John Neuser
TVWBB Fan
I've got an Apple orchard a few miles away. I think I can get some limb cuttings. Worst case, I'll buy some. Question: how long do they need to dry without overlaying and, should I strip the bark off? Than you
Bark or no bark
- Thread starter John Neuser
- Start date
timothy
TVWBB 1-Star Olympian
I wouldn't strip the bark off unless it had mold or fungus on it, and it also depends if the orchard used pesticides. That's a topical spray which only stays on the bark.
You can also burn that stuff off by adding your chunks to the top of a chimney when lighting your coals.
Tim
You can also burn that stuff off by adding your chunks to the top of a chimney when lighting your coals.
Tim
BFletcher
TVWBB Honor Circle
You might enjoy this, which includes a discussion on bark: http://www.virtualweberbullet.com/woods.html
Dustin Flavell
TVWBB Pro
Couple of years ago I was able to get my hands on two apple trees. The only chunks I stripped the bark on were the ones that were painted. As the wood has dried over the last few years some of the bark has fallen off. I have used both ways with or without and can’t really say I have noticed a difference.
As for dry time I waited a few, maybe 4 months before I started using it. One thing about storing it initially though is to store where the wood chunks get plenty of air. I store some in milk crates and one bunch in an extra Kingsford charcoal caddy I had. The stuff sealed in the caddy molded pretty bad will drying.
Oh and if these are good size trees and you have/use a chain saw to cut your pieces fill the Oiler with vegetable or peanut oil or something like that. Beats using a sawzall and the oil will keep the bar from getting messed up.
As for dry time I waited a few, maybe 4 months before I started using it. One thing about storing it initially though is to store where the wood chunks get plenty of air. I store some in milk crates and one bunch in an extra Kingsford charcoal caddy I had. The stuff sealed in the caddy molded pretty bad will drying.
Oh and if these are good size trees and you have/use a chain saw to cut your pieces fill the Oiler with vegetable or peanut oil or something like that. Beats using a sawzall and the oil will keep the bar from getting messed up.