So I called my wife to say I have massive wood...

JethroVA · July 2014

She was less than impressed. Maybe you guys will be more impressed. Photos below. I went out to my parents' farm today and they pointed me to a massive red oak that a storm took out. I included my big Jethro head for size comparison. At least 4 ft in diameter. Tree that is. Question for you cut-your-own-wood guys... How long to dry? Any issues with red oak which does not have a pleasant smell when fresh cut? Splits great which made it my preferred wood for my high school firewood business (funded snow skiiing). Bark on vs. bark off? Enlighten me oh wood meisters of the forum... p.s. if anyone is in central VA or wants to come to central VA you can have all you want. Wood that is. location: Hanover County, VA very close to Patrick Henry's home, Scotchtown.

Jeremiah · July 2014

Hey man I thought you were mr. Bean? :-t

DMW · July 2014

IMHO, it doesn't matter. Green, cured, bark on, bark off. Just wait til the smoke smells good before you cook on it. Green wood will take longer to clear than dry wood.

travisstrick · July 2014

I'm no expert but I've heard that one year makes good firewood and I heard a bbq guy from pitmasters talk about 3 year aged wood as a point of pride.

hapster · July 2014

LOL

DMW · July 2014

If I were using it as the only fuel source (stick burner offset) my opinion would be different. Dried for at least a year for sure. In the egg just a bit is added to the primary fuel source, so I don't think it matters that much. Of course, there is a very good chance I am wrong, I haven't tried it yet. I will be in the next few weeks with green wood just to see.