Firewood Cutting Tips with STIHL Chainsaws
Cutting firewood efficiently requires the right saw, bucking technique, and splitting strategy. Maximize your STIHL chainsaw output with these field-tested tips.
Tree Selection and Felling
Not all firewood is equal. Hardwoods like oak, hickory, maple, and beech burn longer and hotter than softwoods like pine or poplar. For primary heating, aim for at least 80% hardwood in your stack. Fell dead or dying trees in late winter when sap is down — the wood will be drier and lighter to handle. Never cut standing green timber solely for firewood unless you have 18+ months of seasoning time.
When felling, plan your escape route before making the first cut. Clear brush and tripping hazards in a 45-degree wedge behind your intended retreat path. Use proper notching and back-cutting technique with a STIHL saw sized appropriately for the tree diameter. A saw with too short a bar forces you to cut from both sides, which increases complexity and danger.
Bucking to Stove Length
Bucking means cutting a felled trunk into manageable rounds. Measure your stove or fireplace first — most home fireplaces accept 16-18 inch lengths, while large wood stoves handle 20-24 inches. Consistent lengths stack tighter, season more evenly, and load into the stove without wrestling. Use a measuring stick or paint marks on your saw bar as a quick reference.
Cut from the top side of the log when possible, letting gravity help the kerf close rather than pinch the bar. If the log is supported at both ends, cut from the top first about one-third through, then roll and finish from the bottom to avoid pinch. For logs lying on the ground, cut most of the way through from the top, then roll slightly and finish to avoid hitting dirt with your chain.
Splitting and Seasoning
Splitting rounds exposes the interior grain and dramatically speeds drying time. A split log seasons in 6-12 months depending on species and climate, while unsplit rounds can take 2-3 years. Use a splitting maul for straight-grained hardwoods and a splitting wedge for knotty or twisted grain. STIHL does not make splitting tools, but their protective gloves and boots are essential safety gear for splitting work.
Stack split firewood in a single row off the ground on pallets or rails, with the split face exposed to sun and wind. Cover the top with a tarp or roof but leave the sides open for airflow. Oak and hickory need a full year minimum; softer woods like birch or cherry may burn acceptably after 6 months in dry climates. Test readiness by checking the ends for radial cracks and by banging two pieces together — seasoned wood produces a hollow ringing sound, while wet wood thuds dullly.
