I cut to 18" too, and also used to try and even up the difference. My stacks were like jigsaw puzzles. I have been storing chunks and nubs in dog crates, but I'm going to need something bigger when I trim up this oak.
Do you have access to any drums, plastic or metal? We use 55 gal metal drums and lay roof metal on top. Thin cement block underneath. Easy to move with hand trucks...
I wonder if that would work in my climate? I guess the metal heating up in the sun would make them into ovens. Have to be in the sun, though. I see those for free on Craigslist now and again.
That's an awesome idea! Very smart simple and efficient. However if I didn't know any better I would think you were in the business of selling hobo heater kits with wood already included
Paint them black, I usually cut the bottom out and leave the bung holes in the top open. It creates a draft. I've used these for 4 years. Had four full barrels left from last year to start out with this year. I think you will like it. Just be careful reaching down inside, don't pop a rib.
I was pondering that too. Maybe the bunghole top goes on the bottom, and the cut-out bottom goes on top. You would want some kind of drainage hole in the bottom. Anyway, it sounds like an efficient way to dry small quantities of wood fast. There's lots of metal barrels on Craigslist for 10-15$, nearby. Beats 75-100$ for an IBC tote.
Yea, I guess I'm a twisted kinda guy...lol...not really.,.by cutting out the solid bottom and flipping drum over, saves cutting drainage and air holes. I set my drums on 12"x12" paver stones or 4" thick cap block. Allows good air flow.
Hmmm, I wonder what manner of goodies are at the dump just waiting to be rescued. Where oh where has the hoarding fairy gone.
Guilty, I confess! I figured since I'll be starting a birch stack anyway, I might as well pick it up.
Now there's a depressing sight... If you were just going to dump it, why chip it first? Anyway, I had a good morning.
I didn't have a 55 gal drum for the chunks, but I did have an old barrel from the dump. Punched some holes... And that will do for now until I scrounge a lid.
Likely too many trips to the dump otherwise. Some of those chips actually almost look big enough to stack.
I thought about it, but in nugget form they were undentifiable. If I had a bunch of metal drums to cook them in, that would have worked out great.
