’t have any difficulties and there will be less smoke too!

#5. Make Sure You Cut To The Right Length

May beginners make the mistake of cutting and stacking all of their firewood, only to end up discovering that they cut it way too long. If you do not measure it first you will end up kicking yourself for not having done so.

You should always check the specifics of your stove or fireplace, simple measurements can be taken to ensure that you are cutting it to a size that will be reasonable for your fireplace.

It is usually wise to cut one log and just use that as a measuring guide for you to split the rest of the wood.

Overall

Cutting firewood, and doing so well is something of an art, there is technique to it. If this is your first time cutting firewood, and you want to make sure you do it right, ensure that you are being safe and have the right equipment before you start chopping away.