Oak Euphoria

[Caw]

Was out on the tractor mowing the lawn today and decided to take a peek at my 1.5 year old oak stack for this coming winter. I was expecting 20-24% but it came in at 16-18% on a fresh split! That's obviously not a scientific number since it wasn't ideal measuring conditions but given that its got another whole summer to season I'm a happy camper. I made smaller splits for this rack so I could get ahead a year and it payed off. Sitting pretty now with two cords of this oak and two cords of two year old ash/maple for this winter then 8 cords of oak/maple lined up for the next two seasons. A full 3 year cycle.

Gordon cameo!

 

[RomanW]

Nice work! Man, I wish I had access to that much hardwood up here...

 

[EbS-P]

I want to see what the inside of my big stack is right now. My oak has had two summers but I just kept stacking row next to row. Not great for air flow but I got it all to fit. I need a woodshed!

 

[stoveliker]

If you keep a 4" gap between rows, and add sticks (or scrap 2x2 lumber or so) cross two or more stacks at 2/3 the height, you can keep the flow of air while giving rigidity to avoid tumbling stacks.

 

[fbelec]

and i see gordon is keeping a eye out for you

 

[Caw]

and i see gordon is keeping a eye out for you

Guard dog extraordinare.

Recently checked the content of this year's wood and shared I here:

You Love to See It

I was out back doing yard work and decided to test this year's wood so I grabbed the biggest easily accessible split I could from each rack. All 2-3 year old red oak and red maple. I love being prepared!

www.hearth.com

TLDR - it's all 15-18% and ready to go! You can't beat properly seasoned oak in New England! I like to have maple, cherry, and ash to mix in depending on weather, temps, to adjust burn times, etc but oak always the backbone of my season.

 

[stoveliker]

That made me wonder. The dry summer made a big difference as last year it was still 22 pct or so.

My 6*7 ft stack of three summers old oak shorties.

Consistently below 15 pct. These were 5" thick (but 11" long) pieces.

 

[Caw]

That made me wonder. The dry summer made a big difference as last year it was still 22 pct or so.

My 6*7 ft stack of three summers old oak shorties.

Consistently below 15 pct. These were 5" thick (but 11" long) pieces.

View attachment 299206 View attachment 299207

5" thick are definitely a bit more wet on the inside but probably within limits if the outside is reading 15%. Not worth splitting them more just burn baby!

 

[stoveliker]

That was resplit, measured on the inside...

 

[Caw]

That was resplit, measured on the inside...

Well then, disregard my comment lol. I didn't catch that part!

Looks like we're gonna be nice and warm this season. I'm also looking forward to being able to use both arms this time.

 

[stoveliker]

Yeah. I look forward to seeing how such oak burns. Haven't had the chance yet.

How are the upper extremities?

 

[Butfumbl3]

This will be my first year of burning actually seasoned oak. In years past, I just didn’t have the time to get as ahead as I would like. Just tested some 2 year old red oak yesterday at 15%. I have close to 3 cords of it ready to go for this year, to go along with the black birch, locust and cherry. It’s going to be a hot winter in my house 🥵

 

[stoveliker]

Not a problem. Either burn less wood for the same temp, or crank it up and have the significant other wear summer clothing.

 

[Caw]

Yeah. I look forward to seeing how such oak burns. Haven't had the chance yet.

How are the upper extremities?

Overall better but still dealing with things. I'm able to work and I even golfed the other day I just am still weaker and get tired and sore fast. I had a cortisone shot in both arms about 1.5 months ago as I've developed tendonitis in both rotator cuffs. I'm also getting another MRI in a few weeks to check for a possible SLAP tear. Hoping there isn't any more damage and it's just healing pain but we'll see. Knew it was going to be a long process when it happened and here we are almost 10 months later. Year 2 should be better.

 

[fbelec]

just moved about 2 cord of oak someone gave me. 4 foot lengths about 12 to 14 inch round. heavy stuff.

 

[Marconis]

This gives me some hope for my oak that has been stacked since early summer. Wondering if the drought sped up drying a little bit — doubt it, but one can dream. Gonna do a split tomorrow when I mow the lawn and report back.