Thanks, I'll do the same. I figured on having Locust as the centerpiece inside the firebox while I kept piling other wood on top of and around it. Kind of help keep the center core going through the night.
Can I ask a strange question? Do you think BL makes more heat during the coaling stage, burn stage or no difference? I burned a touch this winter. Some deader pieces I found from my scrounge. Cooked them near the stove for a week and couldn’t resist the temptation any longer. Using my soapstone hybrid stove I didn’t see any noticeable increase in heat while it was in full burn mode. Later on when it went to coals I did notice heat emanating from the stove which is abnormal for soapstone. Usually can not discern the direction of heat from a soapstone unless your right on top of it. Almost as if the coals were generating heat as opposed to the previous fire coming off. Could be the wood was still too green. Could be my imagination.
That's one heck of a Locust score! Makes me want to be out there right now getting my paws on more... You're not being very helpful as far as my insidious Locust obsession is concerned!
For sure. I noticed it's hard on the chain, and even more a pleasure to hand split. It makes a nice sound when it finally explodes wide open though. I was tossing my pieces into a rough pile as I was going and it almost sounded like cast iron getting knocked together. Dense stuff.
I burn much hotter below zero, I increase the setting of the thermostatic air inlet damper and the heat output is significant. When the air closes the heat still rises.
I'd be very interested to see how many cords you end up with from that Locust Wars thread...mind boggling what you hauled out of there. That was a loony amount of Locust from one spot.
My thoughts and observations exactly when i was cutting it back in the Winter. Mostly dead barkless stuff. I loved the way it hand split too.
I left some there. Some of the nice big logs were hidden behind a bunch of junk wood. I like the big logs LOL lots of good wood in them. The people irked me a bit. I always sent a text with an ETA whenever I went so they’d know I’m coming. I even explained my medical condition when they asked if they should take the ad down. Said no, there’s no guarantees in life I’ll try my best but if someone else comes along let em have it too. Last load they said I had the rest of the week to get it. No explanation as why. That’s cool it’s their property. I had offered to pull a huge maple out of the way and buck and noodle it so they could get it to thier fire pit. Well if you wanna push me into doing a favor to heck with it. They can deal with it.
Now that's some true TRUE HOARDERS - can't bring themselves to burn their own wood!!! Me too. I set aside the Madrone - best I have. Welcome to the club!