Compressed logs.

[bcrtops]

Here you see why I only use a half Presto Log at a time;

View attachment 221730

They expand!

So, I get the fire going with paper and kindling and then a couple of splits then when a nice coal bed happens I start with the Pres-To-logs a half log at a time.

Yes, that is a symptom of a lower compression vs the very dense extruded logs. They also leave more ash.

Even the NIEL's will do this if they pick up moisture, particularly on the ends. But, nothing like that!

 

[ToltingColtAcres]

The compressed logs are sensitive to raw stock m.c., compression rate and feed rate. Extruded logs, such as NEILS, do not have the snake effect as they are extruded.

Here you see why I only use a half Presto Log at a time; They expand!

Yup, that's exactly what mine used to do. I forget what manufacturer mine were from, and where I bought them, because its been probably 6-7 years now since I tried them. The expansion resulted in the logs burning quicker, and the stove running hotter. I ended up using mine very sparingly, usually at the start of a day's burn when I was down to coals, coupled with some cordwood, to get things running again.

In terms of picking up moisture, I cannot see how compressed products do not. About 5 years ago I picked up some of those bricks sold at tractor supply to supplement my seasoned cordwood, which was running a bit low due to an abnormally cold winter. Well, they would burn okay, but expand and turn to sawdust. Later, I discovered why... when they get a shipment on a pallet, they leave them outside with the tractor attachments/round-pen/etc, so even though they are wrapped in a bundle of 3 or 6, and then shrink-wrapped together, they're still outside in the rain/snow (until they're bought in and stored at the front of the store for individual sale. Suffice to say, I do not buy them any longer.

 

[RobbieB]

The ones at my hardware store are very popular. They went through 2 skids this year as compared to last and the season isn't over yet. These burn very easy and leave little ash, but they do expand. Not a problem though as I just put a log on top 2 pieces of kindling and tap with the blunt of the hatchet a couple times and clean easy split.

 

[OhioBurner©]

In terms of picking up moisture, I cannot see how compressed products do not. About 5 years ago I picked up some of those bricks sold at tractor supply to supplement my seasoned cordwood, which was running a bit low due to an abnormally cold winter. Well, they would burn okay, but expand and turn to sawdust. Later, I discovered why... when they get a shipment on a pallet, they leave them outside with the tractor attachments/round-pen/etc, so even though they are wrapped in a bundle of 3 or 6, and then shrink-wrapped together, they're still outside in the rain/snow (until they're bought in and stored at the front of the store for individual sale. Suffice to say, I do not buy them any longer.

Well the more porous a wood surface is the easier it will take on moisture... compressed bricks surface as very very dense which reduces its ability to take in moisture but of course eventually it will. The TSC's around here all stock Redstone products, not sure if it's a regional thing since Redstone is a local company here in central Ohio. I've found other places have them MUCH cheaper than TSC I have not gone there since the first skid I bought. I've burned 3 tons of them now, down to I think 3 or 4 six-packs left. They work very good for me. On a typical workday I am 14-15 hrs door to door which the stove can run on its own burning my usual ash cordwood fine but only turned down to a lower heat. If its a below zero kind of day that wont be enough so I'll add in a pack of bricks just to get some more btu's and hope my house is above 60 when I get home. It helps a little. Or if its mild, say 30-50 degrees, I can do a similar 50/50 load and turn way down and go for 24hr burns. They seem to need to be stirred and a bit more air to burn down to small coals though, otherwise big clumps seem to be left that don't fully burn that cycle, but no biggie.

There is a big load of ecobricks a little past half way through a really long low burn.

 

[Sully1515]

At our home, we currently have approx. 5 cord of red oak that is seasoning for next winter. For the time being, I'm mixing a small supply of black cherry and beech with Bio Bricks in our ol' Fisher Grandma Bear stove. It seems to be doing the trick.

 

[Rich L]

At our home, we currently have approx. 5 cord of red oak that is seasoning for next winter. For the time being, I'm mixing a small supply of black cherry and beech with Bio Bricks in our ol' Fisher Grandma Bear stove. It seems to be doing the trick. View attachment 222628

Now how pretty is that !

 

[Rich L]

I recently picked up some compressed logs from the hardware store.I never used the logs before.They are supposed to burn from 8-10 hours.The brand I used were called Allnighter Hot logs.These things were far superior to any bricks that I ever used (bio-bricls,envi bricks,hot bricks,canawick bricks).They burn for a long time close to advertised and give off good heat.Can't get them by the pallets due to the factory's machine is out of order.Was told they are comparable to the NIELs so I'll be getting a pallet of those next week.I hope they are as good.If so no more bricks for me logs all the way.

 

[Rich L]

I got a pallet of the NIEL's Tuesday.They burn very long and hot.The only thing is stacking them inside since they are round.I had to by four large storage tubs from HD and a large plastic trash barrel.The remainder I wrapped up in large garbage bags.By the way they burn it was worth the hassle.

 

[Sprinter]

I got a pallet of the NIEL's Tuesday.They burn very long and hot.The only thing is stacking them inside since they are round.I had to by four large storage tubs from HD and a large plastic trash barrel.The remainder I wrapped up in large garbage bags.By the way they burn it was worth the hassle.

Good to know. I'm getting the impression that this kind of manufactured fuel will keep getting more popular if it works well and the costs are reasonable. I wouldn't be surprised if the EPA gets into it at some point and in some way too, such in populated areas for the pollution aspect.

I wish somebody in my neck of the woods would start making NIEL - like products to keep local distribution costs down. We sure do have the raw materials for a nice mfg plant. I don't know really where the NEIL products get their raw material, but It's amazing how many burning slash piles you see around here from logging. I just hate to see them smoldering in huge piles just to get rid of excess wood. Seems like such a waste and pollution if it could be used somehow.

 

[Rich L]

Good to know. I'm getting the impression that this kind of manufactured fuel will keep getting more popular if it works well and the costs are reasonable. I wouldn't be surprised if the EPA gets into it at some point and in some way too, such in populated areas for the pollution aspect.

I wish somebody in my neck of the woods would start making NIEL - like products to keep local distribution costs down. We sure do have the raw materials for a nice mfg plant. I don't know really where the NEIL products get their raw material, but It's amazing how many burning slash piles you see around here from logging. I just hate to see them smoldering in huge piles just to get rid of excess wood. Seems like such a waste and pollution if it could be used somehow.

Ya Sprinter smoldering piles of excess wood is a waste.The NIELs burn longer than most hard wood.I can't think of any split that would burn for 7-8 hrs. as one NIEL log does.They are more expensive that the bricks.In my area they are $384.00 a pallet plus shipping comes to $439.00/pallet.The bricks run me $350.00 with shipping.The logs are much superior to the bricks.There's only one distributor in my state that I know of.I wish there was one closer to me but I'll live with it until I can do better.