Author Topic: Lightning Strike (Read 2348 times)

IL Bull · « **on:** April 22, 2008, 08:10:34 PM »

I am cutting these logs on shares. They are white oak that has a lightning strike. Only one log has the stike that goes straight. Has anyone had experience cutting these? Any help will be appreciated. Here are some pics.

The last shot is the butt cut.
As you can see the split goes all the way to the center. Is this normal?
Thanks, Joe

olyman · « **Reply #1 on:** April 22, 2008, 08:20:48 PM »

have a pine it cracked all the way thru, and blew the bark off!!!! havent cut it down yet--as its solid otherwise--

pineywoods · « **Reply #2 on:** April 22, 2008, 08:23:29 PM »

Never cut any white oak with lightening strikes, but I cut a lot of pine that's been zapped. No 2 are exactly alike but splits are fairly common. For some reason the butt cuts are usually hard as steel. If there is a flare to the butt, I have trouble with dives and climbs. Sap buildup on the blade (bandmill) seems a lot worse. I sawed up a 20 ft 30 inch pine today that had take a big lightening hit. Used 5 gallons of soapy water and 2 blades to make 2X6.
I would be interested in knowing if lightening has the same effects on oak.

Faron · « **Reply #3 on:** April 22, 2008, 09:29:49 PM »

I put the strike as close to a 45 degree angle to the blade as I can. Cut as much as possible on the faces without the strike.Some of those boards that the strike come through will make short lumber. The split going clear to the heart is common, even expected,, in my experience.

Ron Wenrich · « **Reply #4 on:** April 22, 2008, 09:36:25 PM »

I've cut quite a few logs with seams. They're not all lightning strikes. I always put the seam on the corner of the log so that I can take off the split in my edgings. You'll have to flip the log so that you cut on one face, then turn 90° and pull boards off of that side, then flip back. You won't have as much waste as you think you should.

IL Bull · « **Reply #5 on:** April 23, 2008, 05:48:39 PM »

Thanks, 45 degree angle is a great idea! I was going to try and put it level with the bunks or straight up and down.

getoverit · « **Reply #6 on:** April 24, 2008, 05:31:55 PM »

I sawed up a Hickory that had at leat 5 lightning strikes on it. I didnt see any real damage or differences in the wood to make any difference. This was done with a Peterson swinger....not sure if that makes any difference?

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