Wood ID please
- Thread starter WiscoWoodman
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Good. I thought ash when I grabbed it, but the split was a little stringier and darker than I have seen in past.
Thank you!
Thank you!
NortheastAl
Minister of Fire
Welcome to the forums! 
I just split some White Ash from a dead standing tree, and it had the same light and dark areas. I'm pretty sure that's what you have there. Wisco, I think you should get you a can of Wisco 99, mix in a little oil, and go after the rest of it!
I just split some White Ash from a dead standing tree, and it had the same light and dark areas. I'm pretty sure that's what you have there. Wisco, I think you should get you a can of Wisco 99, mix in a little oil, and go after the rest of it!
Haha, definitely will do! Any predictions on whether that ash would be ready for burning this winter if split today? I have read on here opinions that if c/s/s in early spring, ash is ready by that winter. No moisture meter yet. The rounds were cut last year but I can tell when splitting still lots of moisture.
Obviously I am behind in wood collection and working to get ahead!
Obviously I am behind in wood collection and working to get ahead!
Ram 1500 with an axe...
Minister of Fire
Probably won't be real dry but the smaller you split the drier it will be. I would split to about 4", then stack loosely in a single-row in your windiest spot, with the prevailing wind hitting the side of the stack. Soft Maple will dry really fast but time is getting short. You'll get through with more frequent chimney brushings, and next year will be better.
Welcome to the forum Woodman.
Splitting ash is one of the easiest task there is in wood. However, I would definitely split that a lot different. With ash, I always split through the heart. Especially with the size you have there making it into 2 pieces makes the rest of the splitting really simple and super easy. That first split will take a couple whacks for sure but the rest will usually go with one swing.
After making 2 pieces from that log, I would then move to the side and standing in the one spot, split the rest with each split perhaps 4" wide. You will actually end up with several rectangular pieces which makes stacking the ends of the stack super easy. It is also good when putting in the stove during mid winter before you go to bed. With the rectangular pieces (or square) you can stack them tight into the stove and get more in which could make the difference between waking up to a warm house vs waking up to a cold house. You'll also be guaranteed a nice coal bed to start the next fire on.
Splitting ash is one of the easiest task there is in wood. However, I would definitely split that a lot different. With ash, I always split through the heart. Especially with the size you have there making it into 2 pieces makes the rest of the splitting really simple and super easy. That first split will take a couple whacks for sure but the rest will usually go with one swing.
After making 2 pieces from that log, I would then move to the side and standing in the one spot, split the rest with each split perhaps 4" wide. You will actually end up with several rectangular pieces which makes stacking the ends of the stack super easy. It is also good when putting in the stove during mid winter before you go to bed. With the rectangular pieces (or square) you can stack them tight into the stove and get more in which could make the difference between waking up to a warm house vs waking up to a cold house. You'll also be guaranteed a nice coal bed to start the next fire on.
aansorge
Minister of Fire
People on here always talk about how easy ash is to split. Not so here. I typically get green ash and I find it decent to split but by no means easy. Bur Oak, Black Cherry, and soft maple are the common woods I get that are easy splitting.
The wood definitely looks like ash although the bark looks a little elmish to me.
The wood definitely looks like ash although the bark looks a little elmish to me.
There is a difference between green and white ash. Whites can sometimes be tough; those that are grown out in the open. Those that are grown in the woods almost always split super easy. Shoot, I hardly even sweat when pushing that lever on the hydraulics. 
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