Woodburning stoves

[UnframedDave]

I was surprised by how quickly stored oak logs deteriorated, given that oak has been used for centuries for shipbuilding and other purposes. I expected logs and cords to last for years, but they didn't!

I think there's a big difference in wood that we store to almost desiccation and wood that is exposed to the elements. We are creating the ideal conditions for decay by insects.

Firewood is also inherently poor quality in it's nature. If it was sound, free of disease or rot, it would either be standing or used for more profitable purposes.

I don't claim any expertise, all I'm stressing, is that people get hung up on storing wood for too long and often the calorific value decreases as a result. Storage conditions are as important as time and I would argue that probably more so.

I think kiln dried wood is an environmental con. We invest masses of energy to dry it out artificially, then store it outside in humid or even wet conditions, where it instantly starts to absorb moisture. Add to that, it is nearly always imported in containers which costs huge amounts both financially and to the environment.

I'll carry on cutting my own, transporting it a minimal distance and letting it dry naturally. I'm only allowed to sell loads that are two cubic metre plus for further drying now. As I sell mostly Ash, it's fine, folks know it'll be dry by the time they need it if they order it any time before September.

 

[Klenchblaize]

Ready to roll:


K

 

[MarinePMI]

Has anyone made a solar kiln for their firewood?

 

[Bo Diddley]

Has anyone made a solar kiln for their firewood?

Yep, it's my greenhouse, no tomatoes for a few years, but lovely dry logs in double quick time

 

[old keeper]

Yep, it's my greenhouse, no tomatoes for a few years, but lovely dry logs in double quick time

Likewise, you have to exercise caution when stacking, though!

 

[MarinePMI]

Yep, it's my greenhouse, no tomatoes for a few years, but lovely dry logs in double quick time

Interesting that you mention your greenhouse; lately I've been diving down the rabbit hole of Walipini's and GAHT systems. Pretty amazing how much information is out there about geothermal and thermal batteries for green houses (especially the sunken ones like Walipini's).

 

[Swmac]

Theres something very satisfying about splitting your own logs, I had a leisurely aftertnoon today doing so.. I dry ours in a small east facing open shed.

 

[Lever357]

I have supplied firewood for over ten years. I used to buy in timber, hardwood in the round, ie. in 3m lengths was £45 per ton for a 25 ton load. It started to creep up and for the past few years has been near £100 per ton.

I find kiln dried firewood a difficult concept for a few reasons. The vast majority of kiln dried logs sold in the UK are imported from eastern Europe. If you are using a stove for "green" reasons the delivery mileage on your logs has just blown that reason out the water. Also, Joe Public thinks because they are kiln dried that they will always stay dried. Afraid not, as soon as you store them outside or in a cold, damp shed etc they start to take moisture back in. And if you do use them when they are dry, under 10%, they will burn a lot faster.

Also, most of the kilns used to dry the logs are powered by - more wood!! So, wood is being burnt to make other wood dry!!!
This is certainly the case in the UK and I would hazard a guess that most producers of kiln dried logs in the UK installed their kilns when the Government was giving out RHI payments - so they get paid for the heat they produce whilst running the boiler to dry the logs they are selling! Double whammy!!!

A friend of mine who lives on a farm and has always sourced his own wood fuel from the local forests, could never understand why people would pay a large price for a net of logs at a petrol station or a diy warehouse. Easy I say, it's because it is clean and convenient and just like the rest of their shopping - ooo I need some logs so I'll just pick a bag up. They don't want me turning up and tipping a cubic metre on their driveway no matter how much cheaper it is.

 

[gr cz527]

I have not paid for wood in 6years my gas and electric bills are minimal compared to some. Sounds like scaremongering to me but who knows. Not sure who would enforce such a change. Pic of my cocker chilling!!

 

[Demetrius]

You might have provided a basket for the mutt !

D.

 

[Bo Diddley]

All of my logs are dried for at least 12 months in a weldmesh fronted store, lots of air circulation, then at this time of year the inglenook gets stacked up either side of the woodburner to warm them and drive out a bit of moisture if there is any. I've not managed to burn the house down yet.
I also burn offcuts from the workshop, oak, sapele and idigbo, that stuff chucks out some heat, definitely need to close the dampers down then.

 

[angel eyes]

Yes, they've been around for quite some time.

P

 

[angel eyes]

Mines burning as i post, an aga little wenlock, multi/fuel, fans on top spinning away, i have joiner mate who supplies me with bags of good clean off cuts, which i barter with venison, i also use smokeless coal which can last day and night,

 

[angel eyes]

Tim, (vss) disregard earlier post quoting you, didnt have my glasses on

 

[Will the chippy]

Mines lit as soon as I get in, starting late autumn. We make enough mistakes in the workshop to keep us toasty warm. All kiln dried hardwood, oak, sapele, idigbo etc. it doesn't need much air to burn red hot.

 

[gr cz527]

You might have provided a basket for the mutt !

D.

They prefer their bed under the window!

 

[Klenchblaize]

You might have provided a basket for the mutt !

D.

Christmas tree takes priority - normal service resumes 02/01/26.

K

 

[glasshalffull]

A big proponent of 'hygge' myself

 

[Jon P]

I have found the newer cylindrical wood burner in the new house , to not be as good as the traditional shape one in the previous house- new one has to be stacked in a particular way to get the chimney warm first. The old one was not fussy at all on how it was lite.

 

[Freeforester]

Ready to roll:
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View attachment 449731
K

Start small, feed slowly until a decent amount of embers are created, thereafter add bigger pieces slowly, if economy and efficiency are a thing.