My splits are too big, what to do?

[mwatt65]

All the splits are to big for my Enviro Cabello, They are all 22in do I cut them in half or should I cut between
4in & 6in off them to get them to fit?
If I cut off the ends and throw 8 or 10 6in pieces on the fire would I run the risk over firing?
The wood is all white oak between 18% & 23% moisture.

Thank you for all the help.

 

[SteveKG]

I don't get what difference it would be whether you cut them in half or cut off an end. It's one cut per split either way. I personally don't see an over-fire developing because of shorter splits, but perhaps someone else will.... I mean, if you are concerned about a six-inch pc causing a problem, then cut them all 11".

 

[begreen]

Save the cut offs for late winter/spring burning when you just want a shorter morning or evening fire. Chunks burn just fine and not too hot.

 

[dave_376]

I did this with my stove too. takes 21 E/W and 16 N/S. I cut them down to 16 and pack the shorts into open spaces or load the stove with them when I will be around all day. Turn the air down and no over fire.

 

[Corey]

If you cut them in half, I could see it being hard to stuff the stove full for an overnight burn...if that is an option you need. If you cut them to ideal stove length, you could get a good firebox full for a long burn. Then use the small ends for daytime fires, or times when you'll be around to stoke on a routine basis

 

[weatherguy]

I always cut to the size I need and burn the cutoffs during warmer periods. I made a box that can fit 10-12 splits at a time to make cutting them down easier.

 

[Valhalla]

If the split does not fit, just cut it! Sometimes having a variety of length splits is an advantage.

 

[branchburner]

Don't think it matters, but if you cut them to 14-1/2 and 7-1/4 they will all be equal when fed into the stove in various combinations of 1+1=2.

FWIW, however you cut them you will have a wasted 1/4" of saw-chips that are small oak, but still oak w/ BTUs. I put then in brown paper bags and burn them.

 

[oppirs]

Cut my longies right down the middle. More versatile N-S or E-W.

 

[jdonna]

I had to cut four cords down once because I switched one of my stoves which took shorter lengths.

I made a jig out of 2x4s and a platform for the logs to rest off the ground. It is wide 36" wide, 18" deep with a plywood back and 4 feet tall, so a 20" chain saw bar can run down each side. You can process a lot of wood that is too long this way.

Works very well because the 2x4 edge is your guide for your bar. Turns out 18" pieces of wood.

Beauty of it is, when I find a piece that is too long, I stack it on the jig and when it is full, I reprocess it.

I saved a big pile of cut offs for the shoulder season and then I gave a bunch to a neighbor who has an outdoor wood boiler. He shovles em in with a scoop shovel.

Waste none, want none!

 

[shoot-straight]

I have a similar problem with some of my splits now. Likely will just give them to a buddy who will payback later.

Overall, cutting splits sucks. Found a chopsaw worked best. I would cut yours in half I guess.

 

[topoftheriver]

Interesting conversation. i've used varied lengths up to 22". The diameter also varied from thin to 5 or 6 inch. Generally in the day time, the stove is loaded we will say half way. it work well and burns efficient. At night, I pack them in for the long burn and adjust the air to keep some kind of a constant temperature while hoping the wood will last until someone wakes up to stoke the stove and maybe throw a couple more splits in. There has never been a problem with over burning. I think consistency is the order of the day when you are familiar with the way your stove burns and maintain it properly.

 

[pma1123]

Just went through the same thing this past weekend, needed to shorten up my supply. I ended up taking a plastic milk crate, and screwing it down to a stack of skids. Packed the splits into the milk crate and made 'batches' of properly cut to length pieces and chunks. Worked awesome, the price was right...

 

[Backwoods Savage]

I've also done a few in a milk crate but I also used a ratchet strap to hold them tightly together while cutting.

I do think it best to cut the splits to the right length and then this coming spring or next fall, throw the cut-offs in for daytime fires.

 

[mwatt65]

I tried both ways and I prefer to cut to size, all the left overs I will feed when I'm at home! I bought a table saw to make cutting a little easier.

I might have to get therapy as I'm finding this site and wood hoarding addicting! I read all the threads everyday and for six months before I got the insert installed.

Thank you all.

 

[topoftheriver]

Just went through the same thing this past weekend, ne eded to shorten up my supply. I ended up taking a plastic milk crate, and screwing it down to a stack of skids. Packed the splits into the milk crate and made 'batches' of properly cut to length pieces and chunks. Worked awesome, the price was right...

I have a 7 hp electric table top splitter in the garage that I use to break down the large splits into 2 and 3" splits when I encounter difficulties. I take a hand full and throw them in to get the stove real hot and then throw my large splits in. Some times I split them in half. Then I get the constant heat temperature I like. generally I liked to put in large splits before bedtime so it goes all night and still perks back up in the morning when I open the air a bit more. Trial and error even after all the years I've done this.

 

[topoftheriver]

I've also done a few in a milk crate but I also used a ratchet strap to hold them tightly together while cutting.

I do think it best to cut the splits to the right length and then this coming spring or next fall, throw the cut-offs in for daytime fires.

I keep stacks, crates and boxes of cut offs for the daytime also as not to waste a single splinter. But at night i like to load up with larger splits for longevity until daybreak.

 

[WiscWoody]

If the split does not fit, just cut it! Sometimes having a variety of length splits is an advantage.

If the split don't fit, you must equit! Doh! What were we talking about again?

 

[topoftheriver]

If the split don't fit, you must equit! Doh! What were we talking about again?

I didn't say they didn't fit. When you have larger splits they take longer to kindle and burn, especially if your coal bed is low. So it is better to load with a small amount of smaller splits to get the fire burning well enough to take the larger splits at night and last until morning. I am speaking of the width dimensions, not the length. In my case, i can hold up to 22" in length although I find the 18s to work best.

 

[WiscWoody]

Yes I agree, a few inches shorter than what they say can be loaded works much better. I vary my lengths a lot. Not really intentionally but it's not science so I just cut away. They stack ok but sometimes I have to put short splits aside until I can stack them on the top of a rack to keep er stable.

 

[Dix]

If the split don't fit, you must equit! Doh! What were we talking about again?

Do we have a lawyer in our midst ?

LMAO !!

 

[topoftheriver]

Yes I agree, a few inches shorter than what they say can be loaded works much better. I vary my lengths a lot. Not really intentionally but it's not science so I just cut away. They stack ok but sometimes I have to put short splits aside until I can stack them on the top of a rack to keep er stable.

I do the same thing. When I am cutting, I eye it the best I can. I like 18" but they come up all sorts of lengths so that is how I stack them.. In the end, it all burns so I don't get anal about it. If everyone came out the same length, it would take toooooo much time to do.

 

[WiscWoody]

Do we have a lawyer in our midst ?

LMAO !!

Nope, just a smart a** with a bad case of cabin fever! Lol!

 

[mliiiwit]

All the splits are to big for my Enviro Cabello, They are all 22in do I cut them in half or should I cut between
4in & 6in off them to get them to fit?
If I cut off the ends and throw 8 or 10 6in pieces on the fire would I run the risk over firing?
The wood is all white oak between 18% & 23% moisture.

Thank you for all the help.

Cut them to optimal length. Then take all the shorts, get yourself some wood glue and……...

 

[DamienBricka]

Then take all the shorts, get yourself some wood glue and……

I really never thought of that. Great idea will start implementing tomorrow...........................lol....