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[prsmith]

I've been reading here feverishly, but I feel like  I've been dropped into an ocean of info with no lifeboat! I am really grateful to have this resource.

Might you guys be kind enough to relieve some of my ignorance.

Does all of the wood I burn in my OWB need to be split or should I leave some fairly large pieces to slow the rate of burn?  I am happy to split it all if necessary, but I'm not interested in manufacturing un-needed work for myself.

Any guidance on percentages of split to non-split or the sizes of pieces that are kosher would be greatly appreciated!
prs

[johnybcold]

What kind of unit do you have? I have a newer gaser (EPA approved) unit and I think most of use with these might be splitting the wood more, I am only in my second year but in my case it seems like loading is a art form not too many large chucks not too many small. I split into chunks I can pickup without  a lot of effert

[prsmith]

I have a Midwest Outdoor Wood Furnace (http://www.mwoutdoorwoodfurnace.com/750.html ) It is not a gasser. 48" deep firebox. 290 Gallon water capacity.

[jerkash]

I would split anything over 12" one time just because it burns better and is easier for me to handle

[Roger2561]

Because I have a gasser (EPA phase II compliant) I too split everything with exception of the smallish stuff.  I have a healthy mix, as large as 10" to smallest around 3".  This being my second year with it, I learned last heating season that it likes the mix of smaller and larger everytime I service it.  Roger

[HandyMark]

Ultimately it is going to be trial and error for your exact circumstances. If you aren't drawing a lot of heat bigger pieces could be more efficient and get you longer burn times but if you need faster recovery times you will need more surface area and smaller pieces. I have a central boiler 5036 with a slightly smaller firebox. If I can get the wood through the door I don't split it. This is because of the small load I am pulling from it. The larger pieces do not burn as fast so the damper stays open longer meaning less time smoldering. I have on occasion stuffed a 20" round in mine. 

[prsmith]

Thanks, guys! That's helpful.

[MattyNH]

I cant say there is a percentage of wood to split..Its really up to you!..Your the person handling/ lifting  the wood!..So i guess there is really no right or wrong way of doing it..

[prsmith]

MattyNH, I wasn't asking as much from a preferential standpoint as I was from a functional one. In other words, in the experience of those here, am I going to be up a creek without a paddle if I have 12 cords of 10" rounds to burn and nothing split, or does an OWB burn 18" rounds all day without breaking a sweat. I am happy to do the work of splitting if necessary, but I don't want to spend all fall making matchsticks in the backyard if I would have been fine splitting one cord of out of the 12. I am a TOTAL novice, so I was just seeking some wisdom from the vets.

[jerkash]

prsmith - You can't go wrong with this - Use a variety of all sizes.  From a piece 6 inches to a piece as big as you can put in your OWF. 

[MattyNH]

MattyNH, I wasn't asking as much from a preferential standpoint as I was from a functional one. In other words, in the experience of those here, am I going to be up a creek without a paddle if I have 12 cords of 10" rounds to burn and nothing split, or does an OWB burn 18" rounds all day without breaking a sweat. I am happy to do the work of splitting if necessary, but I don't want to spend all fall making matchsticks in the backyard if I would have been fine splitting one cord of out of the 12. I am a TOTAL novice, so I was just seeking some wisdom from the vets.

  Theres no right or wrong way on doing..Whatever you throw in the boiler its gonna burn it! Your making it harder than you think it is..It really boils down to what size wood you want to handle..If you cut a grapple load and never split it..Hey more power to you. You got to lift the wood!...Like jerkash said use a variety of sizes.. Mix it.. Make it easy for yourself... I dont know anyone that splits wood to matchsticks by the way...

[tbone]

You definitely want to have some dry split wood on hand for those times where your fire gets low (get stuck at work late, whatever)...so you can get a rip roaring fire going again with less recovery time.  If you have a lot of coals....and plenty of fire, throw the big stuff in and enjoy the longer burn cycles.  It's very trial and error. I use splits to fill in the gaps around the big stuff as well....to fill the firebox completely, when it gets really cold....you will learn. GL

[rosewood]

I don't think you can go wrong here. 7 cords, 1.5 split,1.5small rounds (under5'' ) 1.5 large rounds 1.5 pine or softwood 1.0scrap wood or construction wood,pin slab. The 7cord is just an example if you use more
Divy it up. Colder nites you'll probably load with larger wood ,warmer days less or lighter load

[d conover]

I used to try to put as big of a chunk in the boiler as I could.  Until my back started hurting.  I don't know about anyone else but at some point when I put the wood in the door I get kind of out of position.

Also with great big chunks you will smash a finger against the frame, I find that somewhat unenjoyable, especially since the likelihood of it happening goes up as the temperature goes down....

[tbone]

Hd5,
I know what you mean...I average one black fingernail per season from loading my stove. Thought I was doing good last season...but got one at the end of March.