Why set up spacers when stacking wood?

[JBritt]

I have noticed in everyone's picks, when they are stacking their milled wood they are putting wood spacers in between the pieces of lumber.  Why is this?  Is it so the wood can dry?  Still new here, so bare with me on the moronic questions.  :-[

[Bibbyman]

You got it. 

Without the space to let air circulate, the wood will mold and stain and eventually rot.   This process will start in a matter of a few days in hot, humid conditions.

[Dave Shepard]

That's not a moronic question. Nobody should be afraid to ask any question here. ;) Well, if you ask if you should take up grit eating as a hobby, you're on your own. :D

[JBritt]

That's not a moronic question. Nobody should be afraid to ask any question here. ;) Well, if you ask if you should take up grit eating as a hobby, you're on your own. :D

Hahaha! I am not sure what you mean by grit, I'm thinking that is a northern term for dirt...but we do eat grits down here in Ga.  No I'm not afraid, just don't want to tarnish the craft.  Didnt have a father growing up so I've never had anyone to teach me mechanics or any type of trade.  My new father in law is working with me though.  He always has weird expressions on his face sometimes when I ask questions.  Then when I think about what I asked it makes me wonder as well.  He always asks "how does someone with two college degrees not know how to figure out angles?" I always say "I skipped school that day SIR!"

[thecfarm]

They are called stickers and are an inch square for the most part.You want them all the same size too.Don't want some a ¼ wider or thinner.Don't want crooked lumber right from the start.These should really be dried too.Not the best idea to saw stickers and and use them on the lumber you are sawing.I think most stack their piles not much wider than 6 feet to allow the air to circulate through the pile better.Use a GOOD foundation to stack lumber on and I think most will have a sticker over each foundation piece so the lumber will dry straight.If you can not have it drying under cover some will cover the pile with old steel roofing.Don't cover with a tarp or canvas.This will just keep the moisture in.I'm no expect on this.I'm sure others will step in to help out too.
About grit,he meant grits.Even though you eat grits I will still help you.   ;D

[Magicman]

JB, The only "dumb" question is an "unasked" question.  I admire you for asking......and, I eats grits too....

[sigidi]

Down under we don't eat grits either :D

But as far as stickers go, we only use them sometimes; if the timber is to be structural and is hardwood we tend not to use them. If the timber is a known stainer - like hoop pine, then we cut it and sticker it ASAP, if the timber is going to end up as flooring or decking we do sticker it and also solid wide bark to bark slabs we sticker them too.

[Dave Shepard]

I use the term grit so that I won't be confused with a legitimate consumer of said corn parts. ;)

[WDH]

I use the term grit so that I won't be confused with a legitimate consumer of said corn parts. ;)

The grits bashers awake with the onset of spring  .

[Dave Shepard]

I did not bash the grits. I only wanted to make sure I was not confused with a true aficionado, such as yourself. ;)

[ljmathias]

Nothing wrong with grits- the dogs love em...   ;D

Lj

[Magicman]

You've got some "high class" dogs, Lj.   Must be "registered" ....... :D :D :D

[mcfcfan]

Can you guys please tell me what  "grits"  actually is, I know it is something to do with corn
Thanks
Lee

[WDH]

Grits hijack!

They are ground corn, like polenta, which are the high class grits of the high class.

[ljmathias]

I guess I've been in the South long enough now to qualify as a "da*n Yankee," so I'll let you in the secret: grits are ground up corn alright, but it's a special corn, selected over the years to have absolutely no taste whatsoever.  This allows the cook and/or end-user (whatever species that happens to be) to flavor in any way desired without interfering flavors from the basic ingredient.  Variants on corn-based products are high fructose corn syrup and corn starch.  All of these products have high calorie content but low nutritional value.

Do I eat grits myself?  Only when good manners force me to as a guest.  Kinda of like cream of wheat- keep it on the shelf so when you're totally out of food that tastes good, you have something to eat... 

Lj

[AvT]

These forums are so great... I am in northern Alberta Canada and have had an internet friend from Georgia send me a lttle bag of grits once.  I LOVED THEM!

Anyway. I love this forum so much that I am seriously thinking of getting a bandsawmill and a firewood processor so i can fit in a bit better,,,, haha

[ljmathias]

Man, it  must be lonely up Alberta way if you're willing to spend that kind of money just to fit in here... wish I was up to the honor, but fortunately, there are a lot of people here who are.  So join in- you really don't have to spend the money to buy your own mill, just find someone else who has one and help out till he or she lets you saw on your own... oh, and then you'll HAVE to buy one! :D

Lj

[r.man]

I'm surprised that nobody came up with," there are no stupid questions, just stupid answers.", which I think is quite right. Never hurts to ask but sometimes hurts to not ask. Your always welcome and always welcome to ask. I especially like fairly easy questions because I might be able to help someone instead of the other way around. If you chance to see commercial stickers they are shaped to allow better airflow and to minimize the contact area between the lumber and the stick. An 8 ft long pile might have as few as three or as many as 5 depending on species, thickness, grade, end use and the amount of time the lumber will be in that pile before it is handled again.

[mad murdock]

Nothing wrong with grits- the dogs love em...   ;D

Lj

DanG, that must be why I itch so much;) I must be a dog, cause I love Grits!

[WDH]

These forums are so great... I am in northern Alberta Canada and have had an internet friend from Georgia send me a lttle bag of grits once.  I LOVED THEM!

Anyway. I love this forum so much that I am seriously thinking of getting a bandsawmill and a firewood processor so i can fit in a bit better,,,, haha

AvT,

I like your moxy.  You will fit in real well here.

[Lud]

You haven't had grits until you've had my wife's cheese grits!  Particularly if you get the Mexican Breakfast casserole, sliced taters and onions and stickybuns.

'course I only get that once a year............

[davidlarson]

Speaking of grits -
I was born and raised north of the Mason-Dixon line, but I have lived in North Carolina since 1973, and have been trying my best to become a southerner.  The cafeteria where I used to work (I retired in February) served an excellent southern-style breakfast, which usually included grits.  Sometimes they would offer a chocolate syrup to put on the grits -- maybe if I live in the South a few more years I'll be able to handle that. 
My wife and I live in rural western North Carolina, but sometimes she'll persuade me to visit Asheville, our nearest big city -- and the last time we were there we went to a restaurant that served Cuban food (and was run by a man from Columbia.)  My meal included grits, served Cuban style --  and it was so good that I believe I'll become converted, if Cuban grits count for anything.

David L.
   

[WDH]

While on a fishing trip to the Outer Banks last November, a friend of mine made shrimp and grits that were indescribably good.  You have to start out with a roux.

[backwoods sawyer]

Why set up spacers when stacking wood?
Well it don't help with keeping the grit out of the unit.
I would rather eat corn grits then walnut grit.

[ljmathias]

Backwoods: you trying to bring this thread back on-topic?  When food is concerned? Good luck!

Ludd: sounds like a breakfast you SHOULD eat only once a year.  Wow, got my stomach growling for breakfast just reading about it....

Lj