FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

***Yet another dangerous tool warning***

Sphere | Posted in General Discussion on January 30, 2008 10:09am

A good friend of mine, is sitting at home with a fractured skull today. A certified Arborist, and Nationwide educater on tree health..and no stranger to a log splitter.

Sunday he was splitting wood and POW! got a face full of metal, seems his log splitter’s FLYWHEEL exploded. His safty glasses saved his eyes ( they too, exploded) and his skull was fractured with serious lacerations.

I don’t know the rest of the details yet, he just got released from the hosp yesterday, and I didn’t want to pester him, talking is even difficult for him.

What I do know is it is not a little Chinese POS splitter, a Vermeer about 15 yrs old..and what causes a flywheel to lunch is still not known. I know he has split hundreds of cords of wood in his time..this is a strange one.

Once agian, be careful out there, ya never know when something will reach out and touch you.

Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

“Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire”

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. rez | Jan 30, 2008 10:13pm | #1

    damn man, truly a bummer.

     

    be still trying to rationalize the use of the woodstove and all it involves while sitting here with a sore back from chainsawing lumber yesterday

     

     

    Peaceful,
    easy feelin'?
    eh...sometimes.



    Edited 1/30/2008 2:14 pm ET by rez

    1. User avater
      Sphere | Jan 30, 2008 10:20pm | #2

      Chainsaws are what we think of when we think "I'm gonna die" doing this..not splitters

       

       

       

       

      Peacefull easy FELLINGSpheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      "Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"

    2. User avater
      bp21901 | Jan 30, 2008 11:36pm | #3

      "be still trying to rationalize the use of the woodstove and all it involves while sitting here with a sore back from chainsawing lumber yesterday"I know what you mean....I've been on the floor a couple days from a bad back after cutting/splitting/stacking firewood. Do your back a favor and take a look at a coal stove instead of wood. I can testify that it is much, much easier on the back. It is less messy that carrying cordwood in the house, my wife can testify to that. My Harmon Mark III puts out enough heat for our 2,000 sq ft ranch that the furnace doesn't need to kick on. Mine is a hand fed, but you can get hopper or stoker fed. Mine burns wood pretty well also so I can get rid of the blow downs when I feel like it.

      Edited 1/30/2008 3:37 pm ET by bp21901

      1. User avater
        Sphere | Jan 30, 2008 11:50pm | #4

        I used coal for 3 yrs in Pa. It was plentiful and $$$ about the same for a ton of chestnut coal or a cord of wood.  I will never go back to coal, it was way way more dirty and never free , like wood can be.

        One year we didn't get the 4 ton delivered in time before an ice storm and subsequent snow after snow made my long lane impassable to the delivery truck. I hauled 100lb bags in my Toyota 4wd as far as I could make it, and then loaded thebags on a sled and drug it upto the house. Ride the sled a 1/4 mile back down to the truck and repeat..that kinda suckked. Big time, and the next time too, and the time after that.

        For sure the next year we had the coal room full in SEPT. LOL.

        I average 1-1.5 cords a month here, depending on the temps and wind..I think I stoked in a 1/2 cord just last weekends 3 days with lows in the singles..

        Back to the subject, I don't own a splitter except for the slege and mauls and a goofy slide hammer type doo dad I got as a gift..I buy presplit wood, and it's still a bargin at just about 90  a cord for a new contact I made..he delivers for that. My old supplier was more like 60 a cord, but bigger not as dried and I load and haul 10 miles.

        Even if I did want coal here in KY, I don't think it is anthracite (hard) it is bituminous and not nearly as good per BTU/Ton.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

        "Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"

        1. User avater
          bp21901 | Jan 31, 2008 12:56am | #12

          I'm surprised you found it dirtier, I guess it is all in the storage set up that makes it better or worster. I keep my pile outside in an old garage and bring it in using 5 gallon buckets, keeps all the dust outside. Bringing in cordwood to the basement is way dirtier (and "buggier").It runs me about $175 / ton if I get it delivered and I use about 2 ton a year. Propane furnace only gets used if I'm sick or away for a couple days. Keeps the house at around 70 - 72. Only down side is that there is no off switch! On New Years Eve we had the windows open, we had a "warm front" come in late in the day and it warmed up to about 55* outside and about 78* inside! LOL

          1. User avater
            Sphere | Jan 31, 2008 01:06am | #15

            Mine was dumped into small room built into the basement for that purpose, had a hose bib there to keep wetting it down to slow the burn and help with the dust.

            Used 2 ,5 gal buckets a day, one in the morning and one at night.  So yeah, coal dust was everywhere.

            But that one year, my lane was like the luge, aand cutting standing dead wood was the only real option after dragging up the sacks..man we were cramming pallets into the fireplace that year..'92 I think it was. Electric back up heat is no good when ya have rolling blackouts too..the Delaware River froze up down in Philly, and no fuel for the power plants was coming in..I mean it was a killer winter.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            "Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"

          2. User avater
            bp21901 | Jan 31, 2008 01:23am | #18

            I remember that one, you are right, either '92 or '93. We had about 3 ice storms come through in a row. We lost power for about 4 days, although when the sun shone through the iced up trees it sure looked purty! Heated & cooked on the coal stove (we hadn't swapped out the electric stove for the lp yet). Had the generator hardwired to the well pump (yes, it was disconnected it from the panel so it wouldn't backfeed). Emptied the refrigerator & freezers into coolers on the deck. For weeks after that we would lose power about once a week for 8 hours at a clip when more damaged tree branches would come down on the wires. I use the same strategy for my coal stash as you did, get it filled up by September!

          3. roger g | Jan 31, 2008 02:23am | #30

            Back in the 70's right after the first oil troubles a lot of people started to burn wood. Prior to that I had never seen a wood stove of any kind, just fireplaces. The first thing to come out on the market were Franklin stoves which were next to useless and after nearly setting fire to my new house with one I started to look around for alternatives to stoves and wood.

             Being brought up in England I remembered we only used coal so I started to look around for a coal supplier. To make a really long story short, we ended up in the coal business and used to bring coal up to Canada from Pennsylvania. We learned more about coal than most people. We also learned what you can burn coal in.

             Basically there are 4 types of coal :anthracite, bituminuos, sub-bituminous and lignite and they basically need different appliances to burn them in for proper efficiency.

            I hadn't thought of burning coal for a long time but now that I am living on the west coast where our provincial flower is mildew I think I'm going to look at coal again. The main reason is that living on the west coast it rains 200% of the time and that all wood must be sheltered. With coal, rain is never an issue. It always burns.Again provided you have the right appliance. As an example, in most cases if you put anthracite in a fireplace it acts and burns like gravel.

            Anthracite has more BTU's per pound but is very hard. Under proper conditions it gives a more even clean heat over a longer period of time. The other end of the scale, lignite burns very easy but is super dirty and has less BTU's per pound.

            It brings back memories.

             

            roger

          4. Piffin | Jan 31, 2008 02:13am | #28

            The way I mix into wood and keep things clean is to use brown paper bags from teh grocery. I fill eth bag halfway with the coal nuggets and roll the top, then lay it the bundle in on top of the wood coals 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

        2. Piffin | Jan 31, 2008 01:48am | #22

          I never think of wood as free, een though I have never paid a diome for it.There is the chainsaw, the sore back, the time spent getting and splitting and feed it.And of course, the occasional thing like a fractured skull. dqamn. That's the kind of thing you never anticipate! He got insurtance and family? 

           

          Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          1. User avater
            Sphere | Jan 31, 2008 02:09am | #27

            No dependant children at home, and scads of INS. due to his Tree Business , lucky for him.

            His wife is retired from working for the State Dept. for the Aging or something like that, so she is home FT to help him.

            He's only 55 or so. From what I can gather there should be no long lasting permanent damage, but he ain't too happy right about now.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            "Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"

          2. Piffin | Jan 31, 2008 02:27am | #31

            only bones I've broke have been a couple fingers and toes.
            I can only think of two bones I would hate to have broken.One is my skull
            And the other would move this thread to the tavern.best wishes to him. 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          3. alwaysoverbudget | Jan 31, 2008 08:15am | #32

            had a friend 58,broke that second one you listed.atcually have a name for it.  what a man at 58! guys 30 years younger can't top that one. larryif a man speaks in the forest,and there's not a woman to hear him,is he still wrong?

          4. Scott | Jan 31, 2008 08:50am | #33

            >>>One is my skull
            And the other would move this thread to the tavern.LOL, you sick fekker.Sphere, I wish your friend a speedy recovery.Scott.Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.”

        3. Riversong | Jan 31, 2008 08:54am | #34

          I average 1-1.5 cords a month here

          In Kentucky?  Do you keep all the windows open?

          I knew a guy in Tennessee who heated a pot-bellied stove with coal until it glowed red and regulated the house temperature by how much the front door was open.Riversong HouseWright

          Design *  * Build *  * Renovate *  * ConsultSolar & Super-Insulated Healthy Homes

          1. User avater
            Sphere | Jan 31, 2008 01:31pm | #35

            Ha, you never saw the thread on my house.

            150+/- year old saddle bag log home 16x42 1.5 stories, with a 16x42 stick frame addition ( poorly built) to total 2400 sqft of nightmareish hell.

            If you want a chuckle I'll find the link.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            "Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"

          2. DougU | Jan 31, 2008 02:52pm | #36

            150+/- year old saddle bag log home 16x42 1.5 stories, with a 16x42 stick frame addition ( poorly built) to total 2400 sqft of nightmareish hell.

            I hope if you go to sell the place some day you leave that out of the advertisement!

          3. User avater
            Sphere | Jan 31, 2008 03:27pm | #37

            Yeah, that doesn't really say "Buy me" very well does it? LOL.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            "Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"

          4. User avater
            Matt | Jan 31, 2008 04:01pm | #38

            Back to the log splitter incident...  Wish your bud a speedy recovery...

            Regarding the log splitter, I've rented and/or used log splitters a number of times although I gave up messing with fire wood a number of years ago, but anyway, I'm having a little trouble envisioning a flywheel on a log splitter - unless it is just the regular flywheel on the gas/diesel engine...  If that is the case, it almost sounds like he musta had the engine shroud off or something... ????

          5. User avater
            Sphere | Jan 31, 2008 04:03pm | #39

            I don't know. I have not been up to his house to see the carnage, but I should be there soon.

            It does sound as if it was an open spinning thing..not good, but hes not the kind of guy to go taking off safty parts ( unlike me).Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            "Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"

          6. User avater
            Matt | Jan 31, 2008 04:22pm | #41

            I was impressed that you said the guy was wearing safty glasses...

            makes you think that the only safe thing to do is sit in front of your TV.  Even then you end up dying with a atrophied and bloated body due to the chips and beer... ;-)   Me?  I'll take my chances in the real world...

          7. VaTom | Jan 31, 2008 05:38pm | #43

            I wondered the same thing Matt did.  Might be one of those peculiar splitters that uses a flywheel instead of hydraulic pump?  Super-fast.  A buddy here had one but would never loan it to me.

            This makes my PTO screw spinning at 200 rpm look extremely safe.

            Down to 1.5 cords/mo...  Tell River about your first years' consumption here:PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!

          8. Riversong | Jan 31, 2008 09:19pm | #44

            Tell River about your first years' consumption here:

            What am I looking at?  A heavy stick frame with wood slab and stone infill? That must have been cozy!

            As for the flywheel incident, I'm assuming it was the engine flywheel that failed and blew through the crankcase.  It can happen.  On old highschool buddy, whose drag strip pit crew I was sort of on, had his clutch fly apart as he was shifting into 3rd gear.  Since he didn't have a steel bell housing, it could have taken his leg off, but all it did was torque the Hurst shift lever into his leg and almost knock him unconscious.Riversong HouseWright

            Design *  * Build *  * Renovate *  * ConsultSolar & Super-Insulated Healthy Homes

          9. rez | Jan 31, 2008 09:48pm | #45

            94969.2

            Sphere's house is  'Kentucky Home'. 

             

            Peaceful,easy feelin'.

          10. User avater
            Sphere | Feb 01, 2008 01:13am | #52

            Nope..THIS is the one..

            http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages/?msg=38593.0Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            "Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"

          11. VaTom | Jan 31, 2008 10:27pm | #47

            Take a peek at the thread.  Those are logs. 

            IIRC, it was something like a cord/wk to keep water in the pipes liquid.PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!

          12. Riversong | Jan 31, 2008 10:43pm | #48

            it was something like a cord/wk to keep water in the pipes liquid.

            I worked years ago at an apple orchard near the seacoast of NH, which had a 3-storey farmhouse that was a stagecoach inn once upon a time.

            There was a wood-burning furnace in the basement that would hold about 1/5 of a cord at a loading.  To keep up with it, we had to chuck green 4' logs down the bulkhead every day, and it consumed about 30 cord a year.Riversong HouseWright

            Design *  * Build *  * Renovate *  * ConsultSolar & Super-Insulated Healthy Homes

          13. User avater
            Sphere | Feb 01, 2008 01:07am | #50

            No, it's all log there, Those "studs" were nailers for the Yellow Poplar beveled siding that was added in the 20's.

             

            Best is to gaze at the thread pics..it's a work in progress..LOLSpheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            "Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"

          14. User avater
            Sphere | Feb 01, 2008 01:12am | #51

            Sorry, that was not the right thred..here YA GO

            http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages/?msg=38593.0Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            "Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"

      2. rez | Jan 31, 2008 12:14am | #6

        Ya, but I have free firewood except for the trade off on the labor getting it from outback.

        Buddy using coal mixed with his firewood and likes it.

        Me I'm too poor for anything but the labor trade off.

        Time to get creative if this is how it is going to be.

         

        be dreaming flatbeds, winches, and hoists to get the logs up off the ground so I can cut standing up...and a slew of other creations 

         

         

        I once had aPeaceful,easy feelin'.

        Edited 1/30/2008 4:14 pm ET by rez

        1. User avater
          bp21901 | Jan 31, 2008 12:46am | #9

          "be dreaming flatbeds, winches, and hoists to get the logs up off the ground so I can cut standing up...and a slew of other creations "Here is an idea for you to improve upon....http://www.interpretermagazine.org/interior.asp?ptid=43&mid=12531At $175 / ton you could sell off your wood and subsidize your coal usage!

          1. rez | Jan 31, 2008 01:18am | #16

            That's a sweet contraption.

            View Image

            be 3 Stils, a Poulan and a Craftsmans

             

             

            Peaceful,easy feelin'.

            Edited 1/30/2008 5:20 pm ET by rez

      3. User avater
        maddog3 | Jan 31, 2008 12:42am | #7

        where do you get coal ?.

        .

        ., wer ist jetzt der Idiot ?

        1. User avater
          IMERC | Jan 31, 2008 12:43am | #8

          outta the ground... 

          Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

          WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          1. User avater
            maddog3 | Jan 31, 2008 12:52am | #10

            Thank You Mr. Helper ! let me know the next time you need questions..:).

            .

            ., wer ist jetzt der Idiot ?

          2. User avater
            IMERC | Jan 31, 2008 12:54am | #11

            any time.... 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

        2. User avater
          bp21901 | Jan 31, 2008 01:00am | #14

          Obvious answer.....coal dealer..... ;-)We have a few of them around here. When you get a little further up in northeast and north central PA there are a lot of them. I buy in bulk, a couple ton at a time, they deliver or you can pick up. You can also buy in bags which is a good idea if you want to check out the quality of the coal they are selling before committing to a couple ton.

          1. User avater
            maddog3 | Jan 31, 2008 01:23am | #17

            I asked because it appears there are no dealers in Indiana.

            .

            ., wer ist jetzt der Idiot ?

          2. User avater
            bp21901 | Jan 31, 2008 01:29am | #19

            There are a couple out there, one in Topeka, IN even sells anthracite. But it's harder to find there than in the PA area thats for sure.

          3. User avater
            maddog3 | Jan 31, 2008 01:42am | #20

            Topeka is Amish country about 60 miles from me........should have guessed it. many Thanks.

            .

            ., wer ist jetzt der Idiot ?

        3. Piffin | Jan 31, 2008 01:57am | #24

          Check you yellow pages. I have never lived anyplace i could not buy it, except that I never tried in Florida, so I don't know about that.... 

           

          Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          1. User avater
            maddog3 | Jan 31, 2008 01:59am | #26

            since my in-laws are in Fla.I'll never find out either.

            .

            ., wer ist jetzt der Idiot ?

      4. Piffin | Jan 31, 2008 01:42am | #21

        There is a lot to be said for coal. I use it occasionally mixed with the wood.But onwing a woodlot and driving past lots of downed trees along the road, and occasionally taking trees down for building, means it would be irresponsible for me to heat without using wood primarily 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

        1. User avater
          bp21901 | Jan 31, 2008 01:54am | #23

          Also, I would think coal is pricey on your island. Can't be too cheap to barge it in and unload it.I too have never paid for the wood - unless you count the chainsaw, splitter, fuel & oil for both, time involved, extra chain & files for sharpening, bottles of advil for the tendonitis, etc.But then balance that against all the health club membership fees I didn't have because of the exercise I got and its a wash.

          1. User avater
            maddog3 | Jan 31, 2008 01:58am | #25

            I think I found it..http://www.clickstoves.com/
            I'll call them tomorrow.

            .

            ., wer ist jetzt der Idiot ?

          2. Piffin | Jan 31, 2008 02:16am | #29

            Coal hauls same as heating oil - on a truck on the ferry 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

  2. User avater
    maddog3 | Jan 31, 2008 12:08am | #5

    we all make assumptions everyday that something could go wrong, but a flywheel

    I hope your friend will be OK Sphere,

    .

    .

    .

    , wer ist jetzt der Idiot ?

  3. JohnT8 | Jan 31, 2008 12:57am | #13

    Not much you can do if its your day for the piano to fall on you.

     

    jt8

    "Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals."  -- Sydney Smith

  4. BKCBUILDER | Jan 31, 2008 04:18pm | #40

    GREAT...a killer logsplitter thread the day AFTER I finish my splitter....good timing.

    1. Jess | Jan 31, 2008 05:32pm | #42

      Nice! Oil in the frame like a Buell....Smart. Is that really a 5hp? How's it work for you?

    2. rez | Jan 31, 2008 09:49pm | #46

      Nice.

      Put it together yourself? How'd you do it and about how many $s involved? 

       

      Peaceful,easy feelin'.

      1. BKCBUILDER | Feb 01, 2008 01:03am | #49

         I got a W24 x 8 beam for free(left over from somewhere) that had been around for 30 years...took some grinding, stole the engine off the kids go-kart, the axle was a freebee from some old cart but had good bearings and spindles, had to get wheels and tires..$37 each.. Had to buy the pump(ebay) valve and cylinder at tractor supply and hoses. The rest I made from stuff around the shop. Lots of welding.....but it works good.

          I pretty much just wanted to make one..I've got a BIG Rayco 13HP with lift and all that set me back $5000 3 years ago that stays at the wood lot...this one was for home and smaller stuff.

         I've got less than $500 in it(that's what I started with in the envelope and there is still cash in there) Keith C

  5. User avater
    Sphere | Feb 02, 2008 01:45am | #53

    I just got a call with an update and more info.

    It was the MAGNETO that flew apart / off and faced him..they found hunks like the screen over the pull rope , yards away..and shrapnel. Oh, and half a tooth..eecch.

    Dave just doesn't recall much other than that.

    The brain swelling is near his speech center, so he SOUNDS a lil goofy, but makes sense.  He doesn't have a codone type pain killer , it is not good for closed head wounds. He was told.

    He'll try to get back in the office next week and handle the phone work, he'll not be in the field for a while yet.

    His demeanor is good tho' I had him laffing it up..plan is to get a new motor for the splitter, and have a target practice day with the old one..time to get the FMJ .223's dusted off.

    Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

    "Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"

    1. User avater
      bp21901 | Feb 02, 2008 01:50am | #54

      Glad to hear he's doing ok. That is the first magneto shrapnel injury I've ever heard of.....freaky.

      1. User avater
        Sphere | Feb 02, 2008 02:02am | #55

        Same here.

        The last mower engine I tore apart had a keyway, and mabey a jesus clip holding everything on the shaft. Something let loose in a hurry by the sound of it.

        I gotta tell the wife, I shouldn't be riding the 18HP lawn tractor this summer, might get hurt!Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

        "Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"

        1. rez | Mar 24, 2008 02:01am | #56

          Got another cord today from fallen limbs just down the road. Trailer stayed on pavement the whole time. Maybe I should be charging for hauling it off.

          Keep this up and I'll be sellin' firewood to the natives.

           

          be campground ladies sing this song doodah doodah 

           

          Peach full,easy feelin'.

          1. User avater
            Sphere | Mar 24, 2008 02:49am | #57

            Cool.

            I went out the back 40 and snagged more dead locust, doan wanna get afull load and have it hangng around in my way for summer siding work..cuz I KNOW I am done with the woodstove ANY DAY NOW  Right?

            Be please be anydaySpheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            "Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"

          2. User avater
            MarkH | Mar 24, 2008 03:17am | #58

            It was a nice toasty 22 this morning here.  No, we don't need no stinkin fires.

          3. User avater
            Sphere | Mar 24, 2008 03:23am | #59

            I think our low was 33 or so, we got a day or so of chilly, then it looks like moderate temps 40's/50's for a day or two, then I saw a 70 on thurs I think..on the 10 day forcast..but that warm means wet this time of year.

            I am ready to be done with firewood now..the fun wears off by Halloween it seems.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            "Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"

          4. User avater
            MarkH | Mar 24, 2008 03:28am | #60

            Wish I had a woodburner.  I burn natural gas thankfully, but it's still an expensive way to heat.  We certainly have had some weird weather lately.  Light snow all day Saturday.  Today was very nice and sunny.

          5. hartlandboy | Mar 24, 2008 05:36am | #64

            Enough already.  This is ME on Friday morning 11 o clock.  Oh by the way..I burn wood and probably will still be doing so in May

            Gary

            I'm walking behind snowblower- not sitting

            Edited 3/23/2008 10:38 pm ET by hartlandboy

          6. User avater
            MarkH | Mar 24, 2008 05:47am | #65

            Hee hee, that makes my flurries look like nothing!

          7. hartlandboy | Mar 24, 2008 06:09am | #66

            Sorry to hear that -:)

            Gary

          8. rez | Mar 24, 2008 03:40am | #61

            One of those trees had a strange growth ring on it.

            On some limbs after about a two inch wide heart center there was a quarter inch red colored ring then it resumed back to it's normal yellow/tan.

            I was surprised at how red it was. I mean closer to red than a maroon.

            True I might be a maroon but this was a shade of red like closer to a blood red.

             What would cause a single area of growth ring like that? Overly wet or dry growing season?

             

            be whatta maroon 

             

            Peach full,easy feelin'.

          9. BillBrennen | Mar 24, 2008 03:59am | #62

            Rez,You asked, "What would cause a single area of growth ring like that?"Maybe some sort of red dye got into the tree's roots that year and stained the tissue as it grew. Somebody spilled a lot of red Kool-aid, maybe?Bill

          10. rez | Mar 24, 2008 04:17am | #63

            Maybe tomorrow I'll get a pic of it

              

             

            Peach full,easy feelin'.

          11. User avater
            Sphere | Mar 24, 2008 02:02pm | #67

            Need a pic to be sure. Lightning strike sounds possible.

            I am hooked up with one of the Country's best arborists..been seeing some pretty cool trees and lumber..and getting a hell of an education.

            Get me a pic, I'll get you an answer.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            "Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Mortar for Old Masonry

Old masonry may look tough, but the wrong mortar can destroy it—here's how to choose the right mix for lasting repairs.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Guest Suite With a Garden House
  • Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper
  • Keeping It Cottage-Sized

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data