Gum!!

[Plow Boy]

I split some gum today. And it was close, the gum almost won

But as u can see, I was victorious

 

[CenterTree]

Well your splitter will sleep good tonight.

 

[tigeroak]

Try with a sledge and wedges then you will see who wins. I noodle don't even try any more.

 

[SawdustSA]

Welcome to my world. 90% of the wood I work with is Gum. I assume gum is similar to Bluegum (Eucalyptus)?

 

[Plow Boy]

I killed my motor three times. And had two pieces that shot water at me! It was definitely different than splitting oak. I would hate to run into a gum any bigger than that.

SawdustSA you're a dedicated burner. And I bet u have a bigger splitter than mine. (Well I hope u do)

 

[SawdustSA]

LOL, I am more of firewood collector than burner. I only burn 1.5cords a year but have around 13 in the backyard. My splitter is rated at 36 ton and has taken a serious beating the last few months. I have not touched the maul since I started working with gum.

 

[Fred Wright]

Yup... one aspect of firewooding you'll always remember is processing sweetgum.

Let the rounds set a few months, makes splitting easier without the stringy, clingy stuff. Tried (once) to bust 'em green off the stump. No soap. Ended up with a mangled mess. Black gum or tupelo isn't much better. We have a lot of both here.

Last year was my last year cutting gum. It just isn't worth the time and effort. The stuff sprouts toadstools in this damp climate and it's inconsistent... one split will burn well, the split next to it on the stack won't burn for nothin'. That's after two years seasoning and top covered. Heat output is mediocre at best - less than soft maple - and it leaves a lot of ash.

I'm done with gum.