Drying stickers and blocking

[Breezybrzez]

Hello all!

First time here so bear with me, I'm currently awaiting some above zero temps to break out my new lt28 mizer and have a few ?s about stickers, stacking ect. First off, in my research, I've heard to cut stickers 3/4x about 1 to 1 1/4''. Is there anything wrong with 1" square sticks? Also wondering about species... I've got a ton of blowdown popple here that in would feel better about turning into sticks and blocking over hard maple or oak. But I've also heard tell of stain and whatnit . Thanks ahead for advice!

[doc henderson]

save, saw, sweep, stack, sticker, secure, and dry one log at a time in Drying and Processing (forestryforum.com)

here is a thread about part of what you are asking.  the wider than tall stickers are stable.  it is easier to know which way to place the sticker, than say if they were 3/4 x 7/8th inch.  I often use a 1 inch board from the mill, then rip the sticker on the saw 3/4 width (will be the height), the length I need them so I am not handling long boards in the shop.  poplar is a light wood, and if dry, should not tend to stain your wood. If you make stickers taller, it takes up more room, or at least makes the stacks taller.  most wood gets airflow at 3/4 inch spaces.  If the stack go into a kiln, space is at a premium.  there is tons on stickers and drying here.  good luck. 

[WDH]

I have both 3/4" x 1 1/4" stickers and 1" x 1" stickers.  On species that need slower drying like oak, I use the 3/4" thick ones.  On species that can be dried hard and fast, I use the 1" thick stickers.  Aspen stickers will work just fine. 

[Breezybrzez]

Thanks doc Henderson and WDH. I appreciate the help and advice. I'm new but I'm starting to see how much knowledge is on this site! Although I have yet to take my first solo slabs with my mill, I remember watching a norwood video on YouTube about the guy ruining his first log that was abig beautiful walnut cause he didn't have anything set up ahead of time for blocking or stacking so I'm wanting to try to be prepared as I can be. Its -20f here this morning in central WI and my 30 day money back guarantee clock is running from woodmizer... I'm chomping at the bit to get after it thou.

-Andy

[btulloh]

my 30 day money back guarantee clock is running from woodmizer...

Don't stress - I don't think you'll want your money back.  Besides, the way mill delivery times are right now you could probably sell that mill for more than what you paid for it.

Good luck with the new adventure.  You'll be a sawdust addict just like the rest of us.

[Breezybrzez]

That's so true btulloh! I had 17 week lead time when I ordered in mid Oct. When I picked it up afew weeks ago I heard they're up to 42 weeks now. Crazy!

[farmfromkansas]

I like pine stickers as, it seems PPB don't seem to like them. I have a bunch cut 3/4 x3/4. When I am busy sawing logs, seems like I always run out of stickers, and have to scare up more.  I save the strips off my boards, and cut 3/4 x 3/4, and when I get a bunch, cut them to length and tie them into bundles.

[GeneWengert-WoodDoc]

Although we like to dry them before sizing them to 3/4" thickness, remember that they are free of insects only for that moment.  They can pick up insects during air drying or kiln drying that does not go to 150 F.  Then the insects infect the next load and the next load, etc.  especially true for 4x4 spacers and foundations for air drying.

[nopoint]

I have had pretty good luck with standing dead pine. It's pretty dry already. Not good for much. I built a covered stick rack that I can forklift. I put them in the rack haphazardly creates air space. Don't start with great logs you will make some mistakes. Small to medium softwood.

[Jim gaster]

I ve been experimenting with some PVC faux wood 1×2 stickers. In for a year and I need to dig in to the stacks to see what's going on. Has anyone got longer experience with PVC stickers?

[GeneWengert-WoodDoc]

The heat softened the stickers and so they did not bridge a gap very well.  This is with the ones sent to me for evaluation.  So, after one use, a significant number were warped and not usable again.