looks like you put a lot of good time and money into that. I have two arms on forks on loader and just lift log up to waist height to cut blocks then I switch to a rock picking fork to pick up a load of blocks and then hold them at splitter height. A conveyor then drops wood into large boxes that I set at the stove. Technically I touch the wood twice, once at splitter and once putting into stove.
I commented on the earlier video, and forgot to tell you how impressed I was. Not surprised, because every project you do has enormous amount of thought involved. I think your goals are always: how can I make this better with minimal time and cost. I and others appreciate your inventiveness. Thank you!
I’ve got a low hill in my back yard. I figure I could flatten the top and put that unit up there with a stack of logs. Then cut away along one side where the splitter goes. Put up a short retaining wall so the dirt doesn’t erode. Basically make a permanent work area. I’ve got a spinal fusion from S1-L4. I’m a fan of anything that takes the bending out of the equation.
Doug, I really like your design! I think you have great reasons for building it the way you did! I enjoy designing and fabricating as well. The biggest thing I’ve learned over the years is how often we overthink a design when really, simple is better! I think your design rocks! I enjoy watching your channel. Hope to see this and use a lot in your videos! Great job.
I think this is the coolest thing since sliced bread. I can tell that you put in a lot of planning into this. From a height standpoint, your explanation was very thought out. Where I work, safety is pounded into our heads, which it should be. I agree with everything you said in the beginning of the video. You can ask the same question to ten different people, and you'll get twenty different answers.
Could be 2 versions, the standard and a platform model. We use safety step material on the trailers at work for a safe platform and the platform could be a quick connect design for easier moving. Great ideas as always, keep them coming.
This is such a good idea! You said that you didn't think you'd need a bump to stop logs from rolling down, but if you had a bunch of larger logs I feel that might become an issue, where it'd pinch the bottom log to the point that you wouldn't be able to get your cut logs out. Maybe a spoked wheel on one end, that interfaced with the logs (like a waterwheel), could be used as a 'metering' device to stop logs from rolling down? Sort of like a turnstile. Regardless it's a fantastic creation, hope to see many years of use from it!
Why not just reduce the slope so the logs are manageable? He said he did not think it was a problem. He wants to keep the cost low and the design simple.
Hey Doug, I didn't comment on the first video about your bucking station. But I totally understand your concept and agree with your concerns of weight, size and cost of such a unit. Not to mention the fact of shipping this to customers after a manufacturer builds them. I would implement minimal steel with clips to hold 2x for an easy replacement. Building this from formed channels so as it's collapsible for an easy assembly and making it flat ship on a truck. I wished I was closer to you, I would help you build the steel version of this bucking station. Best of luck at getting Andrew Easton to pick this on up and run with it. Looking forward to seeing your next video.
It looks like it may be wobbly because I don't see any diagonal bracing or panels. The sawing side could have diagonal bracing or panels. The steel version should have bracing also to be lightweight and strong. All buildings need to have something to keep them from collapsing. These things are normally called shear walls.
@@Growing-Our-Retirement Certainly some would like it but most would want an elevated discharge. The best option is to have both options. I would want one three feet taller with a catwalk. I would use welded wire mesh for the rounds.
I like it but don’t have a log lift. All that lifting could at least be partially eliminated. I think simple enough to have this on a slopped area. Just drop the ground level on the discharge side. Build up a little bulkhead out of railroad ties. That and tweaking the angles a little and the discharge could be up 20-30”. This design assumes a loader with forks or a grapple. Maybe the answer is build a forkable platform that catches the logs. Load up and then lift that platform to splitter height. I would rather do some pickaroon work than do all the lifting.
@@Growing-Our-Retirement The way I understand it, he is okay with picking wood off of the ground or at least moving it to the log lift. He is not okay with twisting and turning. That is what we did not understand about his previous video. If it is not broken do not fix it. It sounds to me like your plan would work for some people.
Doug, your counterpoints to the suggestions made made a lot of sense. They were well thought out and presented in a concise and clear manner. Another great video. Stay safe, healthy and warm. Bill H from Cranberry Township
In regards to having rounds roll off to the heigth of splitter; invision a 30" retaining wall with splitter down below & bucking table on upper level (if the contour of your property allows for it)
As a Designer there are a few maxims that I've learned: Form fit's function. Something is the way it is because of what it is supposed to do. If something is complicated or does not look elegant, then the Designer has violated the concept of K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Stupid. Simple keeps cost down. Simple is easy to repair. A good design is made with materials that are robust enough to handle the task which needs to be completed. These two concepts of Form fit's function and K.I.S.S. are circular and build off of each other. You have a good design, looking forward to the future changes that you decide to make in the DBS (Doug's Bucking Station). Great video thumbs up.
Thanks Doug.. I'd be interested to purchase a "Cut sheet" if You were to put one out. I like the wood idea, Sandy has since added stops on His Table. Mike M.
Seen one of these about 10 years ago. It was steel and towable. The owner would take it to charity cuts to process lots of wood. You could take the wood off at the height of the splitter.
We had more injuries where I worked from Repetitive Motion/Rotation, or making the same move over and over. Back injuries was #1 then carpel tunnel injuries. We did studies about these injuries and acted on the issues and developed improvements and implemented work place changes and our injury rates dropped. You are correct Doug, as always
Looks great Doug and it will work just fine. I only made the suggestion because that was my main goal to get the logs up off the ground also. For young guys like you and Adam it will work great.
I love to build things and like you I have some great ideas. What I have noticed about many people that don’t have our gift, they fall into 2 categories. 1. boobytrap makers trying to make it on the cheap 2. People that don’t have a concept of cost and complexity.
What I think you have built is a terrific build. I understand you’re making it as simple as possible. Some people don’t get it. I have a power plant back ground. The platform walkway would possibly work with a fiberglass cleated grating. Then osha requires top board mid rail and toe board. (Handrail) fiberglass grating is lighter, making it lighter to fold up. But it cost coin !! Coin !!! Build starts to be not simple. Only way to possibly get height is to build it to fit on a trailer to make it mobile and possibly get your out feed high enough to accommodate your splitter height. I enjoy your channel great build. Work smarter not harder. Have a great week ahead of you sir.
Good day Doug, I understood your concept and what you were achieving from your first video and I know it’s an awesome tool for a wood yard and if you’re using a chainsaw and a splitter. Cheers 👌🏻🔥🇨🇦
You have several good points. I’m going to use some of your concepts and try my additional planning to make something similar. Like I said in the other video I’m going to use power poles for starters then some sort of a hopper to catch the rounds. I’m still in my planning phase and can’t help but see what you have provided. I’m considering putting my work platform as an earth platform like a loading ramp concept. Plus I’m not thinking that I will be moving it once it’s built and in place.
Maybe you could put a conveyor where the logs hit the ground. It could carry the rounds up to any height you would desire for your splitter. You have a great idea & with all great ideas comes some tweaking to make it work.
@@OneEyeCustoms Painting is a waste of time because the water will run into the joints where there is no paint. That is where the rot will occur whether it is painted or not. Keep a record on the time invested in painting. .
@@OneEyeCustoms A barb wire fence will last a long time after the galvanizing is gone. White oak is rot resistant. If wood is exposed to the air so it can dry off that makes a big difference. A barn will last a long time after the paint is gone because it is up on a foundation. The termites will want to chew the bottoms of the legs because they are probably going to be damp.
It looks great! The only thing I’d consider changing is to cover the output ramp with some slippery sheet material so the rounds move down more easily. This would also mean you wouldn’t need so many boards on the ramp. It could save cost and weight, too.
O' Great One, thank you for keeping it simple and cost effective....Every Tom, Dick or Harry doesn't have top end resources to build this true built log bucker. As for me? I'm totally into this and my middle name is Harry! LOL Keep it rollin' and I keep learning ~ Thank you. Keith
Interesting Idea. What if you moved up the stops up the slope for your log inventory logs to be cut and inserted a log cutting platform with the same number of slats as the ramp? This platform that is inserted could then have a hinge on the cutting side to allow it to pivot down so that when done with cutting a log the rounds would fall down the ramp. Stops would need to pivot as well. This would allow for more stable cutting and still accomplish some of the other goals of this setup. This idea does probably increase cost slightly, and the pivot portions would make it a much more complicated design.
Great concept doug. I think the idea of adding a small bump on the top like you sugested would allow enough room for clearence of the bar tip not to contact the second log. A safety feature to reduce chance of kickback. A simple pickaroon could bring the next log down if you couldn't use your hand. Keep up the great vids and thanks for sharing your ideas with all of us.
Wow that was a long video to try to explain stuff to those that are going to gripe no matter what and how you build it! lol I think it’s awesome. People are gonna pick things apart no matter what!
pretty cool idea. looks comfortable to cut firewood. maybe you could lift the back legs up 30" to give the out feed height some people is looking for. that might make the loading table too steep, but that angle could be adjusted as well.
Good morning Doug. Very good frame and explanation of you design philosophy. You mentioned the benefits of painting the bucking table. It would be much more efficient to paint all the lumber before assembling the frame, unless you spray paint it after assembly.
I agree with your plan, it works for you and beings it is your design and it works for you. If someone else wants to build one they can do it the way they want...
We are using fire wood processors, since about 30 years, here in Northern Europe. And we have tested several different. Before that an electric tablesaw with a big blade was used to only cut the wood. If you can share a wood processor with one or two neighbours and split the cost it will not be that expensive. The processor that we use now is powered by an old farming tractor. It cuts and splits the wood in one movement, with a rotating disc. The trunks are fed by one conveyor belt into the disc and the split wood is transfered to a pile with another conveyor belt. We have also tested machines with a chainsaw blade and with a screw, but these are not as efficient or safe. But you cut the tree trunks down to about 10 to 12 ft with chainsaw before feeding them into the machine. And the machine only takes trunks about 7 inches thick. Still, it is quite a fast process. The most time-consuming part is to stack the wood manually. Collecting in bags are not very efficient considering the space needed. One year of wood is about 15 to 20 cubic meters (like 4 to 5 cords), and you should dry the wood at least 2 whole years, shielded from rain. An automatic wood stacker would be very much appreciated. Perhaps a small robot, powered by the sun, that can move around, collect logs and just stack the wood one log a the time. But it probably takes much more computer power than we can magine.
like the concept. Maybe one suggestion to make it more universal have some sort of jack on each of the legs. This was it can adjust to different heights for someone thats 5'8'' to 6'5''.
Another thought if you are going to make this for production out of steel. I’d consider either making it in 4’ bolt together sections so people could customize their lengths 8’, 12’, 16’ etc. or maybe a main 8’ section with 4’ additions.
Doug great concept and functional. Perhaps if you have a sloped ground surface you extend the discharge side of the legs to a lower ground level which could coincide with the splitter platform height. Upper level stays the same, discharge stays the same. Just thinking of another way to save the old back. Your comment on twisting and turning while lifting is spot on!!! Great job and thorough explanation.
I get it…so to set it up so all the rounds roll off and onto the waiting wood splitter deck you’ll have to get an excavator to hog out 2-3’ of earth behind the cutting deck….so what stops the rounds from rolling right off of the wood splitter I-beam?…and from smashing the wood splitter and it’s controls and engine and the guy down there splitting the rounds while say…Dougie is going to town with the chainsaw on the deck firing fresh cut rounds down that chute to say you…the victim?
@njonebale7889 I see what you are saying. I think some kind of stop at bottom of sloped discharge would contain the cut rounds from spilling onto splitter and i beam. Possibly 2x10 lagged to the bottom rail. Doug is onto something here. Just have to tweek it.
Couple of simple ideas. You could have a powered table to move the logs to you. Power source could be a perpetual motion machine which I'm sure you could fab up in your workshop in a week or two. You could decrease the angle of the table for the rounds to roll down by increasing gravity underneath the table so that they would roll with the decreased angle. Then, when the rounds roll off the angle down to the ground, have separate table for them to roll onto that would have a decreased gravity area so the rounds would be easier to lift. The gravity changing device might take you a little longer to build than the perpetual motion machine, but I'm sure that you can do it if you just put your mind to it. Just making these minor modifications would overcome all the critics. Thanks for the video and the ideas. Don't give up making things better.
Good morning Doug, your analysis and thoughtful harvest of boots on the ground usefulness is what will make this concept a top shelf experience for the end users. Thank you Doug. 😀👍🪵👍🪵👍🪵
Lot of ding dongs out there Dougie!…lots and lots of them!…thing works great, does what it’s suppose to do…paint it up and that’s that…it’s done…perfect!
About having the cutoffs at splitter height: it is doable. You'd just have to raise the entire structure and make a catwalk on the side where you're cutting the logs. Now it depends on how you load the logs if that's workable or not, but it's definitely doable, and not that bad of an idea IMO. It's quite a hefty price tag for a relatively small improvement though.
Thanks for the update! Could plywood have been used on the ramp headed to the splitter or is it more important that the saw debris falls down to the ground? Thanks.
Firewood production is a labor intensive process, no matter what you do you will have to touch the material a few times. I think you are on the right track.
It's a good concept idea. I like the kiss acronym, keep it simple stupid. Everybody has ideas and suggestions, but how many are actually coming up with a good concept or even making videos? You made something you thought out, you made improvements to it, and did a follow up video. Nice job. Thank you for taking time, to think, build, improve, film, edit and post this video.
I watched the first video and i like the changes you made. Do you suppose the discharge chute could be at a lesser angle so a person doesn't have to bend down so far? I don't have a log lift, so maybe a lesser angle might work. I think each person might have different ideas, but i love this design and will be building one myself. The only thing is, I'm not sure my L3800 Kubota could lift that thing, but maybe once all the wood is dry.
To add the bottom ramp rolling the logs to splitter height. If the bottom ramp was extended slightly with a stop put in place to catch the logs from one full load (say 8 to 10 from the first test). If the platform was hinged at the splitter working height could tractor forks be used to lift the platform to splitter height. This obviously complicates the build but thought I would throw it out there.
My bucking station is a simple x design spaced 16” apart, so the supports act as a guide to make consistent length fire wood. Do the supports on your design help determine where to cut? I dont think I caught an explanation of that in either of your videos. Thanks for sharing! It’s given me ideas to improve my station for this next season. :)
I agree with forgetting about the platform and increased height idea. But I still think, like I said the other day, INCREASING the angle of the out ramp, instead of flattening it some, shortening it 1-2' and adding a 14g sheet on it will increase the velocity of the rounds coming out to stop them from stalling and they would clear the back of the rack better. Doing so I'm betting you could get away with 2/3 less of the output 2/4's. Using shorter and less 2/4's there would have almost paid for the 14g sheet.
Only last night I was commenting on another channel comparing a certain new class of Navy warship to an old editorial cartoon. The Segway had just been promoted as the next revolution in convenient human transport and this cartoonist was showing how the American consumer would immediately want updates and add-ons. The first panel was the Segway, a stabilizing wheel was added then a comfort seat, front window faring, side mirrors etc. By the final panel, it had become a huge Escalade SUV with a bike rack on the back. You can't put everyone's pet design feature into something while sticking to the original purpose and budget. Marketing the best idea can be many times harder than developing it in the first place. Don't be discouraged. At least you have a workable version for your own use.
Doug, still think it's an awesome build. If you're not doing plans would you be able to respond with dimensions of distance between the upright posts, and angles/slope you used for the log loader and log rollout... other way is overall height and height of where the two meet. Appreciate your time and awesome work! Cheers!
Yeah, i like it as is for the most part, the most I might do would be to make the grille the rounds roll out on a little less sloped, MAYBE. I do not really see any improvements except to match individual tastes. I do not know exactly what you plan when you go to metal, but I would make both the top and bottom grille rails "toothy" to knock bark off and also provide some sort of :Runaway" log control.
I would refine the outgo design by using 2 inch by 4 inch welded wire mesh fencing . It would be lightweight, low-cost, durable and the rounds would not get stuck as often. You will need two strips; overlap instead of trimming off.
I thought you had your own sawmill, no wonder you want to keep cost down. But I still wouldn't make this out of steel. If you dont drop logs on the rack that should be plenty strong enough, good job thanks for sharing.....
As a former engineer, my favorite work was experimental and prototyping. I have some ideas for this but all of them are too complicated and defeat the purpose of your concept. My only suggestion is that if you make the whole thing out of steel, it seems like it would be a good idea to add easily replaceable sacrificial boards in the cut areas so that if you hit them with the saw, the teeth hit wood, not steel. Just a thought.
Doug, simple solution, hear me out...Put extentions on the legs raising the discharge side to log splitter height. Tether a hot air balloon with an open basket to use as your cutting platform. Easy-Peasy! I'm not sure why everyone is trying to make this so complicated?
Four color camo ! I vote Four color camo 😊 Make it yours, by using your color combination, Like J. Deere or Farmall . If you ever make a metal one i hope you galvinize it. I am wondering if the ramp to the ground dhould have stout sheet metal on top for much less weat on the boards snd better dliding of the rounds? Paint is hoing yo wear off pretty quickly, need to protect the wood surface. Heck ypu might be able to get by with repurposed house siding
I still like your design very much. I guess one way to have the best of both world( standing height for cutting and Chunks rolling down to hip level) is if you found the perfect slopping spot (slope of 30'' over 7 feet) on your land and set up there ;)
Get you some retaining wall bricks. Lots of em build a lower area to have the log splitter so the logs are at the "right height"!! Totally kidding of course. The whole thing is great and should work great as it is!!
If I had equipment to lift logs to load the gravity buck deck, which is the right fit for Doug, im a foot taller...I'd would use equipment to buck at height that was comfortable for me. I get the concept but benefit is hard to get past the cost for me personally.
I got most of your explanations… But, I think rather then having a platform where the log rounds roll out onto…. You should just have enough of a bump at the end to keep the rounds on the ramp. Maybe a small stop that flips out of the way when you are splitting the rounds…The rounds ramp looks steeper then necessary, put your use will prove that point. What are the angles used?
Doug. I love your videos. A lot. Please don’t take this harshly. The only thing that makes me skip through your videos is that you say everything twice. Often three times. If you said it once, and repeat it later? Delete on of those when editing. It sounds indecisive and lacking in confidence. Say it once and let them rewind if they didn’t get it. Adam’s gotten much better about this since he started, used to do it a lot, too.
I know what you are talking about, especially in this video because I re-edited it to make a specific point about the platform. Then later in the video it ran on again.
@@OneEyeCustoms exactly. In general it’s you’re one habit that’ll be hardest to break. You’re like me. You tell it to ‘em once, then you make REALLY sure they’ve heard you right. That makes for a lot of repetition in a video with 8 different majors steps or points to deliver. 👍😎👍
First, you have a great idea. Your too hard on yourself. The first pancake is always the hardest to make, you get better with practices. Next, I have too small of an operation (about 3 cords a week), so I built the “H” stand for my bucking station. Most small operators don’t have the room for this, so your market is limited.
I like the idea, but I think the biggest flaw would be maneuverability (not everybody has a loader with that kind of lift capacity) …. that being said, I think this would be awesome if you could somehow make dolly wheels like for moving a shed. And a hitch … and that would increase your height a bit though… unless you plan on keeping it stationary, hopefully the wood can last a few years…. Love the channel and nice design though ! Very thought out
I do like it though. If you were to build a platform for which to stand, allowing for dispensing of rounds at a height to easily roll them onto a splitter, saftey features such as a railing and expanded metal for traction and allow snow to fall through could easily be incorporated. I would add that a table to receive rounds at the splitter would surely provide for an easier and prolonged workday with less fatigue. Understanding that the added weight and expense would quickly be recovered with greater and more efficient production.
Doug I like you and I like what you are doing, especially helping out that tall kid next door. If I could give you one advice, I would suggest you made your videos a little shorter. You do repeat yourself and your sound responses many times, which I think you could reduce in your editing.
Aww, the solution is simple. Dig a trench 10 feet wide and 3 ft deep on the other side to set your splitter. Never mind the snow drifts, mud, tumbleweeds, vermin, and random vagrants that will wind up in the hole.😊 You can always count on us armchair quarterback commenters to "improve" upon your ideas and make your life less safe and more complicated and expensuve.😉 Carry on.
With his design , he only has to rotate and empty handed to boot . The splitter goes on the bottom ramp side . Splitter lifts the rounds . All he has to do is stand there with a Pickaroon and scoot the rounds into the lift . He took every bit of body stress out of the equation
looks like you put a lot of good time and money into that. I have two arms on forks on loader and just lift log up to waist height to cut blocks then I switch to a rock picking fork to pick up a load of blocks and then hold them at splitter height. A conveyor then drops wood into large boxes that I set at the stove. Technically I touch the wood twice, once at splitter and once putting into stove.
I commented on the earlier video, and forgot to tell you how impressed I was. Not surprised, because every project you do has enormous amount of thought involved. I think your goals are always: how can I make this better with minimal time and cost. I and others appreciate your inventiveness. Thank you!
Thank you very much!!
We did not understand it the first time because he did not explain it much. I guess he thought we would figure it out on our own.
I’ve got a low hill in my back yard. I figure I could flatten the top and put that unit up there with a stack of logs. Then cut away along one side where the splitter goes. Put up a short retaining wall so the dirt doesn’t erode. Basically make a permanent work area. I’ve got a spinal fusion from S1-L4. I’m a fan of anything that takes the bending out of the equation.
Doug, I really like your design! I think you have great reasons for building it the way you did! I enjoy designing and fabricating as well. The biggest thing I’ve learned over the years is how often we overthink a design when really, simple is better! I think your design rocks! I enjoy watching your channel. Hope to see this and use a lot in your videos! Great job.
Thank you very much!
I think this is the coolest thing since sliced bread. I can tell that you put in a lot of planning into this. From a height standpoint, your explanation was very thought out. Where I work, safety is pounded into our heads, which it should be. I agree with everything you said in the beginning of the video.
You can ask the same question to ten different people, and you'll get twenty different answers.
I totally agree!
Could be 2 versions, the standard and a platform model. We use safety step material on the trailers at work for a safe platform and the platform could be a quick connect design for easier moving. Great ideas as always, keep them coming.
Good morning Doug, I think you have made the correct upgrades. Looks plenty strong now. Get her painted and outside. Can't wait for the update video.
This is such a good idea! You said that you didn't think you'd need a bump to stop logs from rolling down, but if you had a bunch of larger logs I feel that might become an issue, where it'd pinch the bottom log to the point that you wouldn't be able to get your cut logs out. Maybe a spoked wheel on one end, that interfaced with the logs (like a waterwheel), could be used as a 'metering' device to stop logs from rolling down? Sort of like a turnstile. Regardless it's a fantastic creation, hope to see many years of use from it!
Why not just reduce the slope so the logs are manageable? He said he did not think it was a problem. He wants to keep the cost low and the design simple.
@@jakebredthauer5100 if you had a large heavy log then you'd have to push it down, especially if it was not evenly round
Hey Doug, I didn't comment on the first video about your bucking station. But I totally understand your concept and agree with your concerns of weight, size and cost of such a unit. Not to mention the fact of shipping this to customers after a manufacturer builds them. I would implement minimal steel with clips to hold 2x for an easy replacement. Building this from formed channels so as it's collapsible for an easy assembly and making it flat ship on a truck. I wished I was closer to you, I would help you build the steel version of this bucking station. Best of luck at getting Andrew Easton to pick this on up and run with it. Looking forward to seeing your next video.
It looks like it may be wobbly because I don't see any diagonal bracing or panels. The sawing side could have diagonal bracing or panels.
The steel version should have bracing also to be lightweight and strong.
All buildings need to have something to keep them from collapsing. These things are normally called shear walls.
It’s a great design! Would work well for many people.
@@Growing-Our-Retirement
Certainly some would like it but most would want an elevated discharge. The best option is to have both options. I would want one three feet taller with a catwalk. I would use welded wire mesh for the rounds.
I like it but don’t have a log lift. All that lifting could at least be partially eliminated.
I think simple enough to have this on a slopped area. Just drop the ground level on the discharge side. Build up a little bulkhead out of railroad ties. That and tweaking the angles a little and the discharge could be up 20-30”.
This design assumes a loader with forks or a grapple. Maybe the answer is build a forkable platform that catches the logs. Load up and then lift that platform to splitter height.
I would rather do some pickaroon work than do all the lifting.
@@Growing-Our-Retirement
The way I understand it, he is okay with picking wood off of the ground or at least moving it to the log lift. He is not okay with twisting and turning. That is what we did not understand about his previous video. If it is not broken do not fix it. It sounds to me like your plan would work for some people.
Doug, your counterpoints to the suggestions made made a lot of sense. They were well thought out and presented in a concise and clear manner. Another great video. Stay safe, healthy and warm. Bill H from Cranberry Township
Thank you Bill!!!
In regards to having rounds roll off to the heigth of splitter; invision a 30" retaining wall with splitter down below & bucking table on upper level (if the contour of your property allows for it)
That would be a much safer way than standing on a platform.
It makes the system difficult to move around though.
I think you have a great idea with this station!!!
As a Designer there are a few maxims that I've learned: Form fit's function. Something is the way it is because of what it is supposed to do. If something is complicated or does not look elegant, then the Designer has violated the concept of K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Stupid. Simple keeps cost down. Simple is easy to repair. A good design is made with materials that are robust enough to handle the task which needs to be completed. These two concepts of Form fit's function and K.I.S.S. are circular and build off of each other. You have a good design, looking forward to the future changes that you decide to make in the DBS (Doug's Bucking Station). Great video thumbs up.
Thank you! KISS is very important in this concept!
Hey, it works for you! You’ve done a great job of keeping it simple, complimenting the equipment you have!! Great job!
Thanks Doug..
I'd be interested to purchase a "Cut sheet" if You were to put one out. I like the wood idea,
Sandy has since added stops on His Table.
Mike M.
Thanks Doug for the design. Just completed mine yesterday and will start bucking today. Pictures available if you are interested.
Absolutely I’m interested. Send them to oneeyecustoms22@gmail.com
Seen one of these about 10 years ago. It was steel and towable. The owner would take it to charity cuts to process lots of wood. You could take the wood off at the height of the splitter.
We had more injuries where I worked from Repetitive Motion/Rotation, or making the same move over and over. Back injuries was #1 then carpel tunnel injuries. We did studies about these injuries and acted on the issues and developed improvements and implemented work place changes and our injury rates dropped. You are correct Doug, as always
You have do an excellent splitter table keep going you have enough knowledge to do what you need I like your videos I have learned a lot
Looks great Doug and it will work just fine. I only made the suggestion because that was my main goal to get the logs up off the ground also. For young guys like you and Adam it will work great.
I love to build things and like you I have some great ideas. What I have noticed about many people that don’t have our gift, they fall into 2 categories. 1. boobytrap makers trying to make it on the cheap 2. People that don’t have a concept of cost and complexity.
Hi Doug: I think you have a really good design. It seemed to work well. I look forward to your updates as you progress through working with it.
Good explanation of all the design ideas. Looking forward to seeing you use it more.
More to come!
What I think you have built is a terrific build. I understand you’re making it as simple as possible. Some people don’t get it. I have a power plant back ground. The platform walkway would possibly work with a fiberglass cleated grating. Then osha requires top board mid rail and toe board. (Handrail) fiberglass grating is lighter, making it lighter to fold up. But it cost coin !! Coin !!! Build starts to be not simple. Only way to possibly get height is to build it to fit on a trailer to make it mobile and possibly get your out feed high enough to accommodate your splitter height. I enjoy your channel great build. Work smarter not harder. Have a great week ahead of you sir.
Thank you!!!
Good day Doug, I understood your concept and what you were achieving from your first video and I know it’s an awesome tool for a wood yard and if you’re using a chainsaw and a splitter. Cheers 👌🏻🔥🇨🇦
Thanks, you too!
Good vid, Doug. As several commenters have mentioned, you give all of your projects lots of thought. 👍
You have several good points. I’m going to use some of your concepts and try my additional planning to make something similar. Like I said in the other video I’m going to use power poles for starters then some sort of a hopper to catch the rounds. I’m still in my planning phase and can’t help but see what you have provided. I’m considering putting my work platform as an earth platform like a loading ramp concept. Plus I’m not thinking that I will be moving it once it’s built and in place.
Maybe you could put a conveyor where the logs hit the ground. It could carry the rounds up to any height you would desire for your splitter. You have a great idea & with all great ideas comes some tweaking to make it work.
I like it the way you put it together. Putting it to practical use will bring about any further modification.needed.
Exactly, I gotta get some time on it!
@@OneEyeCustoms
Painting is a waste of time because the water will run into the joints where there is no paint. That is where the rot will occur whether it is painted or not. Keep a record on the time invested in painting. .
@@jakebredthauer5100 isn’t that true with anything made of wood left out in the elements…. Heck, metal as well.
@@OneEyeCustoms
A barb wire fence will last a long time after the galvanizing is gone.
White oak is rot resistant.
If wood is exposed to the air so it can dry off that makes a big difference. A barn will last a long time after the paint is gone because it is up on a foundation.
The termites will want to chew the bottoms of the legs because they are probably going to be damp.
It looks great! The only thing I’d consider changing is to cover the output ramp with some slippery sheet material so the rounds move down more easily. This would also mean you wouldn’t need so many boards on the ramp. It could save cost and weight, too.
I completely agree!!
2 inch by 4 inch welded wire fencing.
It’s a great idea. My little tractor just won’t lift a very big log. Always thinking something up. Keep up the good work.
Thanks 👍
Hey I love it! I like the design! Should work well!
O' Great One, thank you for keeping it simple and cost effective....Every Tom, Dick or Harry doesn't have top end resources to build this true built log bucker. As for me? I'm totally into this and my middle name is Harry! LOL Keep it rollin' and I keep learning ~ Thank you. Keith
Interesting Idea. What if you moved up the stops up the slope for your log inventory logs to be cut and inserted a log cutting platform with the same number of slats as the ramp? This platform that is inserted could then have a hinge on the cutting side to allow it to pivot down so that when done with cutting a log the rounds would fall down the ramp. Stops would need to pivot as well. This would allow for more stable cutting and still accomplish some of the other goals of this setup. This idea does probably increase cost slightly, and the pivot portions would make it a much more complicated design.
Great concept doug. I think the idea of adding a small bump on the top like you sugested would allow enough room for clearence of the bar tip not to contact the second log. A safety feature to reduce chance of kickback. A simple pickaroon could bring the next log down if you couldn't use your hand. Keep up the great vids and thanks for sharing your ideas with all of us.
Great design and very well thought out Doug. 👍🏻
Thanks 👍
Wow that was a long video to try to explain stuff to those that are going to gripe no matter what and how you build it! lol I think it’s awesome. People are gonna pick things apart no matter what!
Good explanations Doug, it makes. I really want to see it in more action.
Working on it!
pretty cool idea. looks comfortable to cut firewood. maybe you could lift the back legs up 30" to give the out feed height some people is looking for. that might make the loading table too steep, but that angle could be adjusted as well.
Good morning Doug. Very good frame and explanation of you design philosophy.
You mentioned the benefits of painting the bucking table. It would be much more efficient to paint all the lumber before assembling the frame, unless you spray paint it after assembly.
I have a sprayer I plan to use.
I agree with your plan, it works for you and beings it is your design and it works for you. If someone else wants to build one they can do it the way they want...
Doug, it's nice that you can first load it from both ends . I'm sure you'll get a lot of comments on what you...
woulda-coulda-shoulda !
We are using fire wood processors, since about 30 years, here in Northern Europe. And we have tested several different. Before that an electric tablesaw with a big blade was used to only cut the wood. If you can share a wood processor with one or two neighbours and split the cost it will not be that expensive. The processor that we use now is powered by an old farming tractor. It cuts and splits the wood in one movement, with a rotating disc. The trunks are fed by one conveyor belt into the disc and the split wood is transfered to a pile with another conveyor belt. We have also tested machines with a chainsaw blade and with a screw, but these are not as efficient or safe. But you cut the tree trunks down to about 10 to 12 ft with chainsaw before feeding them into the machine. And the machine only takes trunks about 7 inches thick. Still, it is quite a fast process. The most time-consuming part is to stack the wood manually. Collecting in bags are not very efficient considering the space needed. One year of wood is about 15 to 20 cubic meters (like 4 to 5 cords), and you should dry the wood at least 2 whole years, shielded from rain. An automatic wood stacker would be very much appreciated. Perhaps a small robot, powered by the sun, that can move around, collect logs and just stack the wood one log a the time. But it probably takes much more computer power than we can magine.
I think that you have just about got it bang on.
like the concept. Maybe one suggestion to make it more universal have some sort of jack on each of the legs. This was it can adjust to different heights for someone thats 5'8'' to 6'5''.
Great design
Do you mind sharing the dimensions of platform,especially the end view of platform.
I think he said it was 7 foot so it is easily towable.
Another thought if you are going to make this for production out of steel. I’d consider either making it in 4’ bolt together sections so people could customize their lengths 8’, 12’, 16’ etc. or maybe a main 8’ section with 4’ additions.
Great idea!!!
Doug great concept and functional. Perhaps if you have a sloped ground surface you extend the discharge side of the legs to a lower ground level which could coincide with the splitter platform height. Upper level stays the same, discharge stays the same. Just thinking of another way to save the old back. Your comment on twisting and turning while lifting is spot on!!! Great job and thorough explanation.
I get it…so to set it up so all the rounds roll off and onto the waiting wood splitter deck you’ll have to get an excavator to hog out 2-3’ of earth behind the cutting deck….so what stops the rounds from rolling right off of the wood splitter I-beam?…and from smashing the wood splitter and it’s controls and engine and the guy down there splitting the rounds while say…Dougie is going to town with the chainsaw on the deck firing fresh cut rounds down that chute to say you…the victim?
@njonebale7889 I see what you are saying. I think some kind of stop at bottom of sloped discharge would contain the cut rounds from spilling onto splitter and i beam. Possibly 2x10 lagged to the bottom rail. Doug is onto something here. Just have to tweek it.
Couple of simple ideas. You could have a powered table to move the logs to you. Power source could be a perpetual motion machine which I'm sure you could fab up in your workshop in a week or two. You could decrease the angle of the table for the rounds to roll down by increasing gravity underneath the table so that they would roll with the decreased angle. Then, when the rounds roll off the angle down to the ground, have separate table for them to roll onto that would have a decreased gravity area so the rounds would be easier to lift. The gravity changing device might take you a little longer to build than the perpetual motion machine, but I'm sure that you can do it if you just put your mind to it.
Just making these minor modifications would overcome all the critics.
Thanks for the video and the ideas. Don't give up making things better.
Good morning Doug, your analysis and thoughtful harvest of boots on the ground usefulness is what will make this concept a top shelf experience for the end users. Thank you Doug. 😀👍🪵👍🪵👍🪵
Lot of ding dongs out there Dougie!…lots and lots of them!…thing works great, does what it’s suppose to do…paint it up and that’s that…it’s done…perfect!
I hope you decide to sell plans for this one day. I could use something like this for my sawmill offcuts.
You’ve seen it in the video, what do you need plans for…just build it! I don’t get why anyone would buy this from a manufacturer…you seen it…build it!
About having the cutoffs at splitter height: it is doable. You'd just have to raise the entire structure and make a catwalk on the side where you're cutting the logs. Now it depends on how you load the logs if that's workable or not, but it's definitely doable, and not that bad of an idea IMO. It's quite a hefty price tag for a relatively small improvement though.
❤️🙏 Love Scotland 🙏❤️
Thanks for the update! Could plywood have been used on the ramp headed to the splitter or is it more important that the saw debris falls down to the ground? Thanks.
@@steinbierz absolutely, but I used some thin plastic material from Home Depot that is waterproof and helps the logs slide down better.
@@OneEyeCustoms Thanks…I’ll have to look closer as I thought they were just 2”x4” boards on the bottom.
Firewood production is a labor intensive process, no matter what you do you will have to touch the material a few times. I think you are on the right track.
Would a foldable extension on the end where the logs roll out work? Then it can by folded up and not make it wider.
Yes but that adds a ton of costs and complexity
It's a good concept idea. I like the kiss acronym, keep it simple stupid. Everybody has ideas and suggestions, but how many are actually coming up with a good concept or even making videos? You made something you thought out, you made improvements to it, and did a follow up video. Nice job. Thank you for taking time, to think, build, improve, film, edit and post this video.
Thank you!
It occurred to me that the platform isn’t needed if the landing area has a waist hight drop with a stop for the rounds, does that make sense?
Great job. I would only add a "stop wall" a couple of feet from the splitter so that logs will not hit the splitter or a person working the splitter.
Great idea, I use the excavator to hold the logs waist high
I watched the first video and i like the changes you made.
Do you suppose the discharge chute could be at a lesser angle so a person doesn't have to bend down so far?
I don't have a log lift, so maybe a lesser angle might work. I think each person might have different ideas, but i love this design and will be building one myself.
The only thing is, I'm not sure my L3800 Kubota could lift that thing, but maybe once all the wood is dry.
Perhaps you can build an add-on or upgrade called the Mechanical Internal Lift Function or MILF to deal with those rounds on the ground. 🤷♂👍🍻
😂😂😂 absolutely love it!!!!
I’ll get two in case one breaks 🤣
Being made out of wood, I wonder about the long time durability of it. Maybe when it fails, you make it out of logs, or steel. I enjoyed the video.
To add the bottom ramp rolling the logs to splitter height. If the bottom ramp was extended slightly with a stop put in place to catch the logs from one full load (say 8 to 10 from the first test). If the platform was hinged at the splitter working height could tractor forks be used to lift the platform to splitter height. This obviously complicates the build but thought I would throw it out there.
Should say... great idea. I think the concept is perfect balance of features to economy. Great idea
You can have it sitting on bin blocks. With a dirt ramp on the back. That would be a permanent setting. I believe you wanted it mobile.
My bucking station is a simple x design spaced 16” apart, so the supports act as a guide to make consistent length fire wood. Do the supports on your design help determine where to cut? I dont think I caught an explanation of that in either of your videos. Thanks for sharing! It’s given me ideas to improve my station for this next season. :)
There are marks on the sacrificial board that show where to cut at 16” lengths. It is mentioned in the first video.
Ah, thanks! 👍👍
I agree with forgetting about the platform and increased height idea. But I still think, like I said the other day, INCREASING the angle of the out ramp, instead of flattening it some, shortening it 1-2' and adding a 14g sheet on it will increase the velocity of the rounds coming out to stop them from stalling and they would clear the back of the rack better. Doing so I'm betting you could get away with 2/3 less of the output 2/4's. Using shorter and less 2/4's there would have almost paid for the 14g sheet.
I agree
Doug, You don't need to make a better mouse trap when the one you made works well for you. Best design I have seen so far!! Thanks!!
Thank you!
Factor or pucker factor ?
Only last night I was commenting on another channel comparing a certain new class of Navy warship to an old editorial cartoon. The Segway had just been promoted as the next revolution in convenient human transport and this cartoonist was showing how the American consumer would immediately want updates and add-ons. The first panel was the Segway, a stabilizing wheel was added then a comfort seat, front window faring, side mirrors etc. By the final panel, it had become a huge Escalade SUV with a bike rack on the back. You can't put everyone's pet design feature into something while sticking to the original purpose and budget.
Marketing the best idea can be many times harder than developing it in the first place. Don't be discouraged. At least you have a workable version for your own use.
Is there anything you make that doesn't look like "showroom ready"? Great project..
lol thanks
I got and idea Doug, keep doing your thing lol 👊 looks like one big ole grizzly panel, 👊👍🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
Right on
Are you going to offer plans for sale when you have where you want it.
That’s very possible
That's goodI think it's a great design
dig a trench on the splitter side the depth of the log splitter
Dig a hole on the output side and put the wood splitter in it. Now the haters get what they want.
Lmao!!
Doug, still think it's an awesome build. If you're not doing plans would you be able to respond with dimensions of distance between the upright posts, and angles/slope you used for the log loader and log rollout... other way is overall height and height of where the two meet. Appreciate your time and awesome work! Cheers!
You want it free?
@@jakebredthauer5100 thought youtube was a place to share information...
@@thatoutdoorlife2275
You want it free?
Yeah, i like it as is for the most part, the most I might do would be to make the grille the rounds roll out on a little less sloped, MAYBE. I do not really see any improvements except to match individual tastes. I do not know exactly what you plan when you go to metal, but I would make both the top and bottom grille rails "toothy" to knock bark off and also provide some sort of :Runaway" log control.
I would refine the outgo design by using 2 inch by 4 inch welded wire mesh fencing . It would be lightweight, low-cost, durable and the rounds would not get stuck as often. You will need two strips; overlap instead of trimming off.
I thought you had your own sawmill, no wonder you want to keep cost down. But I still wouldn't make this out of steel. If you dont drop logs on the rack that should be plenty strong enough, good job thanks for sharing.....
As a former engineer, my favorite work was experimental and prototyping. I have some ideas for this but all of them are too complicated and defeat the purpose of your concept. My only suggestion is that if you make the whole thing out of steel, it seems like it would be a good idea to add easily replaceable sacrificial boards in the cut areas so that if you hit them with the saw, the teeth hit wood, not steel. Just a thought.
They are there now, you may have missed that in the video. And yes, they would be on the steel version as well!
Doug, simple solution, hear me out...Put extentions on the legs raising the discharge side to log splitter height. Tether a hot air balloon with an open basket to use as your cutting platform. Easy-Peasy!
I'm not sure why everyone is trying to make this so complicated?
I’ll get the balloons, I think it will take a couple 😂😂
Four color camo !
I vote
Four color camo
😊
Make it yours, by using your color combination,
Like J. Deere or Farmall .
If you ever make a metal one i hope you galvinize it.
I am wondering if the ramp to the ground dhould have stout sheet metal on top for much less weat on the boards snd better dliding of the rounds?
Paint is hoing yo wear off pretty quickly, need to protect the wood surface. Heck ypu might be able to get by with repurposed house siding
Discharge ramp could be covered with plastic sheet from a tote. The plastic would prevent rotting and help the wood slide out.
@@jakebredthauer5100 check out the next video on the bucking table!!
I still like your design very much. I guess one way to have the best of both world( standing height for cutting and Chunks rolling down to hip level) is if you found the perfect slopping spot (slope of 30'' over 7 feet) on your land and set up there ;)
I’ll dig out a dock area!😆
Get you some retaining wall bricks. Lots of em build a lower area to have the log splitter so the logs are at the "right height"!!
Totally kidding of course. The whole thing is great and should work great as it is!!
If I had equipment to lift logs to load the gravity buck deck, which is the right fit for Doug, im a foot taller...I'd would use equipment to buck at height that was comfortable for me. I get the concept but benefit is hard to get past the cost for me personally.
I got most of your explanations…
But, I think rather then having a platform where the log rounds roll out onto…. You should just have enough of a bump at the end to keep the rounds on the ramp. Maybe a small stop that flips out of the way when you are splitting the rounds…The rounds ramp looks steeper then necessary, put your use will prove that point.
What are the angles used?
Doug. I love your videos. A lot. Please don’t take this harshly. The only thing that makes me skip through your videos is that you say everything twice. Often three times. If you said it once, and repeat it later? Delete on of those when editing.
It sounds indecisive and lacking in confidence. Say it once and let them rewind if they didn’t get it.
Adam’s gotten much better about this since he started, used to do it a lot, too.
I know what you are talking about, especially in this video because I re-edited it to make a specific point about the platform. Then later in the video it ran on again.
@@OneEyeCustoms exactly. In general it’s you’re one habit that’ll be hardest to break. You’re like me. You tell it to ‘em once, then you make REALLY sure they’ve heard you right. That makes for a lot of repetition in a video with 8 different majors steps or points to deliver. 👍😎👍
First, you have a great idea. Your too hard on yourself. The first pancake is always the hardest to make, you get better with practices. Next, I have too small of an operation (about 3 cords a week), so I built the “H” stand for my bucking station. Most small operators don’t have the room for this, so your market is limited.
If you don’t have a tractor to pick up logs you don’t need it
I like the idea, but I think the biggest flaw would be maneuverability (not everybody has a loader with that kind of lift capacity) …. that being said, I think this would be awesome if you could somehow make dolly wheels like for moving a shed. And a hitch … and that would increase your height a bit though… unless you plan on keeping it stationary, hopefully the wood can last a few years…. Love the channel and nice design though ! Very thought out
Build it smaller so your loader can pick it up, doesn’t have to be 10’ wide
If you were roughly 6'5", you could make the bucking thing higher. 😉
Exactly, lol
Adjustable legs / feet maybe. Of course another added cost. 😅
Id rather be cutting at waist height rather than shoulder height.
I agree
I do like it though. If you were to build a platform for which to stand, allowing for dispensing of rounds at a height to easily roll them onto a splitter, saftey features such as a railing and expanded metal for traction and allow snow to fall through could easily be incorporated. I would add that a table to receive rounds at the splitter would surely provide for an easier and prolonged workday with less fatigue. Understanding that the added weight and expense would quickly be recovered with greater and more efficient production.
😵💫 😂😂😂
You probably know, but make sure your lumber is dry before you seal it
Doug I like you and I like what you are doing, especially helping out that tall kid next door. If I could give you one advice, I would suggest you made your videos a little shorter. You do repeat yourself and your sound responses many times, which I think you could reduce in your editing.
Thanks for the tip
Tall kid 😂
you could always run your chainsaw standing on a ladder LOL
That’s the best one I’ve heard so far 😂😂😂
Standing on a platform in the winter is almost as safe. Lol
@@OneEyeCustoms better yet, buck it up with a pole saw 🤣
Aww, the solution is simple. Dig a trench 10 feet wide and 3 ft deep on the other side to set your splitter. Never mind the snow drifts, mud, tumbleweeds, vermin, and random vagrants that will wind up in the hole.😊 You can always count on us armchair quarterback commenters to "improve" upon your ideas and make your life less safe and more complicated and expensuve.😉 Carry on.
😂😂😂😂
old guy simple solution is long bar like billy buckin ray. Stand up & buck. End of story
You are also picking, lifting and rotating with your design as well...can't be helped.
With his design , he only has to rotate and empty handed to boot . The splitter goes on the bottom ramp side . Splitter lifts the rounds . All he has to do is stand there with a Pickaroon and scoot the rounds into the lift . He took every bit of body stress out of the equation