Firewood drying time - INSANE CLAIM?

[arboriculturist]

I have noticed on the Forum in the past, that quite a few stack their timber covered in an exposed place intentionally, so you could suggest that wind speeds have a significant influence on wood drying times.

[Woodworks]

My experience certainly says that wind is more important than heat in the summer months. Our logs are not as dry this year as they were last for similar species and drying time. Lovely warm summer for us but almost no wind unlike last which was quite cloudy, less warm but a fair bit of breeze. Can still dry logs over the winter months. Last few years have been able to sell white woods processed in September before winter was out. No chance with oak and chestnut though.

[arboriculturist]

By white woods do you mean Sycamore and Ash.

 

Is your building just a roofed over structure with logs heaped on pallets or divided up in crates? Thanks

[Logsnstuff]

I processed beech in feb the water running out of it like a tap was on measured a log yesterday was 22.9% just sitting out in one of bakers vented bags no cover.

[arboriculturist]

Yes Bakers bags are surprisingly tough and give good airflow as you have just confirmed. 6 months to nearly 20% with Beech - thats interesting.

[arboriculturist]

Beech is one of the easiest and quickest timbers to dry. Ash on the other hand - takes ages to come down from it's measly 37% MC start point.

 

Ah, any idea why this is a Beech 'appears' to be denser than Ash?

 

Certainly easier to cut Ash when green.

[slasherscot]

Beech is one of the easiest and quickest timbers to dry. Ash on the other hand - takes ages to come down from it's measly 37% MC start point.

 

must agree I think ash can b disappointing.......don't know if we start with too high expectations of it.

[arboriculturist]

Perhaps save a lot of messing about and buy a Log Drying Kiln!

[Logsnstuff]

Kiln dried not as eco friendly as air dried

[Woodworks]

Beech is one of the easiest and quickest timbers to dry. Ash on the other hand - takes ages to come down from it's measly 37% MC start point.

 

Glad you say that Jonathan.

 

You often hear people say how great ash is but always found the beech logs dry first so doubted my testing. Also don't find sycamore to dry very quickly either.