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Hello, I’m Ohara from Hayasta. Today, I’d like to share how my firewood stove has shaped my life and philosophy in woodworking. The firewood stove has not only been essential in my daily life but has also profoundly influenced my work ethic and approach to woodworking.
Discovering Firewood Stoves in the Freezing Winters of Asahi Village
In the 1980s, I lived in Asahi Village, Nagano Prefecture, where winters were brutally cold. Indoors, the temperature could drop to -18°C, causing vegetables to freeze unless kept in the fridge. The first winter, I used two kerosene heaters, but my breath was still visible, and I often slept with an electric kotatsu. Frozen water pipes and an ice-filled bathtub were part of daily life. Once, I spent two days thawing the bath with a kerosene heater.
The following year, I introduced a simple, steel-plated firewood stove, reminiscent of an incinerator.
When I started using the stove, I was amazed by its warmth. It not only kept me warm but also made life a bit easier.
Choosing the Right Firewood: The Introduction to Hardwood
At first, I used pine for firewood. However, its high resin content caused the chimney to overheat and the fire to extinguish quickly. I learned that hardwoods like konara oak and sawtooth oak were more suitable and began purchasing truckloads of logs from the forestry association.
Even so, it wasn’t enough for the entire winter. I relied on neighbors and friends for surplus wood to get through the season.
Understanding the characteristics of each type of wood is essential for using a firewood stove effectively. Hardwoods burn longer and provide a gentle, lasting warmth.
Over three years in Asahi Village, I used three different firewood stoves. Each lasted only a few years, as they were considered disposable there. This practice of using disposable stoves continued for over 30 years until I finally purchased a modern, durable German stove.
Though expensive, modern stoves are incredibly robust.
The Joy of Splitting Firewood
Splitting firewood isn’t just a task; it’s a pastime I call “sport wood splitting.” It’s both physically and mentally engaging. Using a chainsaw to cut logs and an axe to split them requires not just strength but also experience and observation. By studying the grain, I can split logs efficiently.
“If a piece refuses to split, I let it dry and try again later. Experimenting with the wood’s unique personality is part of the fun.”
Recently, I started using a special manual saw for felling trees. It’s quieter and less oily than a chainsaw, which I prefer. Splitting firewood is a mental workout and good physical exercise, often leaving me with sore muscles the next day.
Having wood splitting as a hobby sounds fascinating. It’s almost like a sports club!
Exactly. I used to do it alone, but over time, others became interested, and now it feels like a “wood splitting club.” It’s great fun gathering with everyone.
Firewood Stoves and Woodworking: A Shared Respect for Nature
Both firewood splitting and woodworking share a common foundation: respect for nature. Understanding the unique characteristics of each type of wood and working with them accordingly is crucial. For example, the hardness of oak or zelkova, and the challenges of splitting mixed wood, require tailored approaches.
Facing nature and receiving its blessings is an irreplaceable part of my life.
Bringing Natural Warmth into Daily Life
Living with a firewood stove is far from convenient, but the satisfaction it brings is immense. The entire process, from gathering to splitting wood, creates a sense of fulfillment.
The same philosophy applies to Hayasta’s furniture. Each piece is carefully crafted to maximize the beauty of natural materials, adding warmth to your everyday life.
Summary: A Rich Life in Harmony with Nature
My 40 years of living with firewood stoves have greatly influenced my approach to woodworking. Embracing natural materials and appreciating their unique characteristics are essential principles in both. If you’re interested in our woodworking, please follow Hayasta on Instagram or explore our online shop to discover products that showcase the charm of firewood stoves and woodworking.
I hope these stories inspire you to find a bit of natural warmth in your daily life. Thank you for reading to the end!
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