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Title: Firewood
Post by: angelwolf326 on Sep 28, 04, 10:37:05 AM
Can anyone recommend a place to get wood and what kind is best to get??

Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: TableMtn on Sep 28, 04, 11:59:28 AM
Hardwood, like oak is better than softwood like pine.  Cottonwood and other "ashy" woods have a tendency to creosote up your chimney.  
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: jstunu on Sep 28, 04, 02:07:41 PM
I have used eucalyptus for years (15+) and have a great guy down the hill who delivers a solid cord when ordered.  Let me know if you want his name.  My cord, just delivered was 235.00 but was stove wood  which usually runs a little more than regular size.
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: ezzpete on Sep 29, 04, 02:52:17 AM
here's a helpful link

http://www.woodheat.org/firewood/firewood.htm

when you buy wood it's good to see it when it's stacked. the locals i've delt with like to guesstimate how much to give you, kinda like going to a butcher and buying 200 bucks worth of meat, but he doesn't want to bother weighing it.

also don't let them tell you that small branches "burn just as good as split wood", 'cause they don't. do some research and get what you paid for. wood selling can be kind of a flim flam adventure, if the sellers know your inexperianced.
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: shmonsta on Sep 29, 04, 04:52:07 AM
Hey there,

I'm not real experienced with wood purchasing, but I have found that having a "mix" of wood helps.  The oak wood is GREAT...burns hot and long.  But if you're trying to get the fire going you can't start out with the oak or your fire will peter-out.  I don't care for the pine either (for the beginning of the fire after the kindling) as it has a high sap content that will apparently build up on the inside of your chimney-potentially causing a chimney fire.  I'm not sure what the best larger light wood for starting a fire would be...but it is something to look into.  Good luck!  I'll check back in to see if anyone has any suggestions.   ::)

Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: dragongirl on Sep 29, 04, 07:48:46 AM
We have a wood burning free standing fireplace which is our only heat really.  We have found FAT STICKS from Plow and Hearth.  They work really good you only need two and alot less paper to get it going.  A 10 lb box cost us $10.50 on sale.  Its better than scrap construction wood and lasts a long time.  If you want more info IM me.  You are right you should burn a mixture of wood.
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: angelwolf326 on Sep 29, 04, 11:06:02 AM
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: angelwolf326 on Sep 29, 04, 11:07:37 AM
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: angelwolf326 on Sep 29, 04, 11:08:23 AM
Thanks for all the help everyone!

Can anyone recommend a chimney sweep?  This is my fourth winter and I've never had the fireplaces done, I should do them yes?

Thanks,
Danna
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: angelwolf326 on Sep 29, 04, 11:12:45 AM
Quote
here's a helpful link

http://www.woodheat.org/firewood/firewood.htm

when you buy wood it's good to see it when it's stacked. the locals i've delt with like to guesstimate how much to give you, kinda like going to a butcher and buying 200 bucks worth of meat, but he doesn't want to bother weighing it.

also don't let them tell you that small branches "burn just as good as split wood", 'cause they don't. do some research and get what you paid for. wood selling can be kind of a flim flam adventure, if the sellers know your inexperianced.


This is a great site!!!

Thanks alot!

Danna
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: Tammy on Sep 30, 04, 07:10:07 AM
also be careful that its not from a fire area or rather certain fire areas,alot of the wood has fire retardent on it from being dropped via planes and it just likes to smoulder forever,once it does light you've used a months worth of kindling. :o
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: TableMtn on Sep 30, 04, 12:02:17 PM
Quote


Can anyone recommend a chimney sweep?  This is my fourth winter and I've never had the fireplaces done, I should do them yes?


I can't make a recommendation because I am not from the WW area (I used one from Palmdale last year for my chimney).  However--YES, you should get them cleaned AND make sure it is someone that has a remote camera that can inspect the flue for cracks and breaks in the mortar.  These can be the start of a nasty chimney fire.  We only paid 30-40 dollars for our for both the cleaning and inspection.  
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: RennMan on Oct 02, 04, 05:32:17 AM
For Chimney Sweeps...

High Desert Chimney Sweep, in Apple Valley

(760) 247-4958

They are also the local SolaTube dealers.  Which I heartily recommend, if you want a cool skylight.
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: AntiFltLndrs on Oct 02, 04, 06:06:16 AM
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: angelwolf326 on Oct 10, 04, 06:12:35 PM
I called Tony and got a quote of $140 per fireplace.  Can't afford that!!  Too my knowledge Pine has never been burnt in my fireplace at least not for the last 3 years.  I have got a few of those self cleaning logs and will use them unless I can find a chimney sweep more reasonable...
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: las on Oct 11, 04, 02:58:30 PM
Call Wane Henopp. 249-3021. He lives Xstreet from MHP.   Then save your pennies and purchase a fireplace insert from Bart at Country Oak and Stove.  You wont have to worry about cracks in the old brick or mortar because they will run a stainless steel 6" round flew to the top of your chimney.  With a new insert you will get your money back on reduced wood use and it is fast and easy (less expensive) to have the chimney cleaned.  Not to mention that an insert will not suck the warm air out of your house like a conventional fireplace.
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: angelwolf326 on Oct 12, 04, 03:04:54 AM
Thanks Las, I appreciate your help.  I can't wait to try your spaghetti!!!  I'm so jazzed you added to your already great menu!!!  This week I will try it....

Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: klquinn on Oct 16, 04, 08:00:04 AM
We just got our hearth heater install a couple of weeks ago.  We were going to go to Country Oak & Stove until I priced them out and a place in San Bernardino was $1,000 less for the same stove. They were very nice and very accomodating.  Regency was/is having a sale where you get the blower for free (about $250ish).  LOVE our stove! We go the whole evening on two logs.
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: ezzpete on Oct 16, 04, 01:28:06 PM
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: Stitches on Oct 16, 04, 01:38:14 PM
What's a hearth heater?     I'd like to get an insert too.    In the spring of 2003 I noticed a crack in the back of our fireplace.   We could actually push the brick where it is cracked.    In the fall of last year I had the fireplace cleaned by our local chimney sweep and he didn't say anything about the crack.    We were afraid to use it all last winter because of the crack.   I had visions of the heat and the fire setting something behind the brick on fire.    Will the insert work in my case?

I miss my fireplace.

Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: klquinn on Oct 17, 04, 03:02:11 AM
We got the Regency H2100 Hearth Heater with the gold door and black faceplate and it was $1689.  The blower was free with their sale.  The piping was another $425 and the install was $425.  We wanted the insert but the inside box of our fireplace is too small so we had to get the hearth heater instead.  It's more than the insert by about $300 I think.  It looks like a wood stove that sits on the hearth and all the piping goes up the existing chimney.  The insert goes inside the fireplace and the only thing you see is the door.  Looks like this
http://www.lehmans.com/jump.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&iProductID=552


The great thing about the hearth heater is you get heat from all three sides rather than just the door.  You can also use the top as a cooking surface.  We went to San Bernardino Fireplace & Woodstove Specialties.  I found them to be nicer than Country Oak & Stove.  Personal opinion! Their number is 909-862-1330.  They are getting into the busy season so installs are getting further out. Ours was about a week.  Good luck and enjoy those fires!
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: TableMtn on Oct 17, 04, 09:39:33 AM
Since the heater itself actually sits on the hearth, do you have to put anything on the floor below it to meet county code clearances?  We want to go with an insert but that will be a winter or two down the road as we are still paying for the new roof, water tank, and booster pump....  That's what happens when you buy the fixer upper in the neighborhood.  :P
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: ezzpete on Oct 19, 04, 03:24:33 PM
during the summer i replaced all my single paned, aluminum framed windows, with duel pane, vynal windows. now that it's cooler i can really feel the differance.

but now when i have the fireplace going the whole house has a smokey smell. could it be that the seal is so much tighter in the house now, that the draft sucking the smoke up the chimeny isn't working so good? it didn't smell smokey like this before.
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: ezzpete on Oct 22, 04, 07:59:07 AM
Quote
during the summer i replaced all my single paned, aluminum framed windows, with duel pane, vynal windows. now that it's cooler i can really feel the differance.

but now when i have the fireplace going the whole house has a smokey smell. could it be that the seal is so much tighter in the house now, that the draft sucking the smoke up the chimeny isn't working so good? it didn't smell smokey like this before.


yes pete! that's the problem!! here's a link that'll help.

http://www.woodheat.org/technology/openfire.htm

and another

http://www.mudomaha.com/naturalgas/backdraft.html



Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: angelwolf326 on Oct 22, 04, 10:42:41 AM
Well my wood just got dropped off and now I have a huge pile of wood to stack... You think the guy would have stacked it for me... UGH... Any tips on stacking the wood?  All the same way or opposite.... Help....  Guess what I'm doing tonite on Friday night...   >:(
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: ezzpete on Jan 23, 05, 05:51:41 PM
We just got our hearth heater install a couple of weeks ago. We were going to go to Country Oak & Stove until I priced them out and a place in San Bernardino was $1,000 less for the same stove. They were very nice and very accomodating. Regency was/is having a sale where you get the blower for free (about $250ish). LOVE our stove! We go the whole evening on two logs.

about a month ago i went to San Bernardino Fireplace and Wood Stoves, just to get an idea what an insert would cost. they had one Country Wood Stove insert on close out. it was about 600 dollers off regular price, and came with a fan. the only thing i wouldn't have picked is a gold plated door, but that's what they had.



Title: Firewood
Post by: tinkbellblonde on Jan 25, 05, 03:01:28 PM
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: ezzpete on Jan 26, 05, 05:59:57 AM
that was the way about 50% of the firewood i bought last year from local sources burned. they don't let it dry long enough before they sell it, and give you a bunch of branches that are too small to split and don't burn good either.

i think the best way to buy wood is probably in the spring or summer, stack it and let it dry over the summer. if you buy in the winter, you'll probably get fresh split wood.

last year there was always a guy with a trailer full of wood sitting by Jensens, you could smell that it was just split from about 1/4 mile away.
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: Hillbillies on Jan 26, 05, 06:15:57 AM
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: ezzpete on Feb 06, 05, 06:05:23 PM

i'm so stoked, today i got my insert put in, it works REALLY good. and looks great gold door and all!



(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-1/935223/insert.jpg)
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: ezzpete on Feb 06, 05, 09:28:39 PM
Congratz to you, Pete on your new addition.    :2thumbsup:

thanks , when i moved up here with my flatlander ways, i thought inserts ruined a fireplace. then i learned! my big old open fire place woud easily burn 3 milk crates heaped full of wood in about 3-4 hours, and did almost nothing to warm the cabin.

today i've had a fire for about 10 hours, and only used 1 1/2 crates of wood. at times it was way to warm in here too. it seems like this insert is more efficient than the forced air heater, which cost me more than 2x as much.

i can definatly recommend going this way for anyne whos not sure. but i also have to say you'd probably want both, since the fire's gonna go out during the night, at least to warm the place up before you get a fire started
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: RennMan on Feb 07, 05, 09:04:17 PM
We had a Country woodstove in our home in Newark (SF Bay Area), and we loved it!  Heated the house quite well, even though it didn't get nearly as cold as it does here.  Although it did bake us out of the house a few times!

One of the things we looked for, when we moved here, was a house with a woodstove, or a fireplace we could put an insert into.  We found our home with woodstove, and even an electric fan, to distribute the heat faster.

Years ago, I did a college term paper on fireplaces and woodstoves.  The efficiency ratings of the stoves have gotten even better than when I researched for the paper, over 20 years ago.  I'm convinced that a woodstove or insert is the way to go!
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: ezzpete on Apr 04, 05, 10:13:55 PM
WOW! since i had this insert installed my gas bill has gone to almost non-existant. my bill went from 134 bucks for december,using gas only, to under 19 for march, using 95% wood, and just using gas to warm the house in the mornings, before the wood gets going.

Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: ForestGal on Apr 04, 05, 10:59:38 PM
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: ezzpete on Apr 05, 05, 06:33:06 AM
well, there's the catch! buying firewood. i already had about 1.5-2 cords that i chopped last year. some i got when the USFS was having a wood sale in Azuza Cyn. some i got from freinds up north. i split a bunch for them one time when i went to visit, and they loaded about 1/3 cord in my truck.

i think that hardwood probably goes for 200 hundred a cord, maybe less in the middle of the summer, pine would be less. the USFS was selling 4 cords for 25 bucks in Arrowhead last year.

i think part of the cost savings is because with the insert my house is sealed better. with the old open fireplace, lots of heat went up the opening. also when i had an open fireplace i was afraid to leave it unattended for even a few minutes, and the fire had to be out before i went to bed. with the insert i can have a ragging fire going and leave the house.
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: klquinn on Apr 05, 05, 08:39:14 AM
Love the picture of your insert! We put a hearth heater in last fall and our gas bill has been very low all winter.  With the ceiling fans going we sometimes have to crack the windows to cool the house down.  When we're home during the day we have a fire all day, otherwise we light one in the evening.  Love it! You really can't go wrong with an insert or hearth heater.  with the big doors you still have the blazing fire to look at.

About firewood...We bought a cord of mixed wood from Langes in the fall-about $200ish delivered. Don't remember the exact price.  About a month ago we got another 1/4 cord...that's all he had. VERY hard wood and sometimes difficult to keep burning. Now I see an ad in the paper for avocado and eucalyptus.  How does this wood burn? Anyone ever bought from this guy?  949 #...not sure where that is.
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: ladybug on Apr 05, 05, 09:48:03 AM
avocado and eucalyptus burn real good. avocado burns alittle faster than eucalptus and smells real good. we bought some avocado from a guy a couple of years ago. All I remember is he had a 909 area code.
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: Wildman on Apr 05, 05, 02:41:51 PM
There is a gentleman below Phelan Road on Sheep Creek who has several hundred cord of orange wood.  You might be able to negotiate a good price on several cord for next year.  Look for the hand painted sign on the right with firewood and phone number.
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: KWBoy on Apr 05, 05, 02:51:17 PM
949 is in orange county its one of the new area codes down there...
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: james6000 on Apr 05, 05, 02:56:56 PM
I still have approx. 1.5 cord of jeffrey pine for sale if anybody is interested,
$100.
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: c._smith on Apr 07, 05, 08:08:30 AM
I am interested.  Where may I reach you?  my # is 249-3991
C. smith
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: james6000 on Jul 07, 05, 01:26:18 PM
my firewood is still for sale, reduced to $85, see my ad in the
general classifieds for contact info, jim
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: RNgiveTLC on Jul 07, 05, 05:06:22 PM
What is an insert for the fireplace? How would I know if we have one.  TY

Donna
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: KWBoy on Jul 07, 05, 06:47:20 PM
Insert for fire place  http://www.lehmans.com/jump.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&iProductID=552
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: ForestGal on Jul 07, 05, 07:07:36 PM
Cool FunkyG!  How do you do those link thingys?  I barely know how to turn this thing on and look at stuff!
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: angiepoo on Jul 07, 05, 10:18:31 PM
Or go to Country Oaks and Stoves.  That's where we got ours.  Works great and the wood lasts longer.  Place is in Victorville right next to the freeway.
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: KWBoy on Jul 07, 05, 10:38:55 PM
yea they are supose to work like wood stoves or what ever you call them. For the link i just copy and paste the linkyou dont need to do the    (http://)
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: KWBoy on Dec 12, 05, 07:54:58 AM
Ok last night we had a fire going and we were watching tv and all of a sudden we heard a big boom (it sounded like a bomb) the windows  by the fire place rattled and we looked over there was a huge flame going for like 15 seconds then the flame went back to normal... the question is why did it explode? do we have explosive firewood? or is this normal?
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: ezzpete on Dec 12, 05, 09:45:00 AM
Ok last night we had a fire going and we were watching tv and all of a sudden we heard a big boom (it sounded like a bomb) the windows  by the fire place rattled and we looked over there was a huge flame going for like 15 seconds then the flame went back to normal... the question is why did it explode? do we have explosive firewood? or is this normal?

it was probably sap burning, it's like gasoline.
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: MerlinsPage on Dec 12, 05, 10:03:22 AM
Howdy folks,
   Just to note, a cord of wood is suppost to be 4' by 4' by 8'.
Its kind of hard to measure, but basicly 128 cubic feet, so I suggest eyeballing the truck load on delivery. Smoking wood is greenwood, still full of water and gives a lousy burn. I store my wood under the deck  with a 3" layer of barked limbs to avoid moisture. Hearth heaters work but the unvented ones can cause a problem with low burn ash. Folks on Phelon road sell at a good discount, but watch for greenwood. I keep my greenwood separate and tag the date with crayon on an end piece. A fella named tony lives in Phelon and gives 5 cord for 400.00 if you can afford it. He's honest and is well worht the time.     
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: MazzyStar on Dec 12, 05, 10:07:08 AM
How do we find Tony in Phelan?
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: Wildman on Dec 18, 05, 08:59:18 PM
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: rhixster on Dec 18, 05, 11:18:12 PM
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: Wrightwood on Oct 10, 08, 10:44:50 AM
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: stickchick on Oct 15, 08, 07:37:19 PM

I see that that the original quest for firewood on the forum is a few years old, so I am going to pose the question for winter 08'.  My firewood guy has gone up considerably in price this year, and I was wondering if any of you could give me a name, number, and an estimate on what you have paid for wood this year.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Firewood
Post by: Wrightwood on Oct 15, 08, 10:02:59 PM
Check this topic:
Where can I buy Firewood?

http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php/topic,3999.90.html