Cutting Osage orange / Hedge in the summer

[lukem]

And Osage is one that will darn near dry on the stump (if old enough). I have cut some dead bastages that could have been tossed straight into the stove.

I've cut several loads that went from standing to stove in the same day. HFMM said they were 12%. Good enough for this guy.

 

[lukem]

Oh, if that's what's available- then by all means you'd be crazy not to take it. Girdling them on purpose now, however, is more work will just make the job a bit tougher in the long run I think.

The only osage I've had was bow staves. I actually really liked working it- gives a satisfying crunch with a draw knife or spoke shave. The sawdust was a bit irritating, however (and gave me bright yellow snot).

The really old stuff patinas all the way through even when standing. It is that deep brownish orange color.

 

[Big Donnie Brasco]

I've cut several loads that went from standing to stove in the same day. HFMM said they were 12%. Good enough for this guy.

I am REALLY hoping to find some that is dead/dry enough for me to CSS for this winter. Maybe 3 cords. I have 5-6 HUGE pieces of land where I can cut, I'll just look for dead standing. I REALLY need to learn to identify the trees in KS !!

I am planning putting together a CLEAR woodshed (redneck kiln) for the stuff I cut this summer so it will REALLY get HOT.... plenty of open areas to vent the moisture. Then build a better woodshed this winter.

Thanks guys!!

Don

 

[Flatbedford]

Osage sounds like Black Locust on steroids.

 

[chvymn99]

That saw will be just fine. Just keep a sharp chain on hand, but you'll usually cut quite a bit before needing it. Great stuff grab all you can. IF its got dead small stuff (limbs), keep that stuff too. Put that stuff away for fire starters in the fall. Good Luck.

 

[Jags]

Osage sounds like Black Locust on steroids.

Ya pretty much "nailed it", Steve.