Sinker Red oak

[Ugaambrose]

Just got some sinker Red oak out of the river. I was wondering on what's the best way to mill them for them not to crack as bad. Should I go ahead and mill the log and let the boards dry out or should I let the log dry out then mill it like that.

 

[Don P]

"Saw it fast and dry it slow" is kind of the mantra of sinker wood. It is often bacterially infected, a sour "off" smell. If so it weakens the bond between rings so drying it gently helps reduce stress while it is drying and shrinking.

[Southside]

Logs don't dry - lumber does.  Cants just wreck potential lumber so decide what you are hoping to get from that log and saw it up.  

[Ugaambrose]

Thanks fellas it's only been out of the water a day or two but I will get on milling it tomorrow. Is there any recommended size that would be best to help prevent the cracking

[Don P]

4/4 will have a good bit less drying stress than 8/4 so unless you have a real need for 2" I'd stick to 1" thick.