!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seth's Lazer-Focused, Long-Winded, Lively List of Lab Lessons (BEL)

One thought for splitting those bigger logs (>7" dia) that works very well for me:  Get a big stump or make one from several smaller logs connected together.  Get an old tire.  Mount the tire so that it's hovering horizontally above the stump by about 3 inches using legs on the sides or under it.  Now you can put several bucked up pieces of firewood inside the tire, sitting on the stump.  Split them with your axe.  They stay standing up and the tire protects you from many of the normal errant swings.  When you have them split, pick up all the pieces and stack them (or split them smaller on the cracker).

With this arrangement I can split wood much faster and I'm not having to pick pieces up off the ground or balance them on a stump.  Plus if you swing too hard, after splitting the piece, the axe handle kind of bounces up off the tire and helps you lift it for the next swing.

The reason you go through the trouble of mounting the tire above the stump is so that it's more lined up with the center of the splitting victims (to keep them upright) and so you can sweep chunks of bark off the stump without the tire being in the way.

Like this but with a wooden block:

I like that idea, Mike. Especially for the errant swing factor. You might see me making something like that in the future. Thanks for the idea!

BEL #28 5/23/25

It was a pretty similar day today at the lab today. We are having some water troubles on the lab, something to do with the pump and pressure tank, or maybe an air block in the line somewhere. We chopped a lot behind the shop classroom in the afternoon, spread some choke cherries, and then thoroughly watered everything for the weekend. I've added some extra pictures as well.

BEL #29 Saturday May 24, 2025

Despite the allure of farmers markets and thrift stores today, I stayed away from Missoula. Last weekend’s trip hurt the pocket book, so I need some time to forget about it. Last night was my first night sleeping at the lab. I stayed in Bartell’s bunkhouse, and it was pretty nice, though I do feel pulled toward a better flooring situation. Other than that, I found a woven cage that I patched up with some mullein stalks to try and save one of the sun chokes at the lemon tree site. I made a loaf of goat cheesy garlic bread with the leftover poly dough, it was great. And I fried the first thing for my frying food BB. Now I’m uploading photos and submitting BBs. See ya Monday. SC

BEL #30 Sunday May 25, 2025

The lazy Sunday is never quite exactly just lazy when I’m at the lab. The blitz always sets the pace of getting things done. Happy Sunday! -SC