Milling 2x6s from a 17" log

[leeroyjd]

A friend dropped it off and wants as many 2x6s as possible.
Any suggestions for best way to break this down?
My plan was to make some 2" side wood that I will edge later, then have a 12x12" cant that I will split, then mill those into the 2x6s. But this seems like a lot of extra heavy handling,
especially on a mill that's all manual.  Am I missing an easier or better plan?
Woodland Mills HM 126

[Peter Drouin]

If you split the heart you will have all bananas.
Try to box the heart. Might have less lumber, but straight wood. 

[Magicman]

Position the log so that your saw through will be from either the hump or horn face of the log.  Take side lumber off until you have a 6" cant, then saw through.

In addition to the 2X6's, you will get a few 2X4's plus your stickers. 

I realize that it will be more handling but quality is your most important product.

[RetiredTech]

 Hmm, I must be missing something here. Do you see a picture with the OP? I checked the post logged in and as guest but I don't see a log.

[leeroyjd]

Hmm, I must be missing something here. Do you see a picture with the OP? I checked the post logged in and as guest but I don't see a log.

No picture, but if I get a break in the rain I will try to get one. 14' White Pine for what it's worth.

[leeroyjd]

If you split the heart you will have all bananas.
Try to box the heart. Might have less lumber, but straight wood.

Does this mean to make sure one of the 2x6s ends up with a boxed heart? 
White Pine by the way.

[RetiredTech]

Hmm, I must be missing something here. Do you see a picture with the OP? I checked the post logged in and as guest but I don't see a log.

No picture, but if I get a break in the rain I will try to get one. 14' White Pine for what it's worth.

From the two answering post I assumed they were seeing a a crooked log. Had me thinking something was wrong on my end.

[doc henderson]

you might find out and or add what the lumber will be used for.  If some wane is acceptable as in for framing, you can get more rather than if each board needs all sides perfect.  It seems if I try too hard to get more, I get less.  meaning you will sacrifice something like quality, to get quantity.  that is where you have to understand the goals of the client.  You could tell him; it would be easier if you just bring me an extra log.  remember the 2/3rds rule.  you may not be able to get a 12 x 12 cant from a 17-inch log.  Assuming that is the small end, and the log is straight, it looks more like an 11-inch cant.  full 2 x 6 or nominal size?

[leeroyjd]

@doc henderson  it will be full 2x6 for framing a barn addition, including rafters. Wane is acceptable. He has framed with lumber I've milled in the past, just trying to learn more.
The pith is not centered on either end and it has some sweep.

[jpassardi]

You noted it does have sweep: I believe Magic was saying to cut from those sides to make the cant so the stress and bending ends up along the thin dimension of the 2X's.
This is preferred for framing lumber as it can be straightened when sheathed. With boards it's best to have the bend along the wide dimension as you can joint and rip to straighten once dried.
Pith causes considerably less distortion in white pine once dried than it will in hardwoods like hickory or oak.

[bannerd]

If you do the math a 17" dia log will give you a 12x12" cant.  You should have a total of 12 2x6.  Might be able to swing some 2x4's from the slab wood but that's up to you and your time.

Also depends on a lot of factors but EWP is pretty good wood and I've never seen it twist or bow.. very relaxed.

[doc henderson]

a straight 18" diameter log at the small end for sure.  a 17" with sweep, maybe, maybe not.

[Magicman]

Using the "half again bigger" rule, yes a 17" top is close enough to give a 12X12 cant with probably a touch of wane.  If it has much sweep it may only be a 12X10.

I can not and will not chance splitting a 12" cant into two 6's.  Ain't gonna happen.

[doc henderson]

so, MM, you would cut side lumber to get a central cant that is 6 x ?? and cut that into as many 2 x 6s possible and then edge the side lumber?  you would try to capture the pith in one board, that may or may not behave itself?

[Magicman]

No, I would make no attempt to capture the pith on the saw through.  If the center boards have a tendency to bow, place the ends downward so that the weight above will flatten them as they dry.

A builder can deal with bow, but crook (crown) can be a very real problem.