Cutting Wood

[Brisketandbutts]

Hello everyone,

I was curious what you guys use to cut your wood. Sometimes depending on how my fire is burning, I want to add a smaller chunk of wood so I cut one of the logs in half. What do you guys use to cut your Oaks and stuff? I was looking at buying a Miter/Chop Saw for this, I'm not sure what size to get but my local Home Depot has a 10 inch blade Ryobi Miter Saw on sale for $129 and I was thinking that this may be sufficient. Any input on what you guys use would be great.

Thanks!

 

[JJS]

Chop saw will work fine, I have used one several times

 

[motolife313]

12” would be better but 10” works also just depends on the size chunks u want. Cut with the axe to reduce the diameter then chop saw is what I do. Another way is cut 2”-3” cookies with your chainsaw let dry 2-6 months then cut size the pizza you need. This speed dries the wood also

speed drying this cherry and it will be very easy to break into chunks with the axe on a little splitting stump.

I get some nice chunks out if this and will crack easy with a axe

 

[Fueling Around]

Chainsaw (and bar oil) never touches my smoking wood. Ax or Swede saw for the manly. Sawzall with the timber blade when no one is looking

 

[SmokinAl]

I either split my wood down to a smaller split, or for my gasser I use a chop saw to make 1" thick discs.
I think you will be happier with a 12" chop saw. I have both a 12" & a 10", and a lot of times the 10" won't go all the way thru.
Al

 

[motolife313]

Chainsaw (and bar oil) never touches my smoking wood. Ax or Swede saw for the manly. Sawzall with the timber blade when no one is looking

I use my chainsaw with stihl bar oil and no problems

 

[pineywoods]

When I used to make a lot of chunks for people I used either the chop saw (like others said) or a Sawzall and put the wood in a vise to hold it for me. If going the chop saw route like others said get the 12" I already had the tools and use them for other projects to.
Since usually dealing with logs or whole trees to get wood for my Lang I use a chain saw and wood splitter and I can make small enough diameter splits with it nothing else is required.

 

[banderson7474]

I use a miter saw.

 

[motolife313]

For a chopping block I just use a nice tough looking piece of oak. Nice and light for moving around when putting it away. Used to use a bigger one but it not needed unless it stays in the same spot. I keep in the garage and move it around, might look little small but works good

 

[Brisketandbutts]

Awesome, thank you everyone for the replies. I recently ordered a new stick burner that is quite a bit larger than what I have dealt with in the past. I'm hoping my presplit logs from my wood guy will work because it is a larger smoker, but will look into a good axe and stump to split as needed and then wait for a 12-inch miter saw to go on sale or to find one used in my area. Thanks!

 

[motolife313]

A good size hatchet is enough for resplitting the wood. But normal axe works aswell. If you got some really tough stuff you can barrow my 24 pound maul. What kind of wood are u cooking with?

 

[Brisketandbutts]

I'm looking at Oak primarily, I may look into expanding to other woods as my wood guy gets more.

 

[Fueling Around]

Apology to OP.
I misread your question as chainsaw, not chop saw.
Chop saw is a handy tool. Agree with others, "bigger is better".

I use my chainsaw with stihl bar oil and no problems

I don't have a problem with anyone using a chainsaw for smoking wood. Just my preference to use other tools that don't leave residue.
I would gladly eat your food if you invited me for supper.

 

[banderson7474]

I have a 12 inch dewalt and I love that damn thing. Although its expensive but it's a great tool for all kinds of things.

 

[Preacher Man]

Check Amazon. It's not known for being a power tool retailer but I have scored some of my best deals on there. Including my 12" DeWalt chopsaw.

 

[motocrash]

Ryobi 40v electric chainsaw with mineral oil in the reservoir.

 

[cliffcarter]

I use my chainsaw with stihl bar oil and no problems

I agree.
Avoiding chainsaws because of bar oil "contamination" is totally un-necessary.
I have never had a problem with them.

 

[Newglide]

I use a kindling cracker to get them down to size, then a chop saw if I want them shorter.
Just be careful with the chop saw or miter saw. The split can kick back easily if you don't pay attention or get a split that is splitting already.

 

[Smokin Okie]

I use a kindling cracker to get them down to size, then a chop saw if I want them shorter.
Just be careful with the chop saw or miter saw. The split can kick back easily if you don't pay attention or get a split that is splitting already.

Cutting irregular shaped pieces is primary cause of the kickbacks. Right as the cut ends, one piece will move into the blade.

I don't cut all the way through the piece. I stop with 1/8" or 1/4" left, then break them apart by hand. I'm not building furniture, so perfect cuts aren't necessary.

 

[Retired Spook]

I use either a Dewalt 12" sliding compound miter saw or a Stihl 12" corded electric chainsaw and a bar clamp to hold whatever I am cutting. I prefer the chainsaw.