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Should I remove from IBC tote and stack for best seasoning?

Discussion in 'The Wood Pile' started by DarinD, Jan 28, 2020.

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  1. DarinD

    DarinD

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    Hi everybody - 2nd time poster...so go easy...

    What is the general consensus regarding seasoning split oak that is loaded in IBC totes? Is it best to remove from the tote and stack single file or leave the wood in the tote? I'd rather not remove, as that will mean I have to handle it twice more than if I just leave it in the IBC tote...?? I have been splitting/stacking in the totes for years, just wondering if there was a better way?

    Does anybody wrap the IBC tote with plastic for more of the solar effect?

    IMG_20200128_141317.jpg
    IMG_20200128_141106.jpg
     
    DarinD, Jan 28, 2020
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  2. jmb6420

    jmb6420

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    I just top cover. It takes a little longer to season but a lot less handling.
     
    jmb6420, Jan 28, 2020
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  3. DarinD

    DarinD

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    Do you use the plastic white tanks that came with them and cut the top? Or just use liner steel?
     
    DarinD, Jan 28, 2020
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  4. Slocum

    Slocum

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    F31AE40A-66CC-45E1-9891-A0A6DD3431AA.jpeg I use the cut tanks for roofs. Oak takes 3 years to get moisture right. With the wood top covered and sitting someplace with a good breeze it dries as well as a single row not top covered.
     
    Slocum, Jan 28, 2020
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  5. billb3

    billb3

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    I stack two rows wide on 40x48 inch skids ( space down the middle) and I really don't see much difference between that and stacked in a tote. The totes should work fine.
    Whether top covering helps in your area or not IDK. It helps here, although I don't have enough covers for covering everything so the first year or two, if I get far enough ahead don't always get covers. If I'm that far ahead I'm out of covers it probably is NBFD. Oak without covers is probably less of an issue than, say, pine or even red maple, or any punky wood.

    Is "solarizing" in a tote practical ?
     
    billb3, Jan 28, 2020
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  6. buZZsaw BRAD

    buZZsaw BRAD

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    Ive never used one but seems like enough air gets through it. Im not a huge fan of handling it more than i have to.
    Welcome to the FHC DarinD :handshake: Great to have you join us!
     
    Last edited: Jan 28, 2020
    buZZsaw BRAD, Jan 28, 2020
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  7. jmb6420

    jmb6420

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    I do as Slocum does. Remove the plastic tote and cut for top cover.
     
    Last edited: Jan 28, 2020
    jmb6420, Jan 28, 2020
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  8. jmb6420

    jmb6420

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    I'm jealous of your skid steer,
     
    jmb6420, Jan 28, 2020
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  9. T.Jeff Veal

    T.Jeff Veal

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    Welcome to the club. Lots of great folks here sharing knowledge and humor. Those totes and loader are NICE. Most folks use the plastic tank for top cover. Should dry fine.
     
    T.Jeff Veal, Jan 28, 2020
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  10. DarinD

    DarinD

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    Thanks, It's great this time of year, but spring/summer/fall I have to be very careful where I take it. They are fantastic machines, but way too heavy for most lawns. These wheeled machines get stuck in the slightest bit of soft ground....and when stuck are not fun to get un-stuck.
     
    DarinD, Jan 28, 2020
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  11. DarinD

    DarinD

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    Do you guys using the plastic tank for the top secure it with zip ties?
     
    DarinD, Jan 28, 2020
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  12. jmb6420

    jmb6420

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    Have you thought about getting tracks for it? Really helps the traction. I know several Mfg. Make over the wheel tracks.
     
    jmb6420, Jan 28, 2020
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  13. Slocum

    Slocum

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    I use baling twine. It’s cheap, and it’s held up for over 3 years. Strong winds have moved the roofs on occasion but I haven’t had one come off yet.
     
    Slocum, Jan 29, 2020
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  14. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    Why even consider removing wood from the tote to dry? It will dry just as well in there as somewhere else. But do make a cover for it. Wrap it? I would not, especially with plastic because plastic will hold the moisture in and you want it out.

    Here is how we dry our wood. Some think you have to stack in single rows to dry. That is not so. We generally stack 3 rows wide and have never had a problem as that middle row dries just as quickly as the outside rows. We've even stacked up to 10 rows tight together without any problems.
    Getting wood for winter.JPG May 2014-e.JPG Wood-2009e.JPG

    You might get some ideas by reading this: Primer on Woodburning by Backwoods Savage
     
    Backwoods Savage, Jan 29, 2020
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  15. coreboy83

    coreboy83

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    Hello DarinD, from a fellow Mini-Soda resident
     
    coreboy83, Jan 29, 2020
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  16. Chaz

    Chaz

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    Welcome aboard DarinD
    :cheers:

    Like the totes and the skidsteer to move them about.
    :yes:
     
    Chaz, Jan 29, 2020
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  17. yamadog

    yamadog

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    i love using totes i just put them buy portch no my stacking wood for it to fall over to restack again. i up to about 50 some about 30 full just got to het to splitting to fill other 20 up then try get some more to fill . my problem it i can only haul 21 at a time and its 3 1/2 hr ride one way to get at decent price
     
    yamadog, Jan 30, 2020
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  18. Lennyzx11

    Lennyzx11

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    Somehow that link comes up to me as an “Anybody into off-road” thread.
    Does it work right for everyone else?

    Lenny


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    Lennyzx11, Jan 31, 2020
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  19. T.Jeff Veal

    T.Jeff Veal

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    Works fine for me.
     
    T.Jeff Veal, Jan 31, 2020
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  20. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    Backwoods Savage, Jan 31, 2020
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