Rain, Sleet, or Snow...do you still go?

[ReggieT]

I've been whining like an infant about the drizzle and marshy conditions around here...and allowing it to keep me outta the woods!!
Share with me your experiences concerning the elements...when is it too rainy/or wet to cut in??...snow & ice are not much concern down here.
More concerned about bogging my 2WD truck down, than a few rain drops...
Will most saws fizzle down in a light drizzle????

Thanks
Reg

 

[513yj]

I pretty much quit cutting in the rain when a guy I worked with slipped on a log or the log slipped from his foot and almost cut his big toe off behind the steel toe. Never had a problem with equipment but before I have a problem with my body I just quit doing it. I do sometimes buck up logs I got to home in the rain but since I usually cut tops after jobbers go through with processors I very rarely cut when the wood on the wet and slippery.

 

[Cheesecutter]

When pressed for time I will cut in light rain or drizzle but prefer not to. My saws get absolutely filthy because the sawdust sticks everywhere. My safety glasses get steamed up, dirty, water covered, and usually all 3 at once. It's harder to hold to on to tools with wet gloves as well as my footing is compromised. Getting my truck back out without tearing the ground up is also a priority. Snow doesn't bother me at all as long as it isn't bitter cold and windy. Sleet/ freezing rain just plain suck so I do something more productive.

 

[Whitespider]

Late October of 2010, after takin' some time off because of my daughter's lung issues, I decided to start burning wood for heating the house again... I didn't have a single stick of firewood. I started cutting standing-dead elm on Halloween morning... managed to hook my knee with the saw and make a quick trip to the emergency room... came home and started the saw right back up. That winter was one of the wettest, snowiest we'd had in years; started out with rain and freezing rain in November, sleet and ice storms in December, and by mid January the snow was waist deep in the woodlot... and it didn't stop snowin' until April.

I was out every Saturday morning cuttin' splittin' and haulin' whatever I could get to so I could keep the fire goin' another week; in rain and mud, in sleet and ice, in snow and wind, wading through crotch-deep snow in sub-zero temps... windchills -30°, -35°. I kept the woodlot roads, paths and trails semi-open by drivin' the little tractor through them every other night or so after work (in the dark). I mounted a winch on the front of the tractor so it could pull itself out as needed. It was pretty slow goin' some days, but I managed to get enough in the house to keep the fire goin' every week... never turned on the gas furnace. Rough guess, I burned something in the neighborhood of 8-9 cord in that old smoke dragon... 8-9 cord of "not-so-great" firewood, some wet, some "punky", some wet and "punky".

During the first part of the season I'd come in the house soaking wet and covered in mud... later, soaking wet and covered in frozen mud... and later yet, soaking wet and just frozen. When March rolled around the rain, sleet, ice and mud started all over again... only it was that really "greazy" mud with the frozen ground under it (you have to experience it to understand it). No, the saw didn't "fizzle down" in rain or drizzle... once-in-a-while the fan would suck-in some powdery snow and short the ignition, but it would start right back up.

There isn't any weather that has to keep you from making firewood... it's just a matter of determination. Mud is probably the worst for slowin' down production and creating "extra" work... and likely a bit more walkin' rather than drivin'. When it was really muddy (or when the snow was the deepest) I'd hook all my cables, chains and straps together and winch the logs onto more solid ground, even up onto the road... some days spend half the day just winching and pulling, damn slow goin'. Winch a log 50-75 feet, remove one of the extension cables and winch again, and again, and again... then hook 'em back together and start all over on another log. Nope, nothing has to actually stop you from making firewood... but some things sure can take any enjoyment out'a it.

Believe me... people who live off the land, or live by workin' the land, don't stop because of weather, mud or anything else... the "need" makes it a matter of determination. Those with the determination get the job(s) done, those without the determination... well... move into town.

*

 

[greendohn]

Rain, soft ground, no for the most part. Cheescutter hit the nail on the head, no tearing up the ground.
Cold, frozen, blowing snow ? Yep, I've been know to get out in the worst of it, just to test my mettle if nothing else. I'm getting to the age where chasing firewood during inclement weather is losing it's appeal, I still get out and go..The fishing rod usually replaces the chainsaw sooner than it should keeping me from getting too far ahead of the wood pile. You would think I'd keep making firewood in the spring time, and I should, if I was smarter,,,but man I just love to fish...so I chase firewood most all winter.

 

[jrider]

There's plenty of dry weather throughout the year to not have to work on the wood pile in the rain - provided it's not your job. Can you? Sure but unless needed, why would you? Ain't no such thing as bad drinking weather!

 

[Homelite410]

I agree with most of you. My truck is 2wd so frozen ground and chains for me, rain I will stay home (plenty of saws to work on in my wood heated shop), snow is so pretty coming down while cutting so that don't bother me. Cold down to 10 is OK but add the wind and I'm done!

Like was said before, you can cut anytime but there is alot that sure takes the enjoyment out if it.

 

[djones]

When it's no longer fun, that's when I call it a day. I do this because I enjoy it, with good planning you can enjoy it for a long time.

 

[cheeves]

Late October of 2010, after takin' some time off because of my daughter's lung issues, I decided to start burning wood for heating the house again... I didn't have a single stick of firewood. I started cutting standing-dead elm on Halloween morning... managed to hook my knee with the saw and make a quick trip to the emergency room... came home and started the saw right back up. That winter was one of the wettest, snowiest we'd had in years; started out with rain and freezing rain in November, sleet and ice storms in December, and by mid January the snow was waist deep in the woodlot... and it didn't stop snowin' until April.

I was out every Saturday morning cuttin' splittin' and haulin' whatever I could get to so I could keep the fire goin' another week; in rain and mud, in sleet and ice, in snow and wind, wading through crotch-deep snow in sub-zero temps... windchills -30°, -35°. I kept the woodlot roads, paths and trails semi-open by drivin' the little tractor through them every other night or so after work (in the dark). I mounted a winch on the front of the tractor so it could pull itself out as needed. It was pretty slow goin' some days, but I managed to get enough in the house to keep the fire goin' every week... never turned on the gas furnace. Rough guess, I burned something in the neighborhood of 8-9 cord in that old smoke dragon... 8-9 cord of "not-so-great" firewood, some wet, some "punky", some wet and "punky".

During the first part of the season I'd come in the house soaking wet and covered in mud... later, soaking wet and covered in frozen mud... and later yet, soaking wet and just frozen. When March rolled around the rain, sleet, ice and mud started all over again... only it was that really "greazy" mud with the frozen ground under it (you have to experience it to understand it). No, the saw didn't "fizzle down" in rain or drizzle... once-in-a-while the fan would suck-in some powdery snow and short the ignition, but it would start right back up.

There isn't any weather that has to keep you from making firewood... it's just a matter of determination. Mud is probably the worst for slowin' down production and creating "extra" work... and likely a bit more walkin' rather than drivin'. When it was really muddy (or when the snow was the deepest) I'd hook all my cables, chains and straps together and winch the logs onto more solid ground, even up onto the road... some days spend half the day just winching and pulling, damn slow goin'. Winch a log 50-75 feet, remove one of the extension cables and winch again, and again, and again... then hook 'em back together and start all over on another log. Nope, nothing has to actually stop you from making firewood... but some things sure can take any enjoyment out'a it.

Believe me... people who live off the land, or live by workin' the land, don't stop because of weather, mud or anything else... the "need" makes it a matter of determination. Those with the determination get the job(s) done, those without the determination... well... move into town.

*

Very good Whitespider, as usual!!! Feel the same way!
I cut a massive Beech tree down the hill from here in that blizzard we had last Feb. where we lost our power for a week. Everyone was winning around here but us! Wood stove, generator, and hurricane lamps!

 

[slowp]

Worried about your saw in the rain? Here's how a helicopter logging crew stored their saw. It was quite a hike to get here. It wasn't raining, but the point is that the fallers leave their saws out in logging units, rain or not, during the week if it is a long pack/hike in. They might throw an old raincoat over it, or not. My saw rode around in the back of the pickup, exposed to rain, snow, and dust. If we didn't work in the rain, no work would get done.



If loggers are working in snow, foresters have to work in snow. These guys were racing to get out before it got deep. They finished and pulled out when it was above my knees--about two feet on the ground. The road into here is a steep grade in places with few turnouts, and one curve where the last rear tires on the lowboy hung over the edge while moving equipment. I also had a pair of snowshoes.

They moved into another area with a better road but before they got there and plowed the road, their timber marker and I were driving on ice, then through snow to get the unit ready to cut. We all putted down the upper road at 5 to 10 mph because it was ice. Clear ice. I had studded tires so didn't put chains on but I sure thought about putting chains on.

It's the driving that bothers me.

When we were doing precommercial thinning work, we kept one saw in the pickup cab with us on cold mornings. We'd get it started and then hold it next to a cold saw, where the exhaust would get pulled in (the theory being it was warm) and get the cold saw going and repeat. Then off into the snow to get to work.

 

[513yj]

Late October of 2010, after takin' some time off because of my daughter's lung issues, I decided to start burning wood for heating the house again... I didn't have a single stick of firewood. I started cutting standing-dead elm on Halloween morning... managed to hook my knee with the saw and make a quick trip to the emergency room... came home and started the saw right back up. That winter was one of the wettest, snowiest we'd had in years; started out with rain and freezing rain in November, sleet and ice storms in December, and by mid January the snow was waist deep in the woodlot... and it didn't stop snowin' until April.

I was out every Saturday morning cuttin' splittin' and haulin' whatever I could get to so I could keep the fire goin' another week; in rain and mud, in sleet and ice, in snow and wind, wading through crotch-deep snow in sub-zero temps... windchills -30°, -35°. I kept the woodlot roads, paths and trails semi-open by drivin' the little tractor through them every other night or so after work (in the dark). I mounted a winch on the front of the tractor so it could pull itself out as needed. It was pretty slow goin' some days, but I managed to get enough in the house to keep the fire goin' every week... never turned on the gas furnace. Rough guess, I burned something in the neighborhood of 8-9 cord in that old smoke dragon... 8-9 cord of "not-so-great" firewood, some wet, some "punky", some wet and "punky".

During the first part of the season I'd come in the house soaking wet and covered in mud... later, soaking wet and covered in frozen mud... and later yet, soaking wet and just frozen. When March rolled around the rain, sleet, ice and mud started all over again... only it was that really "greazy" mud with the frozen ground under it (you have to experience it to understand it). No, the saw didn't "fizzle down" in rain or drizzle... once-in-a-while the fan would suck-in some powdery snow and short the ignition, but it would start right back up.

There isn't any weather that has to keep you from making firewood... it's just a matter of determination. Mud is probably the worst for slowin' down production and creating "extra" work... and likely a bit more walkin' rather than drivin'. When it was really muddy (or when the snow was the deepest) I'd hook all my cables, chains and straps together and winch the logs onto more solid ground, even up onto the road... some days spend half the day just winching and pulling, damn slow goin'. Winch a log 50-75 feet, remove one of the extension cables and winch again, and again, and again... then hook 'em back together and start all over on another log. Nope, nothing has to actually stop you from making firewood... but some things sure can take any enjoyment out'a it.

Believe me... people who live off the land, or live by workin' the land, don't stop because of weather, mud or anything else... the "need" makes it a matter of determination. Those with the determination get the job(s) done, those without the determination... well... move into town.

*

I don't mind cutting in cold and snow either, once you get moving you heat right up. On the other side of the spectrum my determination was having to cut in July and August this year in 80+ degree weather. I got enough for the winter and even a little for next year but it was a lot of sweat equity since I knew my schedule wouldn't allow for fall cutting this year.

 

[shutup-n-cut]

Rain makes me stay away since that turns into a muddy mess in a hurry.
I don't mind the cold or even a little snow , but don't need to be cutting in the rain , I have wood to burn so it is not a necessity.

 

[Whitespider]

...my determination was having to cut in July and August this year in 80+ degree weather.

L-O-L ‼
I'm full determined in July & August... fully determined to not make firewood ‼

 

[Butch(OH)]

Short answer is Nope!
I stay far enough ahead that cutting in the rain, snow, extreme heat or cold is not required. Actually I hate cutting in the snow the worst, picking up snow covered wood is not my idea of fun. Give me a sunny October day about 45 degrees and in the woods cutting and I am as happy as I can get,

 

[zogger]

I will cut in bad weather if I absolutely have to, and have done so. heck, first winter I lived in maine I had to go out and cut at night, I just went and found standing dead and blowdowns to try and keep up with what I was burning. Once the moon was up, and with snow on the ground, visibility was adequate.

Now, I stay ahead, and seeing as how where I live the dry easy access time periods usually correspond with heat..I sweat. I just deal with it. I have to go by access, can I get the tractor there and back, yes/no.

Now thunderstorms/lightning, nope, I stay inside. Besides that, I have cut way below zero, in blizzards, ice storms, rain, you name it, but only if I really really had to. I am far enough ahead now I don't have any heavy push to get wood.

 

[Fred Wright]

Mud I can deal with. Over a normal winter, water stands in the woodlot much of the time anyway. Just have to be equipped to work in it.

We've been keeping a couple years ahead on firewood so there's no rush to get it done. I can wait for snow or rain to go away.

 

[chucker]

?? in my world= if you snooze you loose! want to eat? you work! better yet if you want a life and to live you work !! it really comes down to what a person wants and expects in life... I love to live and eat so working in harsh elements is a reality of life's expectations.... I am getting hungry!opcorn:

 

[Steve NW WI]

Snow's fine for me. Rain sucks, and I'll stay home. I don't need the wood that bad.

Here, I prefer frozen ground and some snow on top. My 2wd is a 10,000 lb farm tractor though. A 2wd pickup up here is either someone's RV tow rig, or a transplanted southerner's who hasn't found a place that will take it on trade for a 4x4 yet.

 

[513yj]

L-O-L ‼
I'm full determined in July & August... fully determined to not make firewood ‼

The only good thing was that it gave me an excuse to drink a lot of beer afterwords!!! I think hot weather cutting is the worst. Everything sweat soaked and yer bag is stuck to your leg the whole time.

 

[ReggieT]

Late October of 2010, after takin' some time off because of my daughter's lung issues, I decided to start burning wood for heating the house again... I didn't have a single stick of firewood. I started cutting standing-dead elm on Halloween morning... managed to hook my knee with the saw and make a quick trip to the emergency room... came home and started the saw right back up. That winter was one of the wettest, snowiest we'd had in years; started out with rain and freezing rain in November, sleet and ice storms in December, and by mid January the snow was waist deep in the woodlot... and it didn't stop snowin' until April.

I was out every Saturday morning cuttin' splittin' and haulin' whatever I could get to so I could keep the fire goin' another week; in rain and mud, in sleet and ice, in snow and wind, wading through crotch-deep snow in sub-zero temps... windchills -30°, -35°. I kept the woodlot roads, paths and trails semi-open by drivin' the little tractor through them every other night or so after work (in the dark). I mounted a winch on the front of the tractor so it could pull itself out as needed. It was pretty slow goin' some days, but I managed to get enough in the house to keep the fire goin' every week... never turned on the gas furnace. Rough guess, I burned something in the neighborhood of 8-9 cord in that old smoke dragon... 8-9 cord of "not-so-great" firewood, some wet, some "punky", some wet and "punky".

During the first part of the season I'd come in the house soaking wet and covered in mud... later, soaking wet and covered in frozen mud... and later yet, soaking wet and just frozen. When March rolled around the rain, sleet, ice and mud started all over again... only it was that really "greazy" mud with the frozen ground under it (you have to experience it to understand it). No, the saw didn't "fizzle down" in rain or drizzle... once-in-a-while the fan would suck-in some powdery snow and short the ignition, but it would start right back up.

There isn't any weather that has to keep you from making firewood... it's just a matter of determination. Mud is probably the worst for slowin' down production and creating "extra" work... and likely a bit more walkin' rather than drivin'. When it was really muddy (or when the snow was the deepest) I'd hook all my cables, chains and straps together and winch the logs onto more solid ground, even up onto the road... some days spend half the day just winching and pulling, damn slow goin'. Winch a log 50-75 feet, remove one of the extension cables and winch again, and again, and again... then hook 'em back together and start all over on another log. Nope, nothing has to actually stop you from making firewood... but some things sure can take any enjoyment out'a it.

Believe me... people who live off the land, or live by workin' the land, don't stop because of weather, mud or anything else... the "need" makes it a matter of determination. Those with the determination get the job(s) done, those without the determination... well... move into town.

*

Wow! This is worthy of a TV documentary...my hat's off to you. BRAVO...thanks for the inspiration sir!