The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Timber Framing/Log construction => Topic started by: Camp Run Farm on May 23, 2005, 06:14:41 AM

Title: Sawing timbers.
Post by: Camp Run Farm on May 23, 2005, 06:14:41 AM
Ok, I am going to let you know up front that I know absolutely nothing about this subject, but from the posts I have been reading this is the place to get the information.  I really enjoy reading this.  I just got an LT40 and have been cutting some hemlock siding for an out building.  I am interested in cutting some 4" x 8" x 10' timbers to build a pavillion.  Is it better to center the timber in the log or can you also cut them from the sapwood?  I don't want them to twist.  Any information will be appreciated.   Thanks,   Ed
Title: Re: Sawing timbers.
Post by: Minnesota_boy on May 23, 2005, 07:26:02 AM
It depends. :D

Actually it does depend....on the species and individual trees.  If you make them from any hardwood, center the heart.  Some softwoods it doesn't matter too much, others it will matter a lot.  Tamarack won't matter a bit, it will twist and warp if it feels like it, otherwise not.  I've had good luck with sawing beams from outside the heart on white and red pine, but I wouldn't try it with jack pine as I know that will warp.
Title: Re: Sawing timbers.
Post by: mike_van on May 23, 2005, 06:44:46 PM
I needed 26 4x8x14's for barn rafters, rather than saw 26 logs, I made 8x8's and split them in half.  Red Oak,  about half bowed while  being sawn in half.  I was making 13 trusses [12' collar tie too]  nailing 2x4's across the trusses for metal roofing.  In the end, the bow didn't matter here. 
Title: Re: Sawing timbers.
Post by: Camp Run Farm on May 24, 2005, 06:07:10 AM
Thanks for the information, it is about what I was expecting.  I guess it is going to be better to be safe than sorry, cut the timbers with the heart centered and cut something else from the rest of the log.  Yesterday I was cutting some hemlock and cut one log without turning it and almost everything I cut started to twist immediately.

Thanks,   Ed