New method of faster seasoning?

[turn_n_burn]

I just scored a pickup load of silver maple that came down to make room for a parking lot, and it is GREEN. I really don't wanna wait 2 years to burn it, and I had an idea. So with a split of wood you basically have just the outside surface area bleeding off the moisture, and this huge interior space where ambient air will not reach. What if a guy who had some time on his hands (like me) was to drill a couple of 1/4 inch holes thru the split either crosswise to the grain or parallel to it? I would think this would provide a passage for water vapor that would normally be trapped in the very center of the split, and help it dry faster and more evenly. Anybody ever tried this or know if it would speed things up?

 

[Rebelduckman]

Sure can't hurt. Would like to think it would help

 

[LocustPocust]

If you've got all the time in the world, split it small and debark it. It should be burnable in 6 months if it's properly stored.

 

[Woody Stover]

You won't have to wait for two years; I've found that soft Maple, split now to medium size (like 4" on a side) will easily be dry by next fall. That aside, I guess drilling a couple holes would have to help, just not sure how much. Seems like a lot of work.

 

[Jay106n]

Split small and get the same result.

 

[Isaac Carlson]

I live in WI and silver maple dries in short order here. 6 months would be a long time for me. I am used to 2-3 months drying time on that stuff. Split to about 4 inches and stack it where it will get air flow and be dry. Have fun.

 

[Jags]

I do believe that rounds out the list....yep, I think I have now heard it all with association to firewood.

 

[BlueRidgeMark]

I live in WI and silver maple dries in short order here. 6 months would be a long time for me. I am used to 2-3 months drying time on that stuff. Split to about 4 inches and stack it where it will get air flow and be dry. Have fun.

Yep. Hard maple is a different beast I've heard, but the silver is easy. Spit it, stack it, and burn it next season.


If you have time on your hands to consider drilling holes in firewood, you need to find something useful to do.

 

[sportbikerider78]

Like you said, surface area is key. Think about how much more surface area there is by making the split smaller than by drilling a hole. There is your answer.

 

[Jay106n]

I do believe that rounds out the list....yep, I think I have now heard it all with association to firewood.

Out of stacking space? Drill holes and run rope through each split, throw the other end of the rope through a tree limb and hang the split from the tree for maximum exposed drying surface and air flow. I think of it as christmas decoration. Just be sure to duck when you are mowing the lawn. THERE, now the list is complete.

 

[Applesister]

I say go for it.

 

[Toomb]

I agree with others. Silver maple will be good next year. I burn a fair amount of it.

 

[firefighterjake]

Think I'll stick with my tried and true method of seasoning wood . . . cut, split, stack and wait for 1-3 years before burning it . . . it may not be all that glamorous or quick . . . but it beats making my firewood look like Swiss cheese.

 

[BobUrban]

will be interesting in the stove - lots of tiny turbo's flaring out the ends. Ever put a hollow log into the fire pit standing up and create a chimney effect? I save all my hollows for summer, bon fire burning. Could have that on a small scale all winter long - INDOORS

 

[Wood Duck]

Look into solar kilns

 

[TedyOH]

6 to 8 months it'll be under 17% (silver maple)

 

[Corey]

I suspect your 'time' would be better invested building a solar drying kiln. Even something simple with PVC and plastic would dry the wood as fast, or faster...plus you only have to invest the time to build it once... then the wood drying after that is 'free'. Drilling the holes has to be done with every piece...every time, plus the extra surface area of a 1/4" diameter hole is virtually nothing compared to the split face of the wood - so I doubt it would help much.

 

[Paulywalnut]

Even with a lot of time, I would rather split it 3 inches thick than drill holes. Holes would probably only help dry a small area where the hole is anyway.

 

[bboulier]

I agree with others. Just split small. A lot less work than drilling.