Which way to go??

[Ole CB]

  We'd like opinions on what we should go with.

  To explain, we have a small portable LumberSmith mill. We want to build a small timber framed shed, siding and all, for storing the mill, some tools and the walnut boards we'll get! (More hobby than anything!)

  We have the second cuttings from 91 walnut trees down and all over the place here. Also we have quite a few 20"+dia standing ash and locust trees.

  Which would YOU use to build the shed? We don't really expect to sell much of the walnut, but as we open it up, it seems to pretty to use as a shed! My brother and I are both carpenters and do make quite a few hand crafted items.
 

[tyb525]

I'd use the ash for the majority, and use locust for anything that might see weather or moisture. However, I've heard ash can be very tough to work with when doing timber framing.

[Chuck White]

Use the Locust for anything that might come in contact with the ground.

[Magicman]

  Also we have quite a few 20"+dia standing ash and locust trees.

Are those Honey or Black Locust?  If Black Locust, use it for ground contact (all bark removed) and the siding.  Ash for everything else.  The Ash could also be used for siding.

[Ole CB]

  Thanks.. I believe it is black locust. We will use it for posts and beams. The ash will be the joists and siding.

[backwoods sawyer]

A few pieces of walnut might just give the accents that will make it a one of a kind shed. ;D

[bandmiller2]

As with most hardwoods used for construction best to nail up green before they get too hard to nail and all splitty. Frank C.