To Split or Not to Split

Hey guys quick question..

Is it me or do 6 to 8 inch rounds last longer and burn better unsplit?

For me, they do provide a longer burn time. BUT, for me, when split, they will stack a lot easier, get more wood intot he same stacking volume, the stack is more stable, and they will definatley season better/faster.

Just my opinion,

DJC

^ditto

I split everything that can be split.

I have to agree to split, got a smaller stove, so that works beter, but I seem to get a much better burn when they have less of the rounded edge... i split it all as well... works best for my stove..

I'd split the 8's and 2/3s of the 6's. Leave some of the 6's whole for long burns.

It likely depends on wood species but I find that intact bark impedes the burn somewhat. I don't like wood rolling in my stove either and really hate when round wood decides to roll when on the pile.

I like to have a really big 1/4 split for overnight burns. It puts two flats tight to the firebrick (I rake the coals forward) so that it tends to burn only from the top down, not all sides at once.

I split nothing under six inches, but I have a top load stove. Why split it if it will burn fine as is?

It would depend for me...do you have a good stock of large chunks for good overnight burns? If so split the rounds. If you need some good massive chunks, leave them be for now. You can always split later, but you can't tie a bundle of matchsticks together and get a nice log for overnight.

They last longer, but I wouldn't say they burn better. I've found that they don't do well if you want to make a really hot fire. A log with squared off edges catches fire better than one that is smooth all the way around.

I feal like I conquered the wood by splitting it. I get to see what if anything is inside and I get more needed small sizes that light easier.

split wood is going to dry faster/better ,dryer wood burns better ,make healthy size big splits if your worried about it

I agree with everyone that says it is better to split all your wood for all the reasons given. Split wood dries better, burns better, stacks in the stove better, ignites better etc. etc. etc. Having said all that I split everything with a maul. Good luck and go to work. Tony

I betcha would like taking a few whacks at a pinata then too -- kind of the same effect.

Ja, but I won't eat what I find inside the wood. Just like evicting the buggers.

I am working on splitting wood for the 2010/2011 winter now, so I can leave some of it larger and still have it dry. The 2011/2012 stuff that I'll get in the spring (scrounging ice storm damage trees) will have a lot more left big.