Firewood Moisture Content (have Meter)

[toolhawk]

Hey I bought one of those moisture meters , my 1 year old split Birch reads 8-11 percent , have some big Cherry split logs(2 full cords) that were cut green in July that read 22% , My ? is what is the # I am looking for as a minimun ??? , I no at 22% the cherry will not burn for crap which is fine I won't need it til next winter . Thanks
Ray

 

[olyman]

have heard both 17--and 18--i do it by feel on my face---

 

[PA. Woodsman]

Many times I've read that "seasoned" wood is considered to be 25% or less. I'd try a couple of pieces of that Cherry and see how it burns. It probably will be okay. Good luck!

 

[Sprig]

!ooooooo 23% moisture in 1 yr seasoned cherry??? how many beer ta get me a load up here, seriously though, if its one of the two prong doo-hickeys remember that you'll get some higher surface measurements due to relative humidity (and I do not mean your cousin sue), want an accurate reading (sort of) split the piece and check the inside wood, you'll get a beter idea of content. Next, (I think some said this earlier), build a fire and throw a piece on and see how it burns.... Low smoke? Steam? (don't confuse em now), creosote build-up, all will give you indications of how ready your wood is. Alot will depend on how hot you like to burn too, a hotter fire will eat up stuff too dry (I am talkin soft woods here btw, we don't get the nice oaks etc much here, 'cept arbutus) but will also more completely burn greener wood (more efficiently I guess). Many cities now monitor smoke for excess particulates I hear, due to too many folks burnin' before its time, cold yuppie smog imo lol. All been covered before too several times (search). Personally I try not to burn greener stuff if I can help it, nor too dry either (poof gone), or myself too, find the happy spot, it takes practice but the wife will be very happy not to have clothes that smell like jerkey (which I like 'cause it makes me hungry).
My inane 0.02$ worth of the evening thrown once again on the fires of the dogs, all puns were intentional, at least the ones I know about.