Also depends on the size and loading type of stove. In my Harman i can get a lot of short brick size pieces in around the sides and back as its a top loader. Nice that nothing falls out when opening the loading door too
split size
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A month since its All been finished. But the 1st stack, I started a month prior. (Took a month for me to put it all up).
I have the ends in the ground 2ft. They are 6ft ends and 52" above ground (48" above top of skids/ 4 ft stack height).
I hope it dont fall. I have been practicing my end stacks and have gotten much better.
I used the heavier poles that HD had. They were driven far enough into the ground. The stacks were upwards of 5 feet tall. Problem seems to be as the logs shrink with seasoning, the stack will shift and repostion logs. The shift is mostly downward, but there is lateral pressure too. The poles can't hold back too much weight. Mine bent and I ended up restacking the ends in the criss/cross method. Hopefully you will make out better. The stacks look great though!
I split a variety of sizes . . . sometimes I split small splits to have them on hand for starting a fire or for a reload -- or sometimes simply because I have a round that I would like to split up to allow it to season better and not retain moisture (i.e. white birch).
Sometimes I split larger splits -- often in rectangular or square shapes which I plan to use for those overnight fires . . . but of course size is always relative . . . for me "large" in my stove is 6 x 6 or 6 x 7 . . . large for my Oslo . . . not in any way shape or form considered "large" for the wood furnace my Dad used when I was a boy.
Mostly I split up medium sized splits of 4 x 5 or something similar.
Sometimes I split larger splits -- often in rectangular or square shapes which I plan to use for those overnight fires . . . but of course size is always relative . . . for me "large" in my stove is 6 x 6 or 6 x 7 . . . large for my Oslo . . . not in any way shape or form considered "large" for the wood furnace my Dad used when I was a boy.
Mostly I split up medium sized splits of 4 x 5 or something similar.
The first few years with this epa stove I split smaller, 3-5", but now I split bigger mostly 6" or as big as I can carry in one hand. I always have a chopping block and axe near the woodpile to cut some down if needed but really don't need to. I don't waste many trees so lots of small stuff from the tops and branches. Only split if needed.
Started using T-bar posts a couple of years back instead of cross stacking. I actually lean them in when stacking and as the stack ages they come vertical but seldom lean outward. I would sooner run a string (or rope or wire) connecting the tops of opposite posts to hold them together than futz with end stacks.
Started using T-bar posts a couple of years back instead of cross stacking. I actually lean them in when stacking and as the stack ages they come vertical but seldom lean outward. I would sooner run a string (or rope or wire) connecting the tops of opposite posts to hold them together than futz with end stacks.
I split small enough to get at least two, and preferably three or more of the largest splits into the stove at once. If I load a piece so large it allows only a few smaller ones to fit in with it, I don't get a full burn. The smaller pieces will burn away leaving the large one by itself. I'd try loading your stove and see what size splits fit in there. keep in mind that when you are loading a hot stove the pieces have to fit easily- you won't want to spend a lot of time with your hands in a hot stove. Also, keep in mind you will usually be loading with some hot coals and ash in the stove, so the available space in the firebox will be a little smaller.
With the larger diameter logs I got the last several loads, I went for a rectangular cross section, mostly because it was easier to split that way.
The ends stack easier and I was thinking I could fit more in the stove, but I don't know.
It'll be a year or two before I see how they work in the stove though.
I'd be interested if anyone else does this.
The ends stack easier and I was thinking I could fit more in the stove, but I don't know.
It'll be a year or two before I see how they work in the stove though.
I'd be interested if anyone else does this.
I split into rectangular pieces all the time. They stack better and I like the way they look.
Realstone
Lord of Fire
That sounds like us. Most of our wood is odd lengths and rounds picked up for free, and very rarely do we end up with perfect 12x4x3" splits.
In fact, we never end up with perfect 12x4x3" splits
I live in a moderate climate so I end up starting a lot more fires from scratch compared to someone in Maine or Minnesota. I split pretty small for this reason.
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