Had to break down half a pallet as temps got into to the 50's yesterday. Snow overnight and back in the 20's today, more of the same forecast as temps here are yo-yoing. This is red oak from Oct 2015, pound for pound hard to beat. I've def burned a lil more than average this year, approaching 4 cord as of now.
Please indulge as I go a lil heavy on pics of Savvy, my beloved boxer and dedicated helper for over 12 yrs. She is ill and I fear not with us for much longer. She has always taken pride in her work. As I recover from shoulder surgery, I have really been spending quality time with her, cherishing every moment. I hope this finds all well and warm. This red oak rocks!
4 cord already? You are way ahead of us. Glad you have enough to keep you warm and hope that shoulder gets back to normal soon.
Great pics Ashwatcher. Do you find your red oak is dry enough after 2+ years? I’m asking because I have some red oak drying since Feb 2017 and was hoping I can burn some in. Feb 2019. Thanks
Nice pics, nice dog, sorry to hear she's on her way.... But, that is what you call winter? I guess I forget just how south Virginia is! (No, don't need another history/geography lesson! Still getting over the last one!)
Keep it up pal . Hope this finds you well my friend. Winter has actually been a lil colder here than normal, had 4" of snow last week, most in a while. Thx for the condolences, she's really been a joy. I've had many boxers, never had one live past 10 and she was 12 in May so I count my blessings.
MikeyB given your avatar showing ample space under the wood for air circulation, hopefully facing south with good wind exposure I think you'll happily be burning that red oak by Feb '19 if split now and top covered for the stretch run of say the last 8-9 months. The red oak in the pics is ticking 13-14% on the MM. Good luck and thank you.
I sure like your wood stacks and the shed set up you have going there. Using that steel mesh on the bottom like that is a pretty cool idea.
Mag Craft Thank you. I'm convinced by virtue of accelerated drying times that it is a major component in seasoning more quickly. Southern exposure and taking advantage of prevailing wind direction just enhances it further. Thats why I also shadow boarded the ends of my shed for the western prevailing wind. Notice all my wood faces the same direction, garnering maximum sun exposure and wind from the west and underneath. I realize individual climates factor into it and available space as well but maximizing what you have available exposure wise is something to consider wherever one may be. I would recommend whenever/wherever possible that split wood be at least 12" off the ground as it eliminates much moisture transfer. Just my 2 pennies worth.
Horkn Thank you sir. Hope to meet you someday, I appreciate the benefit of your counsel, the kindred we share. I trust this finds you and yours well and warm...treasure every day...Each is a gift...
Sorry to hear your Savvy is declining. We all know the day is inevitable, but it always hard. My matriarch boxer Cinnamon is 12 years 1 month. Her days are definitely number, but she is a tough Ole bird. Our family lost her sister one year ago. We still miss her very much.
Ashwatcher, how do you like that trailer behind your four wheeler? Does it climb over logs and debris like advertised? Sorry to hear of Savvy's decline. I had to put our white boxer, Lilly, down a couple of years ago. She left a large hole for sure. The good ones never last long enough.
Dogs are one of the blessings and burdens of life. Blessings don't come w/out burdens and burdens do not come w/out blessings. We accept this the day we pick out the puppy. Cherish every moment, hold her close and safe in your heart, always.
Hey JWinIndiana , Thanks for the kind thoughts. My very first boxer in the late 80's was white, I made her a Frisbee dog but had to use flying, open centered discs because of the boxer short snout. They are wonderful, loving dogs that love children and family as much as any breed ever and am sure you miss yours still. The Polar is extremely tough and nimble in the woods. The only feature I'm not crazy about is the latch mechanism but I think its been revised but havent had much time to look into. Not a big deal, but have had 2 occasions where the latch has opened and dumped. Some redneck engineering should take care of it. Not a deal breaker by any means. On the 1500, 2 times full of rounds will fill a 6' full size truck bed stacked. I got it much cheaper shipped free to Lowes than at HD for some reason. The $ difference was significant and that by now may have changed but worth checking if interested. Take care my friend.
It varies Woodsnwoods , the shoulder reconstruction got me a little out of sync in that I last cut in Sept. I sometimes load directly into the shed but I may be one of few here that actually enjoys stacking/handling wood as a "Hookaroon Ninja". As a rule though, the newest stuff will be stacked up the bottom furthest away to bask in the elements until top covering 12-18 mos prior to prime. Thats just what works for me. As the pallet, pipe and rail rack stacks move to the shed, the refill begins. I plan to add 2 more rail racks this spring when the shoulder allows to increase my hoard. I normally maintain 11-12 cord though was down to 9, so the 3yr plan saved the day. I just had not moved enough to the shed. I plan to increase capacity to @ 14. I burn on avg 3 per yr. Hope this finds you well.
