By the way, I got another section of chimney; I am waiting for some help before installing it because I am a bit nervous being up on the roof at the edge. I was looking at those tulip poplars yesterday thinking how they are too close and will affect the draft; although of course the leaves will be gone this winter. I am going to have to wait to save up money to have them taken down from the top. Due to the sun they lean in towards the house, no way I can drop those trees. Of course some offset from the cost will be turning them into firewood. Although as you guys know, you go through tulip poplar fast.
We all rib each other sometimes. It is a part of the ride we take in this country, and this forum is no different. True, some of the comments/ jokes hit a little close, but when someone's chips are down, notice how the gears shift. We all want members to stay warm and ahead on wood, but if the advice that is shared or offered isn't to suit for some, then tactful responses are the best choice. Some responses should thusly be handled like the proverbial water off a duck's back.
I think Star Gazer was commenting in general. I wouldn't take offense. I've been burning for a number of years but there are guys/gals here that have forgotten more about burning than I know. I've got lots to learn yet...but hearing some information that I may know already only drives home the importance of the facts.
I metered some of the sweetgum and it is wet. I still have some of the tulip poplar from last year; of course that will go fast. Looks like I will be buying wood this year; I know of one source, split wood dump truck load. For those living near my area, what is a good price on a dump truck load of split hardwood?
Easy girl. I don't think anything is aimed at you so you should not take offense. Let's keep this civil, please.
Your dump load of hardwood is going to be wet... just as wet as the unsplit stuff you allready have. Look for eco bricks to mix in with your dump truck load.... building scraps are good too. Kiln dried pine burns like thermite....
Use what you got, find what you got. The smaller saw you have will cut wood too, just not as fast. Go find anything dead even if its 3 inch diameter, no guarantees dead wood is ready to burn but it will be better than Green, if you get it split and stacked now. If it's up off the ground better chance that it may be ready to burn, but don't forget to check if it's Punky don't waste your time. And like said you can pick up some Eco bricks those puppies put out some serious Heat
I would not discount someone selling firewood to be selling green; I have a meter, so no problem testing I will visit, get a piece split and test. If it is not dry wood, then I don't buy. Also, the wood I split today has been sitting out in the rain, even if in the round. The monsoons we had this year; never seen this much rain, did not help any. I cut this wood early spring and then just let it sit because of "things" going on. I split more today. The sweatgum tested at around 32-34, the tulip popular around 22. Oh well, it is what it is. I split and stack for next year.
So, don't put off cutting/processing wood now because it is too late to use for this year. The wood you do now will be ready in two more years (not this winter 16-17; not next winter, 17-18; but the one after that 18-19)
It's not easy at all finding someone selling truly dry wood, but if you ask a lot of questions and get the right answers you can find it once in awhile
Kimberly, are there any pallet, or woodworking shops near you? I ask because many times they have cutoffs for free or very minimal cost. Those cutoffs are nearly always dry too. The poplar at 22% should be dry enough by burning season if it's split and stacked, ...now. Also, yes, get cutting any standing dead trees. Get it all, even down to the 1.5" stuff if it's dry. You've got 1 saw that's running, and a moisture meter, plus a tractor. The chainsaw and the MM will get you enough wood without having to buy a dump truck load.
Here is another rule I didn't follow. I decided to let the tractor work go for a bit and see about cutting some wood; there was a couple of dead white oaks that I wanted to take down; just the outer part is pithy; good solid wood inside. They are not that large so I decided to use the little saw; got the chain sharp, etc. I forgot to follow the rule about clearing the area. When the tree started to fall I stepped back and nearly slipped on an old tree branch that rolled under my foot; instead of keeping an eye on the tree I had to look down to see where to place my foot. No harm this time but it will help me to remember in the future; one little thing can get you hurt. Hot as blazes out; should have done this at 6:00 am instead of watching the inside of my eyelids. I will take a photo later of the wood.
Here is a photo. The Echo is a good little saw but that dead oak was hard wood; I think The Beast would be better suited to the task. I only did the one; it is just too hot outside; I got soaking wet with my sweat.
