Inconsistent elm splitting

[dwasifar]

I picked up a bunch of American elm trunk sections, 20" to maybe 28" diameter, from a Craigslist ad. They'd been lying outside for about three years according to the homeowner.

Splitting them was odd. Most of it was typical elm, tough and stringy. But sometimes certain areas of a section would split much easier, popping apart like maple. At first I thought it was just the angle I was coming in at - with the rings instead of against them - but not all of it could be explained that way.

The easy areas don't look or feel any different than the tough ones. The wood doesn't look punky or feel light or spongy. Did I get these pieces in the very early stages of decay, or what?

 

[Whitespider]

Like yes... the fibers have begun to decay.
If the wood looks and feels OK it'll burn great... perfect timing to strike a balance between splittin' and burnin'.

 

[dwasifar]

Exactly the answer I was hoping for. Thanks.

 

[dwasifar]

Like yes... the fibers have begun to decay.
If the wood looks and feels OK it'll burn great... perfect timing to strike a balance between splittin' and burnin'.

You were so right. I've been burning this wood all winter and you can just about light it with a match. Some of the best firewood I've ever had.

 

[Dogsout]

I am always consistent with Elm. I consistently leave it alone.

 

[rancher2]

I am always consistent with Elm. I consistently leave it alone.

I have to agreed. I past the elm logs I cut in the pasture to other wood burners or they go to the burn piles.

 

[Sawdust inspector]

I don't pass up an elm. Splits like crap but keeps the house. Lots around here dead already. Tuff to keep up to along with the ash. 1/2 or better can go right in the fireplace. I love it.

 

[Wood Doctor]

Let the green elm rounds sit for six months until the bark starts falling off. Then it splits rather nicely. I've run into ash that's tougher to split than elm--not all the time but now and then.

 

[Ironworker]

I had a bunch of elm once, I had to keep a small hatchet close by to finish the split, PIA, but I remember how it burned so I guess it was worth it.

 

[blades]

I like Elm, I have had straight gained stuff splits ok and then twisted like like a big hauser rope fought me every inch of the way.

 

[Gypo Logger]

I think American Elm is also known as pith elm aka piss elm. Pretty soggy stuff when green, but major btu's when dry.
John

 

[Full Chisel]

I've had the same experience with elm, it seems like it either busts right open or you just have to wail on it. It can be tough to handle but it sure burns good.

 

[sbhooper]

Elm makes my splitter groan, but once you get it split, it works great in my big furnace. I will take all that I can get.

 

[nk14zp]

Elm is best noodled.

 

[Davej_07]

I get a fair amount of elm around here. I've found that taking my angle grinder and "sharpening" the wedge on my speeco let's it cut through rather than tear through and that makes a huge difference. I'm not saying its perfect but there was a noticeable difference.

Dave