Good info on how you handle your firewood, i have the empress boiler, setup within six feet from a five bay wood shed open on all sides for air movement it holds about 20 cords of wood, I separate each bay by types of wood, rounds, split, slabs, hardwood, softwood etc, all is seasoned and used for the current heating season. I also have an area behind the shed where I make different piles for drying from prior years to dry, then fill the shed in the off season, so it’s seasoned for at least two years before going in the shed. I buck a split with a CTL attachment, making piles on the ground and moved behind the shed when it empty there. All in all I stay a couple of years ahead on firewood that’s the key to having lots of good heat.
Yes same here I just topped off the pile since we have snow coming and usually dont get to clean up down there right away so dont want to be trekking logs through the snow in the wheel barrow lol
Thanks Jay. I am certainly learning a lot every week with our boiler. Great tips and I will certainly try to keep my wood separate according to seasoned or unseasoned, softwoods and hardwoods.
Hey Ovi. It may be more work but burning premium wood when its 60 out isnt my cup of tea lol I like the variety so I can custom mix what I need for example long burn, short hot burn, overnight, etc!
Good morning Jay Like everyone has said. Do whatever works for you. When I burnt wood ( I just changed Over to pellets this year) I had a week’s worth on the porch.. Moved it on pallets. That was a game changer for me.. But it worked for me.. So keep doing what you do.. You will always make improvements as you go along. As always stay safe and always be kind. Go 603
I usually don't even stack my wood!! Usually dump it close by the boiler and cover it with a tarp!! I have 2 dump trailers and a tractor and skid loader to move around or push closer if need be!! I burn alot of junk wood in early and late season and burn good stuff when it gets cold!! Keep up the great work buddy....stay safe!!
Hey Tim! That would drive me nuts lol I will never use a tarp again! The only reason I have a tarp for this rack is because theres a A frame as you saw so snow and ice doesnt stick but conventionally shoveling snow off a tarp is NOT for me lol
Yes I like your new intro 👌👍😉 Great informative video mon ami and WE ALL in the learning curve 👍👌🧐 Full watch video until the BIG FIRE at the end 😉👍👌 Cheers 🍻
I've got a weekly rack set up already. It's framed with metal pipes (about 18" wide x 8 feet long x 5' high) and I use two 4"x 4" x 8' pieces of lumber on the ground, spaced about 18" apart, as the floor. I can stack about 5 feet high, so I've got about a rick of firewood set up close to the wood boiler door, like yours. I also have three 40"x48" wood pallets set up in a row about 6 feet from the boiler. I can stack about a full cord on those. The bigger piles of firewood are set farther away from the boiler. I refresh the piles close to the boiler from those.
Have you thought about a trailer that you can fill from the woodshed and then park it next to the boiler? You can mix it with the wood of the day/week.
I believe that everyone has their own system and usually they evolve their system that works for them. I’m definitely not the guy to tell others how to do things. I keep a face cord on my covered porch near the wood stove and some kindling. Cool video 😎
Jay, I think you built your wood yard backwards. Instead of the drive in the middle and the racks to the outside, you should do the drive around the outside and the wood towards the middle like a racetrack with a midfield. That way you can rack different woods in different parts of the center, and burn your way thru the center from one side to the other. Then stack green wood for next year, where you already emptied a rack. And you’ll be able to get to more sides of the wood piles if the road is around the outside of the piles. Just my thoughts.
Hey Denny! Funny you mention "Rearranging" the wood lot its been on my mind now for a few year. Each year ive moved thing around and liked certain things and hated others. If and that a big IF I can get more of that free stone/rock fill I plan on expanding towards the east and then I may consider re designing the sheds and layouts! I liked the sheds on the outside so I can back right up to each shed and not have to "drive around" with a truck and trailer! As you know im constantly redecorating out here lol but thank you for a great idea, its deff something to think about now for sure. I have big plans for this area. I want all symmetrical wood sheds all same size and dimentions with clear poly roofs, rain catchment off them, plus an area for raised beds! I have a lot planned. Hopefully we can get all that good free fill here int the spring to expand!
Jay have you ever thought about a covered “ hay wagon” set up? Using 2 of these wagons, you could load up 2-3 weeks worth of firewood, then simply tow it up a long side of your boiler, and have 2nd wagon in waiting as the first is burning. If you can get away from the wheelbarrow and use these I think it may simplify your toils with firewood! I have seen them in 9x12 and 9x 16 configurations used for hay, and are heavy duty builds, plus if you need to, you can link them up to each other and use a tractor to pull them both, another option would be the luggage carts from an airport.
As always great ideas for sure! I topped off the rack today and I used the atv with trailer and it wasnt to bad to move slabs over that way. Im always re arranging and moving this around here haha figuring out what works and what doesnt!
I stack all my wood in my cow barn that's next to my boiler I don't have cows anymore so it works great as a wood shed everything is dry and easy to get to
Cool video, Jay. Your wood system works for you, keep doing what you are doing. Have you thought of putting together a “Yule log” video? Maybe several 5 minute videos cut together into a 30 minute video of your boiler with some free background music or just the crackle of the fire. I’m sure it would be better than the ones on Dish Network. People can play the video on their computer or stream it from RUclips on their tv. It would be a good way to get hits to your channel. Looking forward to your next vid!
I cant stand digging out frozen wood with tarps. Never will I deal with that bs lol did that the first 3 years and spent more time f*ing around with heavy ripped tarps with snow on them lol
I think the setup you have now should work well for you. It would be nice if the boiler was facing the other way. I do basically the same thing with an open rack that is directly in front of the boiler so it it is to my back as I face my boiler. I also have smaller racks that I can pick up with my tractor that I set beside the boiler as well. I also do not like to stack a lot of firewood around the boiler either because I also like to burn crap wood early on. I start our boiler around Labor Day and I doubt a piece of hardwood goes in there until mid to late November unless it is rotten. A lot of times early in the year if I do not need my Kubota for a couple of days I will fill up the forks and pull it close to the boiler and load the boiler directly from the forks. Another problem I see with stacking a lot of wood around the boiler is that late in the season the wood will be quite a ways away from the boiler so more than likely will have to be moved anyway.
Hey G. I was going to actually mention that in a future video of how it was facing the "wrong way" because it is LOL. It looks aesthetically pleasing when you pull in but its annoying creeping around to the front haha. Im glad you are on the same page. Id cry to burn perfect seasoned hardwoods in the beginning of the year if I had it stacked right there haha. Thanks for tuning in and sharing thoughts!
Yes i do same you do buddy i like your new video today this was nice fire you have going how hot is your house now god bless too you guys love your video buddy 🔥
hi there well its me again . i agree with a lot you said but far from all . i don't care to handle the wood as much as you do but then i am 70 and want it as easy as possable . one step from the splitter to a box and one step from the box to the wood burner . its easier and faster . i would love to be around when you turn 70 to see how you are doing it then . split about a cord of rounds today split and stacked in less then an hour because there is no waisted time walking around or restacking . as you ware out you will change your method i would bet i sure did stay worm john
Hey John, You are exactly right with this. Its been 5 years of shuffling wood from shed to boiler via wheel barrow and im not necessarily tired of doing that way physically but more or less this rack is big enough to have a "variety" of what I need for a week/month however long it lasts. I dont want premium wood by the machine when its still 60 degrees out so this rack is good for my needs. I filled it with the tractor so again that was less back and fourth but like you said even now I dont want to be doing extra work if I dont have too!
Indoor wood storage versus out is a neat topic. I was suppose to do a video of indoor vs. outdoor wood boiler but waiting to hear back from the guy! That would be a topic wood inside/outside storage
I have several 4'X8' trailers with 30" sides. these will last 2 to 3 weeks. I burn oak, hickory, ash and some maple. I store my wood away from house and shed to keep bugs, mice, and snakes away. Do what works best for you
I work in a factory doing quality control. I may try that 100% pine test and see how it runs! I do it all the time but usually just throw a fat hardwood log in but would be cool to see how 100% pine went.
Good info on how you handle your firewood, i have the empress boiler, setup within six feet from a five bay wood shed open on all sides for air movement it holds about 20 cords of wood, I separate each bay by types of wood, rounds, split, slabs, hardwood, softwood etc, all is seasoned and used for the current heating season. I also have an area behind the shed where I make different piles for drying from prior years to dry, then fill the shed in the off season, so it’s seasoned for at least two years before going in the shed. I buck a split with a CTL attachment, making piles on the ground and moved behind the shed when it empty there. All in all I stay a couple of years ahead on firewood that’s the key to having lots of good heat.
Thats an awesome setup thanks for sharing! Happy heating!
I bring wood up a little at a time like you, I try and plan around the weather because I have to go through my yard. Take care
Yes same here I just topped off the pile since we have snow coming and usually dont get to clean up down there right away so dont want to be trekking logs through the snow in the wheel barrow lol
Thanks Jay. I am certainly learning a lot every week with our boiler. Great tips and I will certainly try to keep my wood separate according to seasoned or unseasoned, softwoods and hardwoods.
Hey Ovi. It may be more work but burning premium wood when its 60 out isnt my cup of tea lol I like the variety so I can custom mix what I need for example long burn, short hot burn, overnight, etc!
Great video I do the same burn pallets and. Junk wood during the day and hardwood logs at night I have a indoor wood stove
Couldnt agree more! Burn the premium stuff at night is perfect for me. Crap wood during the day when im home haha
Good morning Jay
Like everyone has said. Do whatever works for you. When I burnt wood ( I just changed Over to pellets this year)
I had a week’s worth on the porch..
Moved it on pallets. That was a game changer for me..
But it worked for me..
So keep doing what you do..
You will always make improvements as you go along.
As always stay safe and always be kind.
Go 603
Hey Gus! For sure my friend! Thank you for tuning in! Go 603!
I usually don't even stack my wood!! Usually dump it close by the boiler and cover it with a tarp!! I have 2 dump trailers and a tractor and skid loader to move around or push closer if need be!! I burn alot of junk wood in early and late season and burn good stuff when it gets cold!! Keep up the great work buddy....stay safe!!
Hey Tim! That would drive me nuts lol I will never use a tarp again! The only reason I have a tarp for this rack is because theres a A frame as you saw so snow and ice doesnt stick but conventionally shoveling snow off a tarp is NOT for me lol
Yes I like your new intro 👌👍😉 Great informative video mon ami and WE ALL in the learning curve 👍👌🧐 Full watch video until the BIG FIRE at the end 😉👍👌 Cheers 🍻
Thanks again!! Hope all is well up there!
@@HomesteadJay 😉👌👍😇🙏🍻
Makes sense. I’ve debated building a shed around mine too. Likely going to be doing a bigger shed this year
Next unit ill do a metal build or hell maybe a garage LOL
First year with our wood boiler. I know the feeling of being behind and playing catch up.
Oh yes been there done that! You will catch up eventually keep up the hustle!
I've got a weekly rack set up already. It's framed with metal pipes (about 18" wide x 8 feet long x 5' high) and I use two 4"x 4" x 8' pieces of lumber on the ground, spaced about 18" apart, as the floor. I can stack about 5 feet high, so I've got about a rick of firewood set up close to the wood boiler door, like yours. I also have three 40"x48" wood pallets set up in a row about 6 feet from the boiler. I can stack about a full cord on those. The bigger piles of firewood are set farther away from the boiler. I refresh the piles close to the boiler from those.
I like your style Ed! Thanks for sharing! I think I will eventually build this rack more solid I.E. posts and such but for this year this will do!
Have you thought about a trailer that you can fill from the woodshed and then park it next to the boiler? You can mix it with the wood of the day/week.
I have thought of that and its not a bad idea!
@@HomesteadJay the less you handle the wood, the better. Stay warm! -24 degrees here in Minnesota tonight
I believe that everyone has their own system and usually they evolve their system that works for them. I’m definitely not the guy to tell others how to do things. I keep a face cord on my covered porch near the wood stove and some kindling. Cool video 😎
Neither am I lol to each their own hahah Thanks Rich!
Jay, I think you built your wood yard backwards. Instead of the drive in the middle and the racks to the outside, you should do the drive around the outside and the wood towards the middle like a racetrack with a midfield. That way you can rack different woods in different parts of the center, and burn your way thru the center from one side to the other. Then stack green wood for next year, where you already emptied a rack. And you’ll be able to get to more sides of the wood piles if the road is around the outside of the piles. Just my thoughts.
Hey Denny! Funny you mention "Rearranging" the wood lot its been on my mind now for a few year. Each year ive moved thing around and liked certain things and hated others. If and that a big IF I can get more of that free stone/rock fill I plan on expanding towards the east and then I may consider re designing the sheds and layouts! I liked the sheds on the outside so I can back right up to each shed and not have to "drive around" with a truck and trailer! As you know im constantly redecorating out here lol but thank you for a great idea, its deff something to think about now for sure. I have big plans for this area. I want all symmetrical wood sheds all same size and dimentions with clear poly roofs, rain catchment off them, plus an area for raised beds! I have a lot planned. Hopefully we can get all that good free fill here int the spring to expand!
I just stack everything close on pallets and cover it with a tarp, for now. A big wood shed is on the books for this year
Yes same here!
Happy new year great to see you again. Definitely looks like it would save you trips even if you only use that rack with you later on break.
Thanks Rob! Appreciate you being here!
Jay have you ever thought about a covered “ hay wagon” set up? Using 2 of these wagons, you could load up 2-3 weeks worth of firewood, then simply tow it up a long side of your boiler, and have 2nd wagon in waiting as the first is burning. If you can get away from the wheelbarrow and use these I think it may simplify your toils with firewood! I have seen them in 9x12 and 9x 16 configurations used for hay, and are heavy duty builds, plus if you need to, you can link them up to each other and use a tractor to pull them both, another option would be the luggage carts from an airport.
As always great ideas for sure! I topped off the rack today and I used the atv with trailer and it wasnt to bad to move slabs over that way. Im always re arranging and moving this around here haha figuring out what works and what doesnt!
@@HomesteadJay that is what we all do!!! Keep moving til something feels right!… 🤔🤔🤔then change it😢😢😅😂😅😂
I stack all my wood in my cow barn that's next to my boiler I don't have cows anymore so it works great as a wood shed everything is dry and easy to get to
Now thats nice for sure! Im sure its good size too!
@@HomesteadJay Yup retired dairy barn
Cool video, Jay. Your wood system works for you, keep doing what you are doing. Have you thought of putting together a “Yule log” video? Maybe several 5 minute videos cut together into a 30 minute video of your boiler with some free background music or just the crackle of the fire. I’m sure it would be better than the ones on Dish Network. People can play the video on their computer or stream it from RUclips on their tv. It would be a good way to get hits to your channel. Looking forward to your next vid!
There are several 12 hour videos of fireplaces and wood stoves on youtube if you search it lol It is therapy thought to listen to the crackling fire!
I like the new intro !
Thank you!
My theory is do what ever your comfortable doing , I don’t have a wood shed you go through it so fast lol
I cant stand digging out frozen wood with tarps. Never will I deal with that bs lol did that the first 3 years and spent more time f*ing around with heavy ripped tarps with snow on them lol
I hear yeah but if boiler stays going you don’t have to cover the wood just put in and burn baby burn lol
@@shayn4220 6 months is enough lol
I think the setup you have now should work well for you. It would be nice if the boiler was facing the other way. I do basically the same thing with an open rack that is directly in front of the boiler so it it is to my back as I face my boiler. I also have smaller racks that I can pick up with my tractor that I set beside the boiler as well. I also do not like to stack a lot of firewood around the boiler either because I also like to burn crap wood early on. I start our boiler around Labor Day and I doubt a piece of hardwood goes in there until mid to late November unless it is rotten. A lot of times early in the year if I do not need my Kubota for a couple of days I will fill up the forks and pull it close to the boiler and load the boiler directly from the forks.
Another problem I see with stacking a lot of wood around the boiler is that late in the season the wood will be quite a ways away from the boiler so more than likely will have to be moved anyway.
Hey G. I was going to actually mention that in a future video of how it was facing the "wrong way" because it is LOL. It looks aesthetically pleasing when you pull in but its annoying creeping around to the front haha. Im glad you are on the same page. Id cry to burn perfect seasoned hardwoods in the beginning of the year if I had it stacked right there haha. Thanks for tuning in and sharing thoughts!
Yes i do same you do buddy i like your new video today this was nice fire you have going how hot is your house now god bless too you guys love your video buddy 🔥
Thanks 👍
hi there well its me again . i agree with a lot you said but far from all . i don't care to handle the wood as much as you do but then i am 70 and want it as easy as possable . one step from the splitter to a box and one step from the box to the wood burner . its easier and faster . i would love to be around when you turn 70 to see how you are doing it then . split about a cord of rounds today split and stacked in less then an hour because there is no waisted time walking around or restacking . as you ware out you will change your method i would bet i sure did stay worm john
Hey John, You are exactly right with this. Its been 5 years of shuffling wood from shed to boiler via wheel barrow and im not necessarily tired of doing that way physically but more or less this rack is big enough to have a "variety" of what I need for a week/month however long it lasts. I dont want premium wood by the machine when its still 60 degrees out so this rack is good for my needs. I filled it with the tractor so again that was less back and fourth but like you said even now I dont want to be doing extra work if I dont have too!
I'll ask again. What is the boiler for?
Heating your home
I can fit a cord in my basement near my Energy King 480 furnace!
So in other words: I'm spoiled lazy when it comes to wood storage!
Indoor wood storage versus out is a neat topic. I was suppose to do a video of indoor vs. outdoor wood boiler but waiting to hear back from the guy! That would be a topic wood inside/outside storage
Interesting what all you have to think about just to burn wood.
More too it than it looks hahaha
I have several 4'X8' trailers with 30" sides. these will last 2 to 3 weeks. I burn oak, hickory, ash and some maple. I store my wood away from house and shed to keep bugs, mice, and snakes away. Do what works best for you
Thats a cool idea Doug so do you tow a new trailer over when the other ones empty? Or do you refill the same one LOL im curious now!
If you don't mind me asking what is you paid job? Sounds like you need to burn all pine in a burn to test that coal bed theory.
I work in a factory doing quality control. I may try that 100% pine test and see how it runs! I do it all the time but usually just throw a fat hardwood log in but would be cool to see how 100% pine went.
@@HomesteadJay cool. I did welding qc work for a while and traveled a while doing qa work for a company that built power plants.
“Let’s” and “today’s”. Respect your apostrophes in the intro! Otherwise, I dig the new changes.
HAHAH I suck at that stuff lol I will find a way to fix it lol
It’s a furnace not a machine..
Wood boiler