How to get something out of hollow log

bakerhardwoods · August 15, 2015, 03:09:54 PM

I have a few hollow hard maple logs that are very hollow with 3 to 6 inches of wood around the outside. I cut one for firewood and found that it is quite curly. I would like to figure out how to salvage as much as I can from them. Not only are they hollow but they are not entirely solid (maybe lightening strikes).

I have a Lucas Mill without a lot of experience using it and I can't see much way to hold these log sections. Also I regularly hire sawyers with woodmizers to saw.

Any thoughts of how to get something out of these? I'm thinking of maybe cutting them into strips maybe 4" wide and squaring them up with the jointer, planer and table saw.

Magicman · August 15, 2015, 03:13:07 PM

There is meat around the edges. All that I know to do is to rotate and saw.

beenthere · August 15, 2015, 04:03:24 PM

As MM suggests, line it up on the mill for cuts parallel to the bark and let the taper fall in the log center (where the hole is).

Lots of duplicate pics in your gallery, and if you'd like some help preventing those, give a shout.

deadfall · August 15, 2015, 04:33:11 PM

I wuz gonna say, if it wuz a badger in that hollow log, just reach in there.

bakerhardwoods · August 15, 2015, 06:30:21 PM

I have never personally milled a curly maple log. It looks to me from taking a few pieces of firewood from this log and finishing them into pieces about 3x3x16, the curl shows mainly if it is quartersawn, and is totally different on the other two flat-sawn sides. On the other hand the curly maple I have purchased looks like it is plain sawn.

The grain on this log is extremely wavy, with waves on about a 1/2" cycle going down the grain showing on a piece of split firewood.

Tim

deadfall · August 15, 2015, 08:30:43 PM

http://www.northridgehardwoods.com/Violin.htm

Kcwoodbutcher · August 15, 2015, 10:06:56 PM

I've done a few walnut like that. I slice them lengthwise with a chainsaw into widths that minimize the curvature of the log. That width will vary depending on the diameter of the log. This is kinda like cutting up a pie minus the center of the pie. I take those pieces to the mill and cut 4/4 lumber from them and then edge the boards for best yield. Hollow logs generally produce some great curly lumber, worth the effort it takes. Don't forget the stump if there is any. I made a lot of money from one 30" high hollow walnut stump because the figure was fantastic.

sealark37 · August 16, 2015, 09:22:59 AM

I would set up the Lucas on the log and saw two or three 4/4 slices of quarter sawn, then rotate the log enough for another two or three cuts. Lots of work, but the result will be worth it, after edging and planing. Regards, Clark

isawlogs · August 16, 2015, 09:38:44 AM

I cut those like Kcwoodbutcher does, I just cut the log in two with the saw if it cannot be done on the mill, then I use the mill to cut same as he discribes. Makes the most of what normally is thrown asside.

Raym · August 17, 2015, 07:30:55 PM

heres a thought.....This was from a piece of sycamore I think

Kbeitz · August 17, 2015, 08:58:10 PM

Quote from: Raym on August 17, 2015, 07:30:55 PM
heres a thought.....This was from a piece of sycamore I think

Now I bet that was fun to turn....

Magicman · August 17, 2015, 09:02:42 PM

That is a cutie. ;)

Kbeitz · August 17, 2015, 09:12:44 PM

I do a lot of woodworking...
Turning something like that sure would take some time...
You would almost need to make a special holding tool to turn it....

My last turned object... made for my wife....

Magicman · August 17, 2015, 09:21:10 PM

That is a lotsa laminating. What does she mash?

Kbeitz · August 18, 2015, 07:32:27 AM

Quote from: Magicman on August 17, 2015, 09:21:10 PM
That is a lotsa laminating. What does she mash?

My wife is Dominican.
They mash everything...

Magicman · August 18, 2015, 08:29:49 AM

Then you are a very wise man. ;D

AnthonyW · August 18, 2015, 09:12:46 AM

Quote from: Kcwoodbutcher on August 15, 2015, 10:06:56 PM
I've done a few walnut like that. I slice them lengthwise with a chainsaw into widths that minimize the curvature of the log. That width will vary depending on the diameter of the log. This is kinda like cutting up a pie minus the center of the pie. I take those pieces to the mill and cut 4/4 lumber from them and then edge the boards for best yield. Hollow logs generally produce some great curly lumber, worth the effort it takes. Don't forget the stump if there is any. I made a lot of money from one 30" high hollow walnut stump because the figure was fantastic.

How many "slices" would you make, using the OP photo as an example. My first temptation would be 4, but I wonder if more would be better. Perhaps 6? Maybe 8?

Magicman · August 18, 2015, 09:38:55 AM

If the log is large enough and will support it, yes, 6-8 +.

mesquite buckeye · August 18, 2015, 10:46:56 AM

Or turning blocks..... ;D

mesquite buckeye · August 18, 2015, 10:50:26 AM

If you cut the log into 1/8ths, I think that is where you get your greatest recovery, as the curvature is less. Afterwords shave off the rot inside and bark outside and you get tapered edge boards of max thickness. These could then be ripped if you want something thinner..... ;D

A Lucas mill would be ideal for this.

With a band mill you could cut the top just above the rot, flip the log, do the same thing again, then wedge and cut the side pieces. More waste but doable. ;D 8) 8) 8)

Kcwoodbutcher · August 18, 2015, 01:00:34 PM

On that size log I would say at least 8 to maximize recovery. You're not going to get great boards out of every piece but hopefully the wood you do get will have some great figure, especially around the butt flair.

deadfall · August 18, 2015, 01:08:46 PM

Quote from: Kcwoodbutcher on August 18, 2015, 01:00:34 PM
...some great figure, especially around the butt flair.

Really, is that all you guys think about?

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Cut into eighths, that would be eighth-sawed. Should produce some nice grain. Could be some fiddle backs in there. Certainly some guitar necks. Did anyone read the blank prices in that link I put up?