Help with woodpile ID?

[ShadowDriver]

Checked the previous Wood ID threads... looks like some Oak?

Anyone help a brother?

Many thanks.

 

[landarc]

I'd bet oak, based on the bark

 

[Fwismoker]

Same here, my first instinct was oak but could be ash

 

[landarc]

http://http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/distinguishing-red-oak-from-white-oak/

Go to this link, scroll to end grain section, you'll see oak end grain, only oak will have this pattern. If you see the vascular bundles between the grain rings, you have oak.

 

[ShadowDriver]

I'd bet oak, based on the bark

That's what my comparison of these bits and a couple other "Wood ID" posts lead me to believe... still wanted to get a couple of other opinions.

Appreciate the help.

 

[Fwismoker]

Yea looking again most definitely could be ash. I've burnt plenty of ash though...no problem

 

[Big Swole]

http://http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/distinguishing-red-oak-from-white-oak/

Go to this link, scroll to end grain section, you'll see oak end grain, only oak will have this pattern. If you see the vascular bundles between the grain rings, you have oak.

Why is the link not working for me?

 

[ShadowDriver]

There's a colon missing in the link (but not in the text that leads to the link).

http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/distinguishing-red-oak-from-white-oak/

 

[Fwismoker]

http://www.wood-database.com/

I'll take some pics tomorrow if you want of some weathered ash but it's remarkable similar.

 

[Rocky Branch BBQ]

I've burnt a lot of oak and that's what it looked like to me. Red, white, pin, post ,black Jack??? Not sure just looks like an oak.

 

[landarc]

The bark could be ash, or young elm. But, the cross section wood will tell the story. Oak has a distinctive cross section appearance. Given the NM location, I'm doubtful it could be elm. Ash is possible, but, easily discernible from oak.

 

[Shagdog]

I agree with Landarc... You'll need to look at the grain up close to know if it's oak. Nothing else looks like oak grain.

The first step I would take is to figure out what is native to the area of New Mexico you are in. Yea, it looks like green ash, some maple, oak and elm to me, but I'm in the Midwest. I'm betting the trees that grow where you are are completely different though...

 

[Fwismoker]

Arizona ash seems like the safe bet

 

[BobBrisket]

That's oak. I'm pretty sure. With your location in NM, it has to be. I've purchased, burned, cut, enough of it too. The piece without the bark is the convincing one. I will also bet those splits are dense and heavy even as seasoned as they are. That is some good stuff right there. The confirmation will be the smoke and smell. Oak produces a more aromatic smoke than ash. Up there with hickory.

 

[Q Junkie]

I say it's Oak. Now turn it to ash.

 

[ShadowDriver]

Thanks, folks. I'll need to take a snapshot of the "other" woodpile I inherited with this house... stuff doesn't look as nice for smoking, but this one looked promising for when I can get a stick burner in here.

Sure do appreciate your time and effort.

 

[landarc]

In my opinion, and it's been decades since I drove a stick burner, that wood looks to seasoned to be more than kindling in a smoker. There's a sweet spot for burning wood for cooking, much over two years and your wood burns so hot and clean, there's no sweetness to the smoke.

There's probably no scientific basis for that statement, but, the old Okie man who taught me BBQ, he taught me that too.

 

[Fwismoker]

In my opinion, and it's been decades since I drove a stick burner, that wood looks to seasoned to be more than kindling in a smoker. There's a sweet spot for burning wood for cooking, much over two years and your wood burns so hot and clean, there's no sweetness to the smoke.

There's probably no scientific basis for that statement, but, the old Okie man who taught me BBQ, he taught me that too.

Oh you're definitely right Bob. I wouldn't say sweetness but it'll definitely lack smoke. I was using my neighbors dry stuff for my block party cook and had to walk home to get some of mine to mix in.