used firewood processor
Wood fuel is wood used as fuel. The burning of wood is currently the largest use of energy derived from a solid fuel biomass. Wood fuel can be used for cooking and heating, and occasionally for fueling steam engines and steam turbines that generate electricity. Wood fuel may be available as firewood (eg. logs, bolts, blocks), charcoal, chips, sheets, pellets and sawdust. The particular form used depends upon factors such as source, quantity, quality and application. Sawmill waste and construction industry by-products also include various forms of lumber tailings.
Wood may be burned in a furnace, stove, fireplace, or in a campfire, or used for a bonfire. Wood is the most easily available form of fuel, requiring no tools in the case of picking up dead wood, or little tools, although as in any industry, specialized tools, such as skidders and hydraulic wood splitters, have evolved to mechanize production.
The discovery of how to make fire for the purpose of burning wood is regarded as one of humanity's most important advances.
How to Build a Firewood Processor
Instructions
Difficulty: ChallengingThings You’ll Need:
- Arc welder Cutting torch Steel mesh or steel plate Steel angle iron Channel iron Black iron pipe Chain saw Hydraulic or electric splitter Drill press Steel cutting (cutoff) saw Trailer tires
Draw or purchase plans for how to build the firewood processor. Purchase commercially available plans (see Resources) or design your own wood processor based on basic models sold through nationwide dealers such as Blockbuster, Inc. or Hud-Son, Inc. (see Resources).
Step2
Commercial firewood processor
Choose the key equipment that will power your processor. Wood processors consist of a log cutter (typically a long-blade chainsaw welded in place to the frame) and a log splitter. In a standard setup, the log is lifted onto the upper frame and pushed against a steel stop that sets the length at 22", the common firewood dimension. The log is sawed to length, and a hydraulic ram pushes the sawn portion against a steel plate with a sharpened edge, which splits the log in half. An operator rotates the split half and resets it for another pass against the splitter, which yields log quarters suitable for firewood. The most common log splitters are electric or hydraulic, and should be capable of splitting logs into 4, 6, or 8 segments.
A hydraulic lift is useful in lifting logs onto a steel deck for processing, although a large tractor or backhoe can also perform this function. Commercial plans include a homemade splitters that can be constructed using hydraulic components.
Step3
Homemade firewood processor
Construct the trailer, using channel iron to form the central chassis and axles. Attach the wheels and check alignment (axle and wheels square to frame). On top of the axle frame, use channel iron to construct a box frame with cross pieces on top of the chassis.
Step4
Firewood processor chassis
Use the steel mesh to construct vertical guards around the splitting and cutting areas. Bolt the chain saw onto a welded frame with a pivot attachment that allows it to be raised and lowered. Weld steel stops in place to set the 22" firewood depth. Construct (or purchase) a hydraulic mechanism to push the cut log section against the splitter plate. Weld angle iron or flat steel sections to the frame as bracing to stiffen the construction.
Step5
Test the firewood processor by running various size logs through the device. Depending on the size of the frame constructed, home-built firewood processors can typically handle up to 20" diameter logs, and, with a skilled operator, can produce 2 to 3 cords per hour of 22" long firewood.