Are small defective logs worth it? Here is how I do it.

[richhiway]

 
align the Crack horizontally 
 
slab the log then flip 180
 
now you have parallel sides flip 90 and make sure it is squared 
 
 take the best boards off the cant working around the defects
 
 about 30 board feet of decent maple for small projects. Better then firewood. Probably worth it for your own use. Remember quality logs kake quality lumber!

[WV Sawmiller]

Rich,

   Sounds similar to what I try to do. I get the good/useable boards above and below a big crack like that as best you can. I have even cut the bad part up for stickers but that is erratic at times.

[doc henderson]

I love big solid logs, but you only need so much firewood.  I make a lot of small projects from maple especially.  


 

walnut, ERC and maple coasters.

[richhiway]

very nice doc.

[Sixacresand]

the cracked, twisted, crooked logs produce unique figure and shapes.  Not much building lumber, but the craft folks love them.