The Forestry Forum

Hi folks, I have a bunch of large red pine to start milling. They are my favourite trees, so I always struggle to cut them down, but I have obtained quite a few for the sawmill from a local source. Many are probably over mature for our area anyway, but they will go to good use. Some are 24+" across the stump, so it leaves many options. 

Do they generally saw pretty well? Anything out of the ordinary to consider when dealing with red pine? Thanks, stay safe. 

The pitch can build up on your blade and cause wavy cuts. If you get open grown ones, they have large branches, also waves. There is a point for me where I won't mess with them, if they have knots that are 2" the lumber won't be any good unless you saw them into larger dimensions.

 
 I like a 4 ° blade better, goes through the knots straighter.  The ones  with a little rot on the outside will really gum up your blade, green ones not too bad.  Use the better ones for 2X   and the knotty ones for board and batten or inside walls and ceiling .  Steve

Plant pine thick, thin them every few years. No big knots and steady sustainable growth. Then do some sawing. ;)

I hate thinning red pine with a clearing saw. I'd rather thin spruce thicket. :D

I have sawn quite a bit of red pine this last year.
It's all sawn very well for me.
I have got a log or 2 with pitch pockets. 
The big logs with large knots gets turned into boards.