We met up aging this morning and filled buzz-saw's trailer. He did have his chaps on. Still a lot more wood there. Forgot to take pics. . Maybe he can post some of the trailer full.
Sorry I didn't get a picture. I unloaded the trailer yesterday and it went directly through the splitter as well as some of the Elm from the first load. So here's the story........ The majority was dead and bark-less. As far as the splitter being able to handle it there were zero issues plenty of power as if it wasn't even there. Some of it split very easy with little to no stringy -ness as if it was maybe maple or oak , other pieces that even looked perfectly straight with zero knots were like splitting a piece of rope from a tug boat. The smell ; well lets just say not so good. How about terrible. I have never cut , split or burned elm. Maybe it makes great firewood but I'm not rushing back for more anytime soon. I will split the rest of what I have on hand and burn it then move on. To the guys that hate elm I can see why and the guys that like elm I have to ask why ? The biggest upside is that I was finally able to work outside and knock the cobwebs off the splitter , still a good day I guess.
I love burning Elm. It's like anything else though, you learn what to avoid and what to keep. I was fortunate to learn young, so now it's just second nature. Learning something new at our age about firewood....I'm with you, screw that! Plus it would cut into my Whiskey time. Processing Elm can humble a person real quick . I wouldn't touch the stuff without a pass-through splitter.
X2. My first haul of elm was memorable to say the least. I have a strange fetish with smelling the splits I make as I’m sure some might be able to relate. When I split the first piece I was standing back a bit and smelled something faint... nutmeg??? Let me get closer... ugh! Nope, definitely not nutmeg, although I can’t pin down what it actually smells like. Not pleasant is all I can say.
Well I can't say you didn't warn me. Some times you have to learn the hard way. Just hope it burns well so it isn't a total loss.
I’m sure it probably will. In some instances I got large klinkers but mainly I’m just spoiled with an excellent variety of hardwoods so I can afford to snob it off.
I take it we're not going back for more on Sunday? I can cut the rest and bring it over??? Maybe ill give the rest to the Carlson's...they have a splitter!
Its two years old (warranty replacement) and i show it no mercy. Splits 90% of my wood. If it broke anytime soon it wouldnt surprise me.
I would have to say "nope not going back " , some splits fine and some not too good. can't say it's all bad but think I will pass on whats left. I'm sure the Carlson's would love it though. Probably dryer as it sits compared to the green wood they have been burning.
Those experienced with elm say that letting the rounds sit and dry for a few months (more?) will lead to easier splitting...dunno, I never personally experimented with splitting fresh/green rounds vs "seasoned" rounds...my limited experience was like yours some split fine, some is ...it all burns niiiice though!
I've burnt a lot of elm. Even with the splitter it rips, tears and smears. If I'm hand splitting it, I'll run the saw halfway or two thirds through it, then hit it. If that doesn't work, saw it the rest of the way. I won't turn any away, though
Don't feel bad buzz-saw, He wears me out also and I just Read about his exploits! Must be fun to have someone next door who is a member also.
