jwood - It was a lot of work. When I knew I was buying an OWB I purchased 7 cord of dry wood cut, split and delivered. That was in the spring so that went in the shed. I then called a logger who provided me with a 12 cord grapple load of logs. I cut them, split it all and stacked in the field to dry until the following season. The next year I ordered another 12 cord grapple load of logs and cut, split and stacked everything in the field. That's how I got ahead and I plan to stay at the very least 2 years ahead of myself. By getting the firewood in 12 cord grapple load, I don't have to order it every year. I now get a load every other year. Roger