Sassafras wood OK in woodstove?

[John]

Courtesy of Hurricane Isabel I've got about a cord of sassafras wood.
Before I go rent a splitter, anybody know if it burns well in a stove?
Seems to be a hardwood, but sometimes the smell isn't all that pleasant.

JP in MD

[Tallgrass]

Post by John
Courtesy of Hurricane Isabel I've got about a cord of sassafras wood.
Before I go rent a splitter, anybody know if it burns well in a stove?
Seems to be a hardwood, but sometimes the smell isn't all that pleasant.
JP in MD

Burns quickly, as I recall.

Linda H.

[Rob Gray]

Post by John
Courtesy of Hurricane Isabel I've got about a cord of sassafras wood.
Before I go rent a splitter, anybody know if it burns well in a stove?
Seems to be a hardwood, but sometimes the smell isn't all that pleasant.
JP in MD

It will burn ok, but note a few things about it:

1) It usually does not grow very straight, so it can be less than ideal
to split, but if you are using a splitter that should not be a problem.
2) It burns fast
3) It is not great for fireplaces because the wood tends to "pop" when
burning, and often sends embers out into the room. For this reason,
stove burning which it sounds like you will be using it for would be
better..
4) It is my experience at least that older Sassafras is often hollow...
I'm not sure if this is common all over, but I see it hollow often....

Overall, it is a fair burning wood, but I would advise mixing it with
better woods in your stove....

[John Jacob]

ditto
I mix it. It burns ok. About like poplar.
JJ

Post by Rob Gray

Post by John
Courtesy of Hurricane Isabel I've got about a cord of sassafras wood.
Before I go rent a splitter, anybody know if it burns well in a stove?
Seems to be a hardwood, but sometimes the smell isn't all that pleasant.
JP in MD

1) It usually does not grow very straight, so it can be less than ideal
to split, but if you are using a splitter that should not be a problem.
2) It burns fast
3) It is not great for fireplaces because the wood tends to "pop" when
burning, and often sends embers out into the room. For this reason,
stove burning which it sounds like you will be using it for would be
better..
4) It is my experience at least that older Sassafras is often hollow...
I'm not sure if this is common all over, but I see it hollow often....
Overall, it is a fair burning wood, but I would advise mixing it with
better woods in your stove....

[Roy]

Can't say if its good to burn in a wood stove, but its classed as a
softwood, and if the tree got large enough around here I would burn
it. I do however use it in the BBQ grill and smoker for flavoring.
Smells pretty good and adds a unique flavor to the home made smoked
sausages and the grilled items.

On Thu, 09 Oct 2003 20:22:17 GMT, John Jacob

===<>ditto
===<>I mix it. It burns ok. About like poplar.
===<>JJ
===<>
===<>
===<>> > Courtesy of Hurricane Isabel I've got about a cord of sassafras wood.
===<>> > Before I go rent a splitter, anybody know if it burns well in a stove?
===<>> > Seems to be a hardwood, but sometimes the smell isn't all that pleasant.
===<>> >
===<>> > JP in MD
===<>>
===<>>
===<>> 1) It usually does not grow very straight, so it can be less than ideal
===<>> to split, but if you are using a splitter that should not be a problem.
===<>> 2) It burns fast
===<>> 3) It is not great for fireplaces because the wood tends to "pop" when
===<>> burning, and often sends embers out into the room. For this reason,
===<>> stove burning which it sounds like you will be using it for would be
===<>> better..
===<>> 4) It is my experience at least that older Sassafras is often hollow...
===<>> I'm not sure if this is common all over, but I see it hollow often....
===<>>
===<>> Overall, it is a fair burning wood, but I would advise mixing it with
===<>> better woods in your stove....

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Opinions expressed are those of my wifes,
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[Wubba]

Post by John
Courtesy of Hurricane Isabel I've got about a cord of sassafras wood.
Before I go rent a splitter, anybody know if it burns well in a stove?
Seems to be a hardwood, but sometimes the smell isn't all that pleasant.
JP in MD

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Save some root!!! Just wash, cut off the outer bark, and boil up a most
wonderful tea! Once or twice a year isn't going to hurt.
The smell is wonderful.
-Wubba
The leaves taste lemony and are used to thicken wild meat stews.

[John]

Post by John
Courtesy of Hurricane Isabel I've got about a cord of sassafras wood.
Before I go rent a splitter, anybody know if it burns well in a stove?
Seems to be a hardwood, but sometimes the smell isn't all that pleasant.
JP in MD

To all: thanks for the help. Once it seasons I'll mix it 50/50 with some
red oak I've got handy.

[Tallgrass]

Post by John

Post by John
Courtesy of Hurricane Isabel I've got about a cord of sassafras wood.
Before I go rent a splitter, anybody know if it burns well in a stove?
Seems to be a hardwood, but sometimes the smell isn't all that pleasant.
JP in MD

To all: thanks for the help. Once it seasons I'll mix it 50/50 with some
red oak I've got handy.

It REALLY pops, as mentioned above. Make sure your firescreen is
closed and in good working shape.

Linda H.