Oak sucks! (Not as much today)

ddcuning · October 09, 2012, 05:51:27 PM

I usually only quartersaw the oaks that I get for my circle mill. The key I have found is to find 3 or 4 suckers....I mean friends, to help move the logs around. My experience is that they usually don't come back and word gets around so you have to select new "friends" from different areas. I have, however, come upon logs that we simply could not move. You can have a local sharpening service cut a chain saw chain to 10 degrees which is almost a rip chain at that point. For big logs, quarter them on site and the 4 pieces are much easier to handle. Takes a little while and a good chainsaw but is worth the effort in the long run.

Dave C

dboyt · October 09, 2012, 08:39:48 PM

What I tell customers that a log is "like a box of choc'lets-- you never know what's inside until you open it up." Worst I ever had was a 22" diameter walnut log out of a yard. No outside indicators that I could see, but it was hollow and had been filled with cement years ago. That customer bought me a new blade. I still get fooled, and am willing to take my chances on unlikely logs. Like Shelbycharger400 says, there are woodworkers that will value boards with defects, especially if it has live edges.

You can get a hook from Norwood that attaches to their winch for turning logs. I wrap it around the log and lift with the front end loader of my old 8N Ford. Even 30" dia. logs turn easily with it. Sort of a poor man's hydraulic turner.

Okrafarmer · October 09, 2012, 09:00:05 PM

Dr. Gene, I'm glad you said that-- I have noticed over the time of my milling that there were certain things I could see and begin to predict, especially for certain species. Now I will be watching even more closely.

Migal · October 11, 2012, 11:46:34 PM

I've been thinking it for years . Thanks Dr.Gene! Now I can speak out on subject to other's. With confidence that the wood is under the bark just look at it 8) But if their paying I'm still sawing

shelbycharger400 · October 12, 2012, 08:52:35 PM

I have seen some bark snaking around the log. That thing was a pain just to cut down and chunk up. I have learned to read Eastern red cedar. Still learning the hardwoods. If I see a log of lumpy / bumpy bark on a pine... Im pickin it up!!! KNOTTY PINE!

shelbycharger400 · October 17, 2012, 09:17:11 PM

Reading the bark. I too searched for it. Last weekend I cut down a few red oaks and intentionally cut this log to show the inside view. Now I do have another log here with about 4 of these . :-\ slab it, or firewood it :-\