checked/cracked and wet or not checked/cracked and dry?

[CowboyAndy]

I have came across a few pieces that were checked and cracked pretty good, but still sizzled and hissed when put in the furnace. Yet I have come across some that were NOT checked and cracked, that burned without sizzling, steaming, foaming, etc.

whats the deal?


Also, what effect does extreme cold have on it? I have some stuff in my woodshed (fully enclosed) that when put in there in october was nice and checked/cracked, but now doesnt seem to be as much? but if I take some down near the furnace, its cracked again!

 

[Adios Pantalones]

Wood checks because the outside dries faster than the inside: imagine the outside trying to shrink more than the inside. That said- cut and split some oak and see how long it takes to check and turn grey- MUCH less than that 2 yrs we all hear about, that's for sure. Even if it does dry, it can get rained on and then you have checked wood that's soaked.

On the other hand- take down a styanding dead tree and it may have dried slowly with the bark on- now the moisture has equilibrated through the wood and so the outside and inside dry at a similar rate. Often you'll see a standing dead oak without bark and a big check on the outside- that's from drying as well. If it dried slowly enough, then the moisture is the same throughout and the shrinkage is the same in the middle- no need to check to relieve strain.

 

[LLigetfa]

Man with no pants is right. If wood dries slowly it shrinks more evenly with less checking on the end grain.