Semi OT - BUILD YOUR OWN FIREWOOD SPLITTER

[J T]

$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex1351?opendocument Seems to be sufficient instruction. I didn't peruse this closely, as I have no desire in the world to make something that requires that much work to operate. Besides, I don't like fireplaces anyway, and haven't used mine for going on 20 years or more. One of these days tho, I'll make a fancy stand for candles, and use that in it. Damn things don't put out enough heat to use for anything but decoration.

JOAT A highbrow is a person educated beyond his intelligence.

- Brander Matthews

[Searcher1]

If your fireplace dosen't put out enought heat to force you to open your windows then somethings wrong!

I have two FP's both with built in blower boxes, if I fire up the main it will heat 1800 Sq ft on the primary side of the house, If I fire up the secondary and open the French doors all 3400 sq ft of the house will go to about 80 degrees In about two hours or so.Give or take. Usually lighting the main will suffice for most the winter and for family gatherings the secondary will do. By the end of those days I'll be sitting out on the veranda til the house cools!

Searcher1

[J T]

Fri, May 6, 2005, 12:40pm (EDT+4) [e-mail] (Searcher1) says: If your fireplace dosen't put out

I got an e-mail on this, which is the only reason I'm responding at all. I hadn't intended on tracking this.

You guys are missing the point. My point. I thing fireplaces are great. Not as efficient as a woodburning stove tho. BUT, I'm not interested in anything that require that much work input, with so little return. Well, maybe dating. I have a fireplace. The ex wanted one. She did NOT want a woodburning stove. So. And, it looks good. Big, massive, stands out from the wall, has a blower, actully works quite well - for a fireplace.

By not using it, I no longer have to split wood, stack wood, bring wood in, feet the fire, clean the chimney, clean the ashes out, etc., etc. I have a glass screen and all so there's not some gapping hole there. If I don't do the candle thing, I've thought of getting one of the phoney electric fire thngies, maybe with a heter, maybe not. Then get all the benefit of a fireplace (fire, romantic aura) without the work.

If I need 'mergency heat, the fireplace will be the last choice. i've got a neato little propane heater i got for my shop, that works like a champ. Or, I've got a kerosene heater that works quite well, and spare kerosene for it.

So, no matter what any of you guys say, the only way I'll accept a fireplace as a viable source of heat for me, is with someone else doing all the work and fuel supplying.

Later

JOAT A highbrow is a person educated beyond his intelligence.

- Brander Matthews

[Mark Thieme]

Good post as most of your finds are. However, I think the guy that posted this one is off here and there.

I hear what you're saying about the work associated with a fireplace as my primary heat source is a wood stove, but... Where are you getting free fuel for your furnace? Last time I checked everyone I know works for a living to pay for minor luxuries like heating fuel. If I didn't have a woodstove, the inefficient propane monster in the mudroom would run constantly. (Actually poor ductwork). I'd hate to think of how many thousands of dollars this would cost me every year and be less comfortable. I just spent about a week doing the yearly wood thing and I have two winter's supply of high test cherry that will keep my house at a balmy 80+ degrees here in MD. Of course little things like a 24" saw, 28 ton wood splitter and bobcat go a long way in saving the ol' back. I'm a lowly public servant, I can't earn thousands of dollars in a week (equipment borrowed).

You might c> Fri, May 6, 2005, 12:40pm (EDT+4) [e-mail] (Searcher1) says: