Obviously it did. Of course we don't have an initial MC, but dying it was prob lower than normal and decaying fibers lose water faster. Other variables could be at play. My FIL gave me wood from his "woodroom" which acted like a solar kiln. Some of it was oak and hedge that didn't even register MC after the 8 months it was in there from being fresh cut.
That is what I was thinking, hence the posting. But 8 pieces fresh cut measuring low 20%. I did not believe it either. But it is what it is I guess.
I agree. I did not say it was dry. I am just surprised that in less than 1 year the MC is so low.
To offer a different perspective, I would call it dry enough. I will gladly burn wood around 20% moisture and it burns just fine. While you certainly get faster ignition with wood in the 15% range, that may not be possible sometimes. Lots of folks on this forum just have room/time enough for drying wood until it gets to 20% and that's ok.
Another member on this forum explained in detail how he shrink wrapped his pile to make a kiln. He seems to have remarkable results. After I have cut all the would from the oak tree (the big rounds are still not cut) I plan to use shrink wrap too. Currently my tarps are only on the top of the stack.
No not quite But I regularly get oak below 20% in a year. Yes it means smaller splits and stacked single row but it can be done without a doubt. And I prefer the smaller splits anyway I can pack the stove tighter which means more volume of wood which translates to longer burn times or more heat. I am cutting and splitting for next year now. The red oak will be dry the only stuff that wont be is locust hickory and some of the white oak.
