Last weekend we moved the first of ‘13-’14 wood stacks from seasoning to the back covered patio in preparation for winter. My 7 & 5yr old boys were rockstar helpers loading/unloading wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow of splits for a couple of hrs. We got it all done, sat down, and celebrated the hardwork we accomplished with some root beer (they don’t get to drink pop/soda typically so this was a treat). The oldest asked how old was the wood that we just moved, was it “ready” to burn, and how did I know it was ready? I smiled at this teaching opportunity, but also thought to myself---how did I know and how I could confirm that it was ready?... I went thru most of the info and wisdom explained in the “Firewood Seasoning” sticky in this forum, which of course we employ and follow, e.g. the wood we had just moved was C-S-S for 2-3yrs. I also supplemented with a simple “well, let’s check w/a moisture meter”, explaining to the boys that modern EPA stoves like to burn wood that has MC <20%. Here were the results from 2 pieces of oak (close to 3yrs old) and a piece of ash (2yrs old) re-split of course. Came out to ---16.9%, 18.1%, and 16.0% resp.
Nice to know that Dennis' knowledge is being passed on to your kids, Blue, with the hope of it being passed on to their children.
Sounds great. I need to get with Mrs G and get started on future wood stacking helpers! Thats my least favorite part is the stacking. Going to have some good overnight burns with that oak!
That was a good moment. My kids only ever wanted to know if they had done enough yet and could they go play now. Yet, one of my sons tell me things he learned that I never had any idea that he was paying attention to. That one is burning wood and pellets.
Thanks for all the kind words and encouragement. Really can't take too much credit, rather we just try our best w/the kiddos, pray for them lots, and leave the results to the Good Lord. They've been better this summer/fall than last year. Now they actually move faster w/the loading and unloading and wheeling the barrows. They improved a lot this summer working the splitter as well. My 5yr old has been responsibile enough to scoop/clean ashes from the stove when I tell him I need it done. The 7yr old is really wanting to run the saw, but that will be a few years. Actually I would be interested in hearing from you guys when (the age) you let your sons (or daughters) run saws and what size saw. I am guessing around 10yrs old?
Blue, that is great you get the chance to teach and you did well. The quote below shows wisdom for sure! I speaks volumes. My only concern is that window. Definitely keep a sharp eye on that stack and don't let a split head to the glass!
Thanks Dennis and yeah, definitely looking out for the window. The end cross-stack is about 6" away from the window and if anything is leaning "in" towards the stack. Also it's hard to see but the cross-stack is centered about the mullion between the 2 sets of windows, so only a bit of exposure. I would be more worried about a single, rogue split than the entire stack leaning as it would hit the wall and not the window first.
Most definitely that is what I was mainly referring to is that one split. Perhaps as you are getting wood from the pile and one slip.... And yes, I had noticed the placement of the wood vs the mullion.
