I bought a pallet of 2x4 and 2x6 scraps for $25 from a truss manufacturer.
Much cheaper and it is kiln dried and burns hot.
Had the same idea when I made charcoal to sell at the farmers market. There was a company that made wood handrail parts, bolusters etc. I'd get a pickup load of bits, ends etc, trade them a bag of my charcoal. I used the scrap as fuel to cook my oak into charcoal. The small pieces were perfect for my furnace.
Wood product companies are useful in my experience. From loggers to mills, construction... glad i know a few people.
