Salvage walnut

[Larry]

A couple of months ago we had some high winds that uprooted two walnut trees and a sycamore. I didn't really think the walnut was worth the effort as the terrain was steep, with lots of underbrush. Both trees were small and one resembled a snake.

Decided yesterday to get them.


I always worry when cutting a blow down tree off the stump as sometimes the root ball can make unexpected and nasty moves. This time the root ball easily settled right back into the hole and the tree stayed still.


This is the snaky looking one after I pulled it out. The brush was so thick I couldn't get a picture of it where it fell.

To get the tree length logs out I have a 16 ton Garwood winch that I rigged up to run off the tractor pto. Took a lot of cable to reach them and I had to use two detachable snatch blocks to keep the logs from good trees as I pulled them out.

Luck was with me on the snake tree and I was able to get some straight logs.

Hank put on the end sealer. Out of the mess I got six 8' logs, two 6' logs, and a 4' log that will make about 6 bowl turning blanks. As I said the trees were pretty small but I got logs from 12" up to 16" diameter. I figure about 400 board foot. Heavy trim on sapwood will bring that down. Should be worth the effort.

[Magicman]

Yes Sir, I would say that your day was very well spent!! 

[fluidpowerpro]

With the bends that trunk had it it I assume it was leaning?  Do you expect stress in the wood. Is the pith centered? I am curious to hear how well it saws.

[doc henderson]

Larry, did you make the adaptor for Hank's tail to brush coupler on the metal or wood lathe? 

In fact, it looks a little shorter than in prev. pics.  was there an incident?       

[Larry]

With the bends that trunk had it it I assume it was leaning?  Do you expect stress in the wood. Is the pith centered? I am curious to hear how well it saws.

I can't remember if either tree were leaners. In the snake tree their was some off center piths but not terrible like one would expect in a heavy leaner. I do expect to see some stress and will make adjustments. As a maker I can use about anything the log gives me, so not really a handicap to saw less than stable logs.

Doc, Hank read your post and says his tail is in fine condition, probably a lot better than your tail!

[thecfarm]

Larry, the guy that can cut down a crookened tree and make straight logs!!!

[WV Sawmiller]

Larry,

  I had to go get a bibb when I saw those crooks in that log! When I see a serious crook in a log I immediately think benches. The more severe the crook the prettier the benches. Put 2-3 together and make a circle around a fire pit or put them around a big shade tree facing outward. I've made them with so much bend I had to put a 5th leg in the center on the back side to compensate for the out of balance weight.

  I hope you still have some curved pieces left.

[NewYankeeSawmill]

When I see a serious crook in a log I immediately think benches.

Hells bells, I think I'm going to go looking for a few crooked logs! That looks awesome!

[Larry]

I did think about cutting out the crook for a bench. If it had been white oak I would definitely cut out the crook. In the case of this tree I flipped a coin and straight logs won the toss.

Your benches around a fire are cool maybe I mean hot!

[TimW]

Howard,
Don't drool too much.  It will ruin your keyboard.   Here is what my Dad called a Saddle Tree, a mature White Oak.    I am told Native Americans would tie trees back to mark trails.  This tree is right by a gully, so I guess the trail followed the gully.
Bad thing is the graceful bend is starting to rot and the concrete guy, who did my shop floor, added concrete to the rot.  When it dies, I will save you an elbow for a bench.

[Magicman]

I am told Native Americans would tie trees back to mark trails.

I have heard the same thing about similar trees.  If Native Americans did it, they would be very old trees.  Native Americans were removed from my area beginning in 1830 and followed the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma.

It is told that my G G Grandad disavowed his Indian heritage and took an English name so was allowed to remain.  Pictures of my G Grandmother show her being darker complected.

[WV Sawmiller]

  Let me update my Christmas Card list:

TimW

[TimW]

Let me update my Christmas Card list:

TimW

Wait, what?
The 90 degree bend going vertical is still good and would make an excellent 5 legged bench! 

[TimW]

I am told Native Americans would tie trees back to mark trails.

I have heard the same thing about similar trees.  If Native Americans did it, they would be very old trees.  Native Americans were removed from my area beginning in 1830 and followed the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma.

It is told that my G G Grandad disavowed his Indian heritage and took an English name so was allowed to remain.  Pictures of my G Grandmother show her being darker complected.

We have the Alabama-Coushatta Indian reservation just a stone's throw from here between Livingston and Woodville.  My ex wife's cousin has danced at their powwows.