Red oak drying time

[zemmo]

I've been cutting emory oak, of the red oak sub-genus, down in NM. Man, this stuff is heavy. Also, it's the toughest wood to split I've ever dealt with. Any tips would be appreciated.

I've got some rounds up to about 19" in diameter. One of the locals told me it would take 4 years (!) for them to dry unsplit, and half that if split. Everyone seems to agree that it splits easier when dry. Can it really take that long to dry down in this desert climate? TIA

 

[Freakingstang]

red oak in these parts split pretty easy with a maul for me..
1-1 1/2 years is about what it takes even after split before it is good and dry.

2-3 if not split in decent size rounds. bigger rounds take longer. We have a pretty wet climate, though...

 

[b1rdman]

red oak in these parts split pretty easy with a maul for me..
1-1 1/2 years is about what it takes even after split before it is good and dry.

2-3 if not split in decent size rounds. bigger rounds take longer. We have a pretty wet climate, though...

x2