Gonna need some help

[Raym]

Well, my new mill is on order. (I've seen a lot of these threads lately). Gonna be a lot of questions. First one is that I have started collecting some logs for flooring and have a large white oak (26") which seems to have a slight curve to it. what can I expect in terms of stress?

[thecfarm]

Raym,welcome to the forum. What kind of mill you buying? How are you getting the logs to the mill?

[drobertson]

Not much, should be fine, most logs have a slight curve, I guess it boils down to your definition of slight,
saw it and learn from it,  you will have plenty of opportunities to try and figure out all the stresses logs have.
david

[customsawyer]

I would be less concerned with a curve AKA as sweep and more concerned with the placement of the pith. If it is off center then there will be more stress than normal. Most all logs have some stress it is how you deal with it that matters. 

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

Raym....first of all, get you a WHACK of practice logs to learn on. Mill behavior, blade behavior, log behavior......you're gonna need some practice before sawing flooring right out of the chute.

[GAB]

Raym:
There is a fellow a few miles from me that has a 5 head machine and does a lot of flooring.  He likes to see the lumber for flooring sawed 1-1/16" or 1-1/8" thick.   I would suggest you have a conversation with whoever you plan on using to finish your lumber to flooring prior to sawing it.  Again just a suggestion.  Gerald

[WDH]

For sure, saw it 1 1/8" thick. 

[Magicman]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, Raym.   

[Gasawyer]

Welcome to the forum Raym! Good luck with your new mill.

[Chuck White]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, Ray!

[Raym]

Thanks all....The mill im am waiting on is a WM40super. One good thing for sure is that I heat with an outside wood stove so any practice logs gone bad still have a place to go.

Some one asked how will I get my logs to the mill. Well, most of the logs will be salvaged from tree guys or from lots cleared for construction. They will be delivered by the load. and while trying to decide how to modify an old boat trailer to a fetching arch I came across an old trailer set up to transport underground propane tanks. Even has hydraulics that still work. Will work perfectly so I took this as a sign that this a good venture to pursue.

[manoverboard]

Fine choice on the mill and congratulations! I believe there is some fine advice flowing your way. As a new mill owner myself, I have to slow down and learn the intricacies of my mill and learn. What I'm trying to say is take your time... this is easier said than done. Enjoy your mill! Ryan!!

[Nomad]

     Welcome Raym.  And congrats on the mill! 8)  When you start sawing you're going to make lots of mistakes.  (Some of us never stop. :D)  Don't get in a hurry and pay attention to every decision you make.  First face to open, depth of cut, when you turn the log, etc.  Band tension, quality of cut, sharpness of band and so on.  Remember what you did!  Write it down if you have to.  Then your mistakes turn into lessons instead of "Aw, $#%^s."
     And if possible get together with another sawyer for a few hours or a day and work with him, or at least watch him work and pick his brain. 

[chickenchaser]

Welcome, Raym.

Very good advice from nomad.

       When you start sawing you're going to make lots of mistakes.  (Some of us never stop. :D)  Don't get in a hurry and pay attention to every decision you make.

The one that sticks out in my mind is not the log stop I hit or the band I knocked off while returning the sawhead too low...

It was making three nice wedges out of a log because I forgot to lower the front toeboard roller after the first slab. I still occasionally forget - but the yield is down to one wedge per log.  :D

CC

[mesquite buckeye]

Welcome and have some fun with that mill. ;D The inside of every log is an adventure. 8) 8) 8)