How to Mill a Tree

[wstowe]

Hello all,

I'll try to be as specific so you can answer better. 

I have a 34" and 22" red oak I want to mill. I'm no sure how best to slice it up. I imagine it will depend on what I want to do with it so I will explain. I will use it for a dinning room table, stair treads and possibly hand rail. Originally I was just going to slab it in varying thicknesses. But as I'm learning more I'm thinking I may want to be more particular and have some quarter sawn etc. 

I appreciate any help and hope to start a conversation and learn a lot. 

Thanks!

[doc henderson]

welcome.  there are threads on how to approach a log, and how to quarter saw.  some others will chime in.

[SawyerTed]

 A YouTube search will find videos on various sawing methods including quarter sawing.

[wstowe]

My question is more of the best approach of milling the trees for intended projects. Should I slab it all at different end thickness? Square off one side so I can cut to desired width later? Would quarter dawn be good for my projects?

[YellowHammer]

The dinner table would normally take 8/4 finished thickness, or maybe 6/4 finished, the stair treads start at 6/4 and end at 5/4 generally, and the hand rail is generally laminated, 4/4 or monolithic 12/4.

The trouble is each project requires a different thickness of wood.  

I'd decide which project I wanted highest priority and mill up for that one.  Then as more logs come in, I'd check them off the list in order.  

Squaring cants and letting them sit is fine for mantles and crossties, but not the best approach for high quality wood because of the significantly increased surface and end checking.  

[wstowe]

The table and treads are my priority. My plan was to cut in slabs 6/4 or 8/4 slabs for the treads to leave enough room for processing and 10/4 for the table top sections. I'll have over  1000bf which is more than I need. Would like to sell some to recoup expenses and purchases equipment to process(planer). 

For selling, and the remaining wood I don't need, is there a best size to cut to?

Thanks!

[YellowHammer]

It depends on your market and how fast you want to move the wood.  4/4 air dries faster and sells quicker for a lower price.  8/4 takes longer to dry but generally sells for more.  
Green wood sells but for a lower price.