A REVOLUTIONARY wood cutting machine – one of only 17 in the world – is being put to good use creating logs in the New Forest.
The Fuelwood, installed by Ed Wallrock and Alice Shaw of Lymington Firewood near Boldre, cuts, splits, cleans and dries the timber.
It can turn damp ash into seasoned wood in five days, rather than the normal year. Off-cuts are used to power the drying process.
Ed Wallrock and Alice Shaw use a revolutionary cutting machine at their business
Ed said: “The machine is superb and has transformed the way logs are produced – making it quicker and simpler.
“The product at the end is logs of a correct size for the old coal fires you find across Lymington in people’s houses, and for woodburners.
“They have right angles which create lots of surface area for better burning, and that also enables easy stacking.
Ed Wallrock and Alice Shaw run Lymington Firewood
“All the logs are kiln dried, and the heat is created by burning the off-cuts so there really is no waste.
“Kiln dried wood has a very low moisture content of 20% or less, making it easier to ignite and producing a hotter, more efficient burn. It produces more heat per log, making it ideal for home-heating or cooking.
“It also burns more cleanly, producing less smoke, soot, and tar build-up in chimneys. This reduces the risk of chimney fires and makes it better for indoor use.”
Ed Wallrock and Alice Shaw of Lymington Firewood
Ed said the sawdust produced was “excellent for equine use” and safe because only mineral oil is used on the chainsaw.
“Our logs are sourced from sustainable woods and forests, and we can use any type of tree; though Ash is our primary product.
“This is our first sustainable season and demand is rising. We also anticipate demand in the summer months because of the increased use of firepits and fire-powered hot tubs.”
The start-up business delivers within a 10 miles of Lymington and sells through farm shops and other outlets.
For more information, visit www.lymingtonfirewood.co.uk