Wood talk!

[TheIndian]

Hope y'all doing good as we approach Spring...at least here in NY. Would never know it though...got my butt kicked hiking in Catskills yesterday as there still three feet of snow at the higher elevations. By high I mean 3000-4000ft.

As usual, this site is full of helpful info. What I'd like to hear are some of the definitions of terms you guys throw around. Bucking? I think I know that. I just about finished bucking that huge pile of logs I had in front of my house. Now to split.

Quartering? I think I know that too. Taking a "round (?)" and splitting it up? Is a round what I get when I buck? LOL I'm sure this going to be entertaining.

Can't think of any more right now but if you have any you'd like to share, please do.

 

[BethelStrong]

Don’t forget “Shoulder Season”. I gather it must have something to do with the downward (or upward) spiral to the end of burning, due to warm weather, but I’m not sure where it originates. I guess shouldering a little bit more wood? And then a little bit more...


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[firefighterjake]

Bucking = sawing up a log into a round, typically the size of which will fit into your stove's firebox

Quartering = splitting a round into four pieces

 

[BethelStrong]

Quartering = splitting a round into four pieces

Btw, what is the standard procedure for deciding if one quarters or halves? Or I guess more than quarters... I mean, what is the aim for a burning log? I get it must vary, and there is kindling, but I’m talking size of rounds determine the split. If the round is twice as big as another, the quarters would be twice the size as well.

In other words, when is a split too big or small for ones taste, effort (splitting work/time), and efficiency of burn?


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[firefighterjake]

Btw, what is the standard procedure for deciding if one quarters or halves? Or I guess more than quarters... I mean, what is the aim for a burning log? I get it must vary, and there is kindling, but I’m talking size of rounds determine the split. If the round is twice as big as another, the quarters would be twice the size as well.

In other words, when is a split too big or small for ones taste, effort (splitting work/time), and efficiency of burn?


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Beats me . . . I split up various sizes . . . some small, some large, some triangular, some squares, some rectangular. Variety is the spice of life. I like the small splits to get a fire going on a reload . . . larger splits for those overnight fires.

 

[Kevin Weis]

In stoves with a cat size matters. The biggest you can fit in there typically will give you more consistant long burns. So let that be your guide with respect to what size your stove will take whether you quarter or half your splits. Or even split it at all.

 

[BethelStrong]

In stoves with a cat size matters. The biggest you can fit in there typically will give you more consistant long burns. So let that be your guide with respect to what size your stove will take whether you quarter or half your splits. Or even split it at all.

I don’t have a Cat. I suppose your advice still stands, but I’m still not exactly sure of my needs/bests (yet).

One “Prepper” guy I know doesn’t split all. His rationale is the extreme cost of labor. He lives in the norther mountains though, has a big place that gets snowed in, and is probably using a boiler. Me? I’ve just got a small house in “extreme” Southern Ohio and an EPA Quadrafire Millennium 3100 that can heat me outta here in no time if I’m not careful.


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[TheIndian]

Do you think bucking is enough to season the wood? Probably, but will take longer, right?

 

[Kevin Weis]

Unless de-barked most rounds will not dry for over two years if at all. I don't split anything under 4". 4" and under I try to de-bark.

 

[Sawset]

Just got done loading up the stove half full of cabinet shop scraps over some hot coals. Making sure to give it some air and flames- don't want the stove to woof. No bark, just hardwood pcs.

 

[coutufr]

Better too split it smaller if you want it to dry faster and all the way through the log

 

[peakbagger]

Noodleing or Noodling) cutting wood lengthwise (with the grain). Usually done to large rounds that are too big to heavy to split. Also used to deal with wood that will not split due to grain or structural issues in the grain .

 

[hickoryhoarder]

I would not leave out "burning." That's the most fun part.

 

[Dabster13]

Don’t forget “Shoulder Season”. I gather it must have something to do with the downward (or upward) spiral to the end of burning, due to warm weather, but I’m not sure where it originates. I guess shouldering a little bit more wood? And then a little bit more...


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Shoulder season happens in the fall and the spring. Essentially when there is enough sun to keep the house a bit warm, but you throw some stove in the stove for an overnight burn to keep the temps up. If you do burn during the day you use less wood as a full loan isn't necessary and you will sweat yourself out.

Called shoulder season as there are two of them (two shoulders to a person) and then there is the the peak of the season where you are burning 24/7 to keep the house warm. So you have two low points surrounding 1 high point, so it can be visualized as a head and shoulders.

 

[BrotherBart]

Shoulder season originated with the airline and hotel industry. The slow times for travel twice a year. Wood burners latched onto it later because it is a perfect fit for times in Fall and Spring.

 

[BethelStrong]

Shoulder season originated with the airline and hotel industry. The slow times for travel twice a year. Wood burners latched onto it later because it is a perfect fit for times in Fall and Spring.

Makes sense. I’ve never dealt with either type of shoulder season/industry. I’ve dealt in the investing world, and we have a “head and shoulders” chart formation, which probably predates these uses. I learn something every day on these forums...

Thanks!


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