Newbie to using a woodburner

Davesnave

suisidevw wrote: »

As with ALL woods, season properly and sap/resin won't be an issue, soft OR hard!

This is true, but the problem for the OP may be that they lack the storage space, and kiln dried etc is expensive.

I have now used around 6 suppliers in my area, and I've yet to receive a load of logs that are immediately usable. This is no problem, as I now have plenty of storage, reserves and early summer deliveries, but at first it was a real headache.

cyclonebri1

suisidevw wrote: »

As with ALL woods, season properly and sap/resin won't be an issue, soft OR hard!

It is an issue if the fire is under waranty and you don't want to invalidate that by going against the fine print.

Yes I too think it's a load of balls but it does state that in certain manf literature.

Anyway, unless the OP answer the flue issue it's academic anyway.;)

suisidevw

You think someone can 'prove' that a stove has been run on softwood instead of hardwood? Hardwoods hold sap and resin too!

silverwhistle

Nothing wrong with non-hardwoods, what do you think they burn in Scandinavia and North America? But as pointed out it has to be dry..

At the moment Aldi/Lidl? have moisture meters in stock, so hurry along there. Get yourself a grenade woodsplitter from Aldi if you're going to process wood. I used mine to split a 30 cm diameter 50cm long stump of Leylandii the other day, and it had been de-barked, removing much of the resin. Their cheapie axe has also been good enough for my purposes of splitting wood, even if a posh Swedish brand would be nice. A decent size bow saw is also very useful for wood you'll likely start to scavenge from the neighbours when they tidy up their gardens...

I've been collecting wood for a year before getting my stove last month and I haven't paid any money yet. You might want to get some briquettes for standby use. They're very low moisture and easy to store: I've tested the Verdo ones from Home Bargains and they certainly pumped out the heat.

Fruittea

I'd just like to add that depending on what part of the country you're in you might also be able to support a charity or good cause. I get my wood from the Cotswold canal trust - they need to keep the canal banks clear and all the funds go to the charity. I'm sure there are similar arrangements with the Woodland trust etc and local land owners. So it can work out quite well.

cyclonebri1

suisidevw wrote: »

You think someone can 'prove' that a stove has been run on softwood instead of hardwood? Hardwoods hold sap and resin too!

Don't shoot me, I'm the messenger, I thought I'd made my view clear, I too would ignore it.

But should I ignore telling the OP what exists in some small print??, It doesn't matter what I think, or you for that matter.

andrewf75

silverwhistle wrote: »

I've been collecting wood for a year before getting my stove last month and I haven't paid any money yet. .

Good idea. I want to get a stove but can't afford it for this winter. Might start collecting though

suisidevw

Definitely start collecting. Using a stove properly and regularly will need a good volume of well seasoned wood. I'm currently sitting on probably 10c/m which will do us for 3 years. Each year I then bring in a couple few cube and will then use it a few years labour - properly seasoned with wind, rain and sun allowed to do their thing!

tony6403

And don't buy one of those presses to make briquettes from old paper.
I did and the "fuel" produced is next to worthless.

tired_dad

Before you do anything get a chimney sweep to check it, sweep it and give you a certificate.

While they are there ply them for info. The woodburning fraternity are good hearted people who will always help.