Firewood to dry?

[greenergrass]

I know that I should not burn wood that looks gray in color. I have about 2 cords of maple and cherry that was cut and stacked this time lasy year. I also have some oak that a friend gave me that is 2 years old. I did not cover my wood at all last year and we had a pretty dry summer. All of my wood looks gray?? This is my first time not covering my wood. I usually just go by the cracks on the ends to check for dryness. If it is too dry do I mix in green wood and if so how much? Im just trying to avoid backpuffs.

 

[RoosterBoy]

why cant you burn grey wood that turned grey by the sun? id burn it wood is wood

 

[ChrisN]

I'm soooo screwed. 8 or 9 cords of grey wood I'll have to take the the dump. %-P

 

[Homefire]

I know that I should not burn wood that looks gray in color. I have about 2 cords of maple and cherry that was cut and stacked this time lasy year. I also have some oak that a friend gave me that is 2 years old. I did not cover my wood at all last year and we had a pretty dry summer. All of my wood looks gray?? This is my first time not covering my wood. I usually just go by the cracks on the ends to check for dryness. If it is too dry do I mix in green wood and if so how much? Im just trying to avoid backpuffs.

You want dry wood to burn maybe around 20% moister content seems to be ideal.

If your wood is to wet it causes a crappie burn and lots of reidues. Alsoit robs your btu's to dry before it burns.

If your wood don't sound like a steam kettle when your burning it should be ok.

Maybe someone told you gray wood is still wet but I have never heard of that.

 

[laynes69]

Take one of those pieces and split it open. Should be almost white in color. Its amazing how bad a perfect piece of wood will look. Dont worry about it.

 

[Rich M]

That gray color doesn't mean it's too dry, it's just a bleaching effect from being exposed to rain. Even if it was too dry you can still burn it, it will just burn faster and hotter.

 

[Roospike]

I know that I should not burn wood that looks gray in color. I have about 2 cords of maple and cherry that was cut and stacked this time lasy year. I also have some oak that a friend gave me that is 2 years old. I did not cover my wood at all last year and we had a pretty dry summer. All of my wood looks gray?? This is my first time not covering my wood. I usually just go by the cracks on the ends to check for dryness. If it is too dry do I mix in green wood and if so how much? Im just trying to avoid backpuffs.

Nope , Your good 2 go . Hard wood like Oak needs 2 years (seasons) to dry normally. Dont burn any green wood. Average wood for drying is about 9 months unless its real hard wood.

 

[mtarbert]

Yes.....the wood is way too dry to burn.......you should call me so I can dispose of it properly.

 

[elkimmeg]

That gray color doesn't mean it's too dry, it's just a bleaching effect from being exposed to rain. Even if it was too dry you can still burn it, it will just burn faster and hotter.

I thought I was the only one that used a woodmate. I Pretty amazing splitter, Only made 2 years in the early to mid 80's

 

[Rich M]

I don't want to hijack the thread but...I got my McCollouch Woodmate electric splitter a couple years ago for $50 and it really does work great. A little slow but it will handle huge pieces no problem. The one part I worry about failing is the plastic/rubber bellows that activates the switch, I could see that cracking in cold temps so I don't use it in the winter. Have you had any problems with yours? Don't suppose you have an owners manual you would care to share? Also looking for a supplier who might have left over parts just in case. If I had a spare bellows I would run it year round.