Replies

1. 
   bones | May 05, 2009 04:42am | #1

   The biggest thing I know is to be sure to keep even spacing on the stack stickers.  The only thing I could think of would be if the drying rate is radically different i.e unever srinkage from the species, but I'm not that knowledgeable on that.  I've done a lot of stacking and stickering, but generall all been the same just for tracking purposes. 

   Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
   If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it.
   And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
   
2. 
   Cincinnati | May 05, 2009 05:49am | #2

   Why couldn't you stack one species next to the other instead of intertwined with each other? If the bottom row were 10" boards, place ash, then elm, then spruce.

   Am I overlooking something?

   Greg

   •••••••

   Exo 35:30-35

1. 
   kenney66 | May 05, 2009 04:14pm | #3

   My thought is that I only want one stack of wood.  Otherwise I would need to buy more material to make the base for each type of wood.  If I have one stack then it is much less time and money.

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | May 05, 2009 04:33pm | #4

   Kenney,

   A few thoughts for you.

   If you plan on air drying all the wood, I would keep the species separate from each other, not necessarily in different stacks.  My inclination would be to put the most moisture resistant species near the bottom; the heaviest near the top for weight to keep the lower layers flat.

   In my experience the wood closest to the ground takes the longest to dry and is more exposed to moisture.  This may have a bearing on which species goes on the bottom.

   I've had very good luck with drying wood in our greenhouse during winter months when it is not used.  It's one of those portable ones with the long arcing aluminum tubes and heavy plastic.  The kit cost about $400.  Another possibility for you.

   Regards,

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

1. 
   bones | May 05, 2009 04:41pm | #5

   Thats a cool idea! Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.

2. 
   Cincinnati | May 05, 2009 08:03pm | #8

   What if you need just some ash for a project? You'd have to go thru the entire stack, sorting and re-stacking.I understand your original question. But I don't have the experience to answer it. Nor do I know anyone who has stickered mixed species together. Since air drying depends on the humidity as well as the amount of circulation, I would guess that there is very little difference in shrinkage with drying times. If this is true, it would not matter if you intermixed species. I'd imagine kiln dryers place different species in their kilns together, but I'd venture to think they are segregated.At times when I am unsure of an answer, I look to change the situation so I am sure of the answer. That's why I made my suggestion. If that possibility doesn't serve you in the long run, someone with more experience is needed. Best regards.Greg

   <!---->•••••••

   Exo 35:30-35<!---->

1. 
   kenney66 | May 05, 2009 08:48pm | #9

   Greg this is just the initial drying stage.  I plan on leaving it stacked outside for year then bringing it inside for the final drying stage.   I think when I bring it inside I will create three different stacks. 

   thanks for your posts too.

1. 
   Ron01960 | May 06, 2009 02:06am | #10

   Seal the ends of all the boards, air flow is important, keep out of the hot sun, the stickers should be dry, cover the top of the stack and keep the sack elevated and level. add weight on top or strap down and keep tightening as needed. the general rule is 1 inch per year. This varies on where you live.enjoy the harvest...!Ron in Peabody

3. 
   dkellernc | May 05, 2009 05:21pm | #6

   Kenney - I cut and dry a fair amount of my own lumber (chainsaw lumber mill).  It makes absolutely zero difference whether you mix species in a particular layer or stack.  What matters is that you correctly sticker the stack, that the foundation's straight, level and square, and that the boards in a particular layer are of consistent thickness (within reason - you just don't want to place 2" boards in the same layer as 1" boards - the discrepancy can allow the stack to "list" to one side).

   Also, realize that you must leave at least 1/2" or so between the boards in a particular layer - poor air circulation will rapidly mildew your boards.

   Finally, I haven't had much luck with the piece of roofing tin or outdoor plywood setting on top of the stack as a rain shield.  That seems to let too much sun/wind into the stack and excessively checks the boards.  Instead, I use a heavy-duty tarp "tent", with a layer of stickers on the top boards to keep the tarp from resting directly on the top boards, the tarp, and water-filled plastic milk jugs on the top of the tarp to weight it all down.  The sides of the "tent" are staked out so that there's a good 18" between the tarp edges and the ground to ensure good air circulation.

1. 
   kenney66 | May 05, 2009 07:55pm | #7

   Excellent reply.  I did most of what you said already.  Just need to tweek the placement of the tarp.  Thanks a lot for the reply.