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To split or not to split

Discussion in 'The Wood Pile' started by WaddleRemodel, Jun 14, 2015.

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  1. WaddleRemodel

    WaddleRemodel

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    Found a little honey hole to find new supply of lodge pole. Local logger brings out all the smaller logs to his place. Makes fence poles and rails. Big pile of cut offs. Asked if I could go through and what he would need for a trailer load. So how small is to small to split?
    image.jpg First trailer load.
     
    WaddleRemodel, Jun 14, 2015
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  2. WaddleRemodel

    WaddleRemodel

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    Some cutting not split yet image.jpg

    With the money shot image.jpg
     
    WaddleRemodel, Jun 14, 2015
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  3. Frank and Beans

    Frank and Beans

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    When on the fence about whether or not to split, I usually split. Then I know it will be good and dry when I'm ready for it.
     
    Frank and Beans, Jun 14, 2015
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  4. redneckdan

    redneckdan

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    I'm one of those 'if it fits, it ships' people. As long as the piece will physically fit in the stove, it goes on the pile.

    If you hit those with a moisture meter I think you will b ed surprised how ready they are. Heavy equipment knocks the bark off, they lay around in the sun and the moisture goes out quick.


    Large chunks of pine can be an advantage. Less surface area exposed extends the burn time.
     
    redneckdan, Jun 14, 2015
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  5. WaddleRemodel

    WaddleRemodel

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    This is what I usually am able to scrounge.:) image.jpg
     
    WaddleRemodel, Jun 14, 2015
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  6. bushpilot

    bushpilot

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    I split anything that is larger than 6 inches. That said, if some of the bark is torn off, that lodgepole will dry quickly and well.

    Greg
     
    bushpilot, Jun 14, 2015
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  7. KaptJaq

    KaptJaq

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    For me anything 4" or better that still has bark on it gets at least one split. Everything 6" or better gets at least one split. In addition to reducing the dry time it helps the wood pack into the stove better.

    KaptJaq
     
    KaptJaq, Jun 14, 2015
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  8. Gark

    Gark

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    If I can grab and place a round from the end one-handed, it doesn't need splitting.
     
    Gark, Jun 14, 2015
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  9. red oak

    red oak

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    EXACTLY.
     
    red oak, Jun 14, 2015
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  10. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    Most of it depends upon your stove. A smaller firebox is easier to pack with small stuff but if you have a big firebox your splits can be much larger.
     
    Backwoods Savage, Jun 14, 2015
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  11. wildwest

    wildwest Moderator

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    x2

    Especially since its lodgepole and in a dry climate, and you are so far ahead anyway, I would let them dry on thier own for a year of two if it were me. Also, I tend to like the barked ones for starting a fire.....
     
    wildwest, Jun 14, 2015
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  12. prell 73

    prell 73

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    Nice score
     
    prell 73, Jun 14, 2015
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  13. WaddleRemodel

    WaddleRemodel

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    Amazing what you can find if you just stop and ask.:)
     
    WaddleRemodel, Jun 14, 2015
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  14. WaddleRemodel

    WaddleRemodel

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    Looks like no more than the 4 to 5 inches. Nothing like short pudgy hands and fingers.:)
     
    WaddleRemodel, Jun 14, 2015
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  15. Chvymn99

    Chvymn99 Moderator

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    Nice score...4 & under definitely are safe... Split the bigger ones at least once. But Save a few of the bigger ones for those over nighters....
     
    Chvymn99, Jun 14, 2015
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  16. WaddleRemodel

    WaddleRemodel

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    FullSizeRender.jpg
    Anyone for a game of pick up sticks.
    The cut off pile
    Three loads out = 6 cord +-
     
    WaddleRemodel, Jun 16, 2015
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  17. Unicorn1

    Unicorn1

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    It looks like you have your work cut for you!
     
    Unicorn1, Jun 16, 2015
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  18. WaddleRemodel

    WaddleRemodel

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    Not bad for 15 min from house. All blocking done in my yard. Just can't yell timber.:)
     
    Last edited: Jun 16, 2015
    WaddleRemodel, Jun 16, 2015
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  19. bogydave

    bogydave

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    +1
    Nice to have various sizes of splits.

    What's a cord end up costing ?

    With birch, if it's to be firewood, I split everything at least once.
     
    bogydave, Jun 17, 2015
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  20. KaptJaq

    KaptJaq

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    For me it is my time & materials (gas, oil, chains) only. I either scrounge or get rounds from the tree service. If one of the crew drops the tree service load I'll give him $20 for his efforts. Tree service load is about a cord. My scrounge loads are about 1/3 of a cord each.

    I still hand split so it is not even that much gas...

    KaptJaq
     
    KaptJaq, Jun 17, 2015
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