How to chip staves from a bourbon barrel

[holyfeld]

My friends often give me smoking related presents. They mean well and I thank them knowing I'll never use the gift (usually rub which is too salty for my taste).

This year I received some bourbon barrel staves. I run my MES-40 in a dual configuration. For long smokes I set up the mailbox and use the tube smoker. Nothing like starting a brisket or butt and going back to bed knowing it will be smoked for 7 hours. For shorter smokes I use the chip feeder.

So my questions to the esteemed members of the group:

1. What is the easiest way to chip the barrel staves?
2. What types of meat would this work well on? 

 

[wade]

Do you have (or know someone who has) a garden chipper/shreader? I have chipped split staves in mine and it worked quite well.

 

[JckDanls 07]

Holy... I would think you could put a piece in a vise (sideways, edge up).. then run a wood plane (as deep as you can go and still push it across),,, the deeper, the thicker the chips will be... that's the only way I can think of... unless you just cut it in small chunks... Wade has a good idea as well ...

 

[regul8dhbbyist]

I've used a machete, splitting maul and/or hatchet. I've even used a chisel and hammer. Never after the third beer, but usually after the second.

 

[holyfeld]

I've used a machete, splitting maul and/or hatchet. I've even used a chisel and hammer. Never after the third beer, but usually after the second.

Yeah, I've done the differential beer thing. Not as much as I used to. Still having all 10 fingers is a good thing. 

 

[regul8dhbbyist]

9, 10, it's all the same ;-)

You ever figure out how to get the chips the way you wanted?

 

[holyfeld]

You ever figure out how to get the chips the way you wanted?

A neighbor has a wood chipper that hasn't been started in 5 years. Plus he's in FL for the winter. Breaking in would be trivial, but trying to start the chipper would be a bear.

I don't have a vise (yet). I need to go to AR and get my father's workbench, which does have a vise and bring it home. But that won't happen for another month or so. 

If I get in a hurry, it looks like safety glasses, a hammer, and a chisel.