Threads about storage sheds and drying made me think of a couple of unused 1000 bu. grain storage bins we have on the farm. Has anyone used those for firewood storage? They are about 16 ft. diameter with concrete floors. Why couldn't I use those to air dry firewood. Leave door open and top off to allow air to flow through. Do you think wood would cure with that setup?
I am picture challenged but I will try to get some posted. Thought leaving cap off would allow for some natural air flow to help drying process. It would leave 20 inch diameter hole in top.
OH The 20" hole shouldn't be an issue Easy to make a stand off cap (similar to a chimney cap ) for it if you get lots of rain. If you are never going to use them for grain, you could put more vent holes near the bottom. A few on the windward side might help a lot. You have ready made wood sheds
It is a round galvanized steel tube set upright on a concrete pad with a cone shaped roof. Walk through door in side and hole in center of cone on top. Lots of them in farm country used to store grain. Both of these are too small to be of use anymore. If it works it will be a good place to get wood out of sight and out of the weather.
I think they are designed to create an up air flow on sunny days. Paint them black on the sun side, that will create drying heat Should be perfect for wood
Yeah, I would think it'd really warm up in there during the summer. That sounds like a perfect setup for firewood if there's adequate ventilation.
I see a lot of people around here use the old cribs with open sides. That would be a great option IMO. Do the galvanized sides open up a lot or could you add more vents? My only concern like other mentioned is getting enough air in there.
Osage, it might work but if so, it would be the heat more than air circulation for drying the wood. If you do remove the top, as Dave stated, I'd make a cap similar to a chimney cap to keep the rain out. As for painting it, I don't think that would make a huge difference as those bins get pretty warm by themselves as you no doubt are aware. I think if it was me I'd still dry the wood outdoors at least through a summer if possible then move it into the grain bin. But then, I don't know where you are located either and that could make a difference.
Just so everyone is on the same sheet of music, is this what we're talking about for grain storage (silo) and corn crib (that swags referred to)?
You're welcome..and FYI the ones I've seen are double walled leaving an open air space in the middle giving about 4-5 feet thick of corn around the perimeter.... I'm sure there are different designs.
I think the ones OO is talking about is like the round crib but only metal up the sides. In our area silos are taller and not as large around as Stucks left picture and are used for silage. The ones on the left in his picture are grain bins. Gary
