Help with some price info for Cherry wood scraps !!

[Q_Egg]

... please pass along any numbers you may have to help me be fair with a neighbor who just brought me some Cherry scraps (from a cabinetmaker).

These range from 1"x 4" to 4"x 6" and are i" thick. They are smoothly finished, but no stain or other external stuff. My area is high desert and my only other source is bags of Hickory or Mesquite chunks from WalMart.

I want to be really fair with my neighbor, but not cave in and pay way too much. The pile I now have in my garage is probably somewhere between 50 and 80 lbs.

Some of your 'local' costs will really help me put this in perspective. He has indicated somewhere around $50. for the pile. Also, is there any issue I am overlooking in terms of using this 'finished lumber' for my smoking needs??

Thank-you.

 

[roknrandy]

What did the neighbor pay and how much weight was in the scrap pile?

Since this is paid for already didve the cost for what you have until you get more info in the next couple of days.

I'd call a couple of different shops in town and get an idea what they charge.

 

[Q_Egg]

good question, but not easy ... since he has a 'garage' business ...

.... making plaques and other computer-engraved articles. He sorted the load and kept the larger, unsplit, etc. pieces. He is a very decent guy and may be asking a fair price .... I just don't have any reference at all.

I will call a couple of cabinet shops as you suggest .... just hoping for some 'comparative' numbers from Brethren who have purchased some comparable wood recently.

 

[spicewine]

I sell 10 # bags of cherry for $ 10.00. It is a little high, but I buy it from a sheltered work shop in the area and sell it at cost. It gives the handicaped people a job and I have wood for my web site.

 

[Q_Egg]

Hi Jay ! That is a very relevant response and I'm guessing ...

.... that this load is just under $1./lb and delivered to boot! Thank-you very much for responding!

Regards,

 

[BBQchef33]

i paid 50 bucks for half a pickup of oak and cherry, logs, unsplit, that I had to unload and stack.

50 bucks sounds fair, and besides, even if the real cost may be $30, is your relationship/friendship with your neighbor worth 20-30 bucks one way or the other??

If you already have possession, I would just agree to what he asks and research things for next time around.

 

[BBQchef33]

another thing.. and KCquer may be able to chime in, hes the expert withthis stuff..

.. that wood may be kiln dried, which has significantly less moisture content than seasoned logs. That may cause it to burn up alot faster than expected.. Is most likly a moot point for you since u cook on an egg... but a stick burner may jsut eat it up.

just something to keep in mind.

 

[Q_Egg]

Thanks Phil .... Wood 101, page one, chapter one (for me) .... but I'm sure

.... it is kiln dired and we are also in single-digit humidity time here. Your comment sets my expectations better, but with the BGE, it probably won't be an issue. I have weighed out several piles and I'm sure there is 100# +/-.

Many thanks,

 

[kcquer]

Tom, in addition to burning faster, kiln dried wood won't have the flavoring strength that seasoned firewood has. It will give you some flavor, but not like wood that hasn't seen a kiln. Based on that, I would value it a bit less than Spicewine's product. If yout think there's 100# in the pile and your friend will be happy with $50, I would think that a square deal all around.

Congrats on the score!! If you haven't previously used cherry, you're going to love it, especially on everything!!

 

[Q_Egg]

Most helpful men! .... I segregated and weighed out apprx. 125#. At $50. that's about 40 cents/lb.

The flavor comment is also most helpful as I can now add a bit more when I really want to ensure a noticeable effect.

I'm a happy camper and so is my neighbor!

 

[thirdeye]

Tom,

Why don't you introduce your neighbor to the barter system and pay him off in something more valuable than money.... like barbecue? Use a conservative figure like $5 or $6 a pound and hook him up with enough butts and ribs over the next few months to settle the score. When you plan a cook, give him the heads-up a few days before. When you have a fire going anyway, it's easy to cook extra.

 

[BBQchef33]

When you plan a cook, give him the heads-up a few days before. When you have a fire going anyway, it's easy to cook extra.

Not in an Egg.

No room Mod..

Think ya may have to buy 2. :tongue:


I can hear it now.. Q-Egg sayin.. " But Honey.. I HAVE to buy another Egg, so I can pay for my wood. "

 

[thirdeye]

Well Phil, I agree about the limits on room compaired to an offset that has some acreage, but don't forget about the second grate mod. I can do 6 pastrami's or 4 butts, or 4 turkey breasts or 2 briskets using a second grate. 5 racks of ribs will fit in one rack and to spread them out toward the end just requires the second grate. Here are a couple of examples.

 

[Q_Egg]

That's tellin' em !! I'm goin for a 3-tier rack ...

... and there's no end to what I can do ( as long as it's only the family and close friends ) .. heheh!

Good idea about the trading ... I have taken a loaf of bread over a couple of times. He also has a line on some alder and maple scraps so I better plan some bigger cooks.

Phil, I already tried the "2nd BGE" plea and jeopardized several planned interactive extravaganzas. The $50. is a far better alterantive at the moment!

 

[thirdeye]

Phil is right about the room on an Egg, it's their biggest drawback. (until you try to move it without some help ) Without considering another grate, they are smaller than some kettles. He's also right about owning more than one. I have two and many Eggers have more than that.

Tom - If you are building a three story rack, I take it you have seen pictures of Old Dave's rig. He can get more output from an Egg that anyone else I have seen. His baking abilities are unreal too.

 

[Q_Egg]

Yes, Old Dave's pics have me very interested. I saw Weber grates (which will work) at Home Depot today, and threaded 5/16" rod to create the spacers. Yours look interesting, although I would need to have somethng spot welded.

I'm sure you have heard about BGE's new 3-tier system, but it requires a 'shallower' (2-inch high) firering .... total cost $85. I'm going for something like you and Old Dave have done successfully.

 

[The_Kapn]

Monk--OOPs sorry--Tommy,

".... it is kiln dired and we are also in single-digit humidity time here. Your comment sets my expectations better, but with the BGE, it probably won't be an issue. I have weighed out several piles and I'm sure there is 100# +/-."

There is help--look here:

http://understanding_ocd.tripod.com/ocd_medication.html

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

TIM