Recycled Oak From The Front Yard?

[WoodTurner]

Occassionaly an oak tree here sheds a limb. Has anyone tried to use oak chips gathered from a tree branch out of the yard? I was wondering if there are any health or bug or other concerns before I try that.

 

[Dean]

Other than making sure that it was white oak, and that it was air dried over 3 years, there would be no other concerns. Other types of oak have too much resin, which would not taste pleasant in a wine, and white oak has its fair share too. Hence the 3 years air drying to make sure the resins are dried out.

 

[WoodTurner]

Thanks. It's red oak I have. I was just wondering in case it could be used.

 

[Wade E]

Definitely do not use Red Oak.

 

[PeterZ]

Also, make sure that no bark is used. It is very bitter. I won't even use wood with bark on for smoking. I stick to chunks from the inside of the log.

 

[ras1]

Also consider 'end grain' and there are some thoughts on it being a worse exposre than side grain.


You may wish to use a srtip/stave. Stavin has 18" barrel replacements that fit perfect in the carboy and have less than 1% end grain. It is basically 1/3" thick x 1" wide x 18" long. If you have the stock...i would do this over sawdust, chips or beans.