Surprise Score This Past Weekend

[BigCountryNY]

Had a couple standing dead that I planned on taking down on my property over this past weekend and stumbled upon a small standing dead cedar - no bark and no limbs. Felled it, bucked it, and checked a fresh split - 14% MC! Burned some over the weekend and have the rest stacked on my inside rack to mix with some of my other wood. Burns long and hot with nice coals and smells like a log cabin. It was a nice surprise!

 

[pen]

Love a good surprise!

 

[Seanm]

Nice! When dry like that it makes some of the best kindling! I have a bit left over that has some knots in it that I cant split into small stuff so im throwing them in from time to time. Enjoy!

 

[Rebelduckman]

Nice! When dry like that it makes some of the best kindling! I have a bit left over that has some knots in it that I cant split into small stuff so im throwing them in from time to time. Enjoy!

Yep! I walked up on about a 10" diameter log about 20 ft long a few months ago and I've got a good stash of kindling set aside. I've used some of it already and boy does it get a fire going. Splits like butter too

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

If you burn outside in the yard, I would definitely save it for that.....

 

[Mark Simoniz]

How is Cedar to burn? I passed up on nice Cedar today. May cut it tomorrow. It's a decent size one too. How long does it need to dry out? Or how soon could I burn it in my shop? Thanks

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

Cedar is a prize possession, it makes great kindling and fire starter and is awesome in the backyard, the 2 guys that I gave some to burn outdoors are asking me for more, if you burn out doors, definitely get it, I think it's low on the btu charts so if your burning for heat go for hard woods.......

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

Get a moisture meter to help you determine what is ready to burn or not, usually cedar that has been cut in lengths is in the teens percentage, a live standing tree is probably higher but I'd be curious to find out what the actual number would be.....if the shop is small it may be ok but it's not a hardwood....

 

[BigCountryNY]

Mine was standing dead and when I cut and split, it was at 14%. It lights up quick and works great to refresh the fire in the morning. I don't load up my stove with all cedar however. But it does coal nice and doesn't burn up as quick as fir or pine.

 

[Mark Simoniz]

I may be way off base but I make a few fishing lures and I've heard cedar was actually toxic? Is there any truth to that? So basically it be a great fire starter for me I guess. Or for outside camping. Thanks for the info..

 

[Mark Simoniz]

Get a moisture meter to help you determine what is ready to burn or not, usually cedar that has been cut in lengths is in the teens percentage, a live standing tree is probably higher but I'd be curious to find out what the actual number would be.....if the shop is small it may be ok but it's not a hardwood....

Can someone post a link on where I can get one of these moisture meters? Thanks

 

[BigCountryNY]

I may be way off base but I make a few fishing lures and I've heard cedar was actually toxic? Is there any truth to that? So basically it be a great fire starter for me I guess. Or for outside camping. Thanks for the info..

I've never heard of cedar being toxic, but I have heard of cedar trees "exploding" during a forest or brush fire. As I understand it though, this is more likely due to pressure build-up when the tree is live and standing. Cut and split, I've never had a problem.

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

Mine was standing dead and when I cut and split, it was at 14%. It lights up quick and works great to refresh the fire in the morning. I don't load up my stove with all cedar however. But it does coal nice and doesn't burn up as quick as fir or pine.

Thanks......

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

Cedar definitely is a popping wood.....
They make cedar closets so I'm sure it's not toxic.......

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

Lowes.......
$30 bucks.....
General tools.....
Is the way to go.......

 

[Mark Simoniz]

Thanks for the help.

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

Np...

 

[Rebelduckman]

Can someone post a link on where I can get one of these moisture meters? Thanks

Harbor freight 13 bucks or Lowe's 30 bucks. Just go to either site and search. MIne is the harbor freight one and suits me fine. I've had it over a year