• working on DNS.. links may break temporarily.

Affordable wood?

C

CustomBBQ

Knows what a fatty is.
Joined
Sep 4, 2012
Messages
79
Reaction score
16
Points
0
Location
New Bedford, MA
Hey people, hope everyone is doing well. I was wondering where I can purchase wood for a reasonable price. I've been buying smaller bags of chips and chunks from Lowes and Benny's etc, but I'd like to buy more so I can stock up a bit. Does anyone have suggestions? I also have access to a chainsaw if there is some way for me to get my hands on a large piece of wood. Any info on this is greatly appreciated.

Peace
 
I just cut my own. You could talk to some tree trimmers in your area. I'm sure anybody who sells firewood would have some good oak and maybe hickory that they would sell you by the truckload for a hundred bucks or so-sure would beat paying $8 for a bag with a handful of little wood chunks in it.
 
You can also check your local wood mills, around here 90% of the alder is chipped for paper or hog fuel, very easy to get all you want(within reason) just by asking.
 
Check with the arborist (tree trimmers). I've had nicely trimmed pieces and mulch put right in my front yard just by asking when they were working on my neighbor's trees. Also, keep an eye on the curb - I've gotten nice sized pieces from the church when tree there were trimmed and often, if your neighbors trim up you can get wood right in the area.
I have a stickburner so larger pieces have been my scores..but it you are using a smaller cooker with chunks or chips you can really do well with trimmed limbs and cut them into chunks with a chop saw.
 
I have seen ads on craigslist and similar local sites for wood. I got lucky and found a few old apple and peach trees that needed to be cut down.
 
try craigslist. thats where i scored my cherry. truck load for $75. i just searched CL for split hardwood and there it was. that was even delivered and stacked!
 
I live near an apple orchard that I get free apple wood from. They trim every winter and whenever there's storm damage, they also have a lot of wood to go through. If you have any orchards near you, check with them.



OR......you could go HERE. They have a great "ship to store" option so you don't have to pay shipping, but just go to your nearest store and pick it up.
 
Having access to a bandsaw will do wonders. It will allow you to cut into bite sized chunks.
 
Man, this forum is great, haha. Thanks so much for everyones input! Wampus, one of those stores is about 16 miles from me, not too bad if I want to go that route. Good to know.

I do have at least 4 or 5 apple orchards around me, I'll have to get on the phone real soon, haha. I'd love to get some more apple wood.

Peace
 
I just follow a local logger. He'll drag out a hickory for me to cut for all the BBQ he can eat!
 
Hey, I have another question for you guys. If I am able to get some freshly cut wood, is there a way to expedite the drying process? Also, if you just wait for it to dry, how long does that typically take? Let's say that it's cut into chunks already. Thanks in advance.

Peace
 
There are a few neighborhoods I drive through after a storm hits. I just pick up the branches that come down. Usually people even have it trimmed up and on the side of the road with the recycling. It's the only good thing about a nor'easter.
 
Don't forget your own yard. I have a big live oak that I prune every January, to keep it ready for ice storms and severe thunderstorms. I use a chop saw to make wood chunks for the WSM.

CD
 
CustomBBQ said:
Hey, I have another question for you guys. If I am able to get some freshly cut wood, is there a way to expedite the drying process? Also, if you just wait for it to dry, how long does that typically take? Let's say that it's cut into chunks already. Thanks in advance.

Peace
Click to expand...

if you cut the wood into 2" thick by 2" wide by 3" tall pieces it will be ready to use in 4 weeks, by my experience. If you need splits for an offset it will take any where from 8 months to 3 years depending on the species.
 
I've had exceptional luck by putting the word out that I wanted cooking wood. I now have a guy at the power company that drops stuff off once on a while and several requests to cut down apple trees. After having the Lang for less than a year I've probably dropped 10 apple trees and should be good for a while. Also some tree trimmers stockpile the good stuff to sell.
 
Can anyone tell me what kind of tree this is? One got cut down recently and I can take it if I want it, wondering if it's something I can use. I think I might be getting some free hickory too, pumped.

Thanks
 

Attachments

  • IMAG0284.jpg
    IMAG0284.jpg
    67.5 KB · Views: 52
  • IMAG0285.jpg
    IMAG0285.jpg
    53.3 KB · Views: 52
  • IMAG0286.jpg
    IMAG0286.jpg
    36.2 KB · Views: 52
Maple or sycamore.

There is a free APP you can download to an I phone called Leafsnap, it uses visual recognition software to help identify tree species from photographs of their leaves.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Headgear
I May Have Ruined Some Wood!
Replies
19
Views
1K
Headgear
Headgear
snadamo
Calling all LSG vertical cabinet offset smoker owners!!! Detailed dimensions request
2
Replies
22
Views
1K
ssv3
ssv3
cayenne
Wood Rack /Storage Questions
Replies
8
Views
596
Callahan-que
Callahan-que
cayenne
Vacuum Sealers: Need Recommendations (Brand, External vs Chamber, Bags)...?
2
Replies
34
Views
2K
cayenne
cayenne
cayenne
How much wood per session through free flow Blue Smoke Smoker offset?
Replies
9
Views
2K
PGarSD
P
Back
Top