The Forestry Forum
General Forestry => Timber Framing/Log construction => Topic started 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
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.
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.
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