In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Amount of water in green wood

Discussion in 'The Wood Pile' started by Paul bunion, Nov 19, 2013.

  1. Paul bunion

    Paul bunion

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    I split this piece of oak on 11/2, weighed it and put it on my hearth. It measures about 3x5x14 inches. It started at 3775 grams (8.3 lbs). 19 days later it has lost 665 grams (1.5 lbs) or 2 beers. That is about 20% of its weight. Sticking my moisture meter into it I still get readings in the high 20's on the outside, who knows what it reads on the inside. Its hard to realize how much water is in wood. I certainly wouldn't pour 24 oz. of water on a fire but that (and more) is what you would be doing if you tried to burn this green.

    IMGP9816.JPG IMGP9817.JPG
     
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  2. MrWhoopee

    MrWhoopee

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    Nice test, I always appreciate numerical data. Nice, blockular split too. Did you measure the MC when you first split it?
     
  3. Paul bunion

    Paul bunion

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    MC was beyond the top of my meter. Took a couple days for it to read.
     
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  4. firecracker_77

    firecracker_77

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    So...how much moisture was in it after 19 days. I wonder what it would be after a couple months when most firewood sellers call the wood seasoned.
     
  5. Wood Duck

    Wood Duck

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    I didn't have time to carefully read your post, but I gather from the photo that you have replaced the water in your wood with beer. I can't decide if that is pure genius or just a waste of beer. I'll try it next time I have extra beer.
     
  6. Machria

    Machria

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    What is "Extra Beer"?
     
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  7. BrianK

    BrianK

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    I keep my "extra beer" right next to my "extra cash."
     
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  8. MrWhoopee

    MrWhoopee

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    To quote the Irishman when asked to pour a bottle of whisky over his friend's grave:
    "Do ya mind if I filter it through me kidneys first?"
     
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  9. Machria

    Machria

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    LOL! That's great!

    Exactly.
     
  10. bogydave

    bogydave

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    Amazing to think some of the big rounds have
    more than a 5 gallon bucket of water
    Inside them.

    It is very noticeable when handling fresh cut birch ,
    Then handle some 2 year seasoned birch.
    About 50% water when fresh cut
    An 80 lb round, 40 lbs, is watero_O
     
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  11. Ram1500withanaxe

    Ram1500withanaxe

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    That's
    That's almost unreal, huh....
     
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  12. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    So I just returned from the big DC affair and learned at one seminar that all wood is at 54% when cut and needs 6 months to dry.....
     
  13. blujacket

    blujacket

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    o_O
     
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  14. Hedgerow

    Hedgerow

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    Genius I tell ya...
    ;)
     
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  15. BrianK

    BrianK

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    Was that an "expert panel"?!?
     
  16. Paul bunion

    Paul bunion

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    And now it is on the internet so we all know that it is true. :)

    Yippee, that oak that I stacked up on June 1 needs just a few more days and it'll be ready to go....
     
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  17. blujacket

    blujacket

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    :rofl: :lol: :)
     
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  18. firecracker_77

    firecracker_77

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    I can't imagine that all wood is exactly 54%. I've cut wood and noticed different amounts of moisture on the ends. Obviously, I'm not saying anything everyone isn't thinking...
     
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  19. bogydave

    bogydave

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    Em college educated folks sure do know how to talk.
    To bad they just get educated but don''t get to learn anything. :)
     
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  20. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    It was said to be expert but....
     
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