How many times

[Larry]

do you turn when grade sawing?  Example...sawing on a nice wide face that turns from F1F to 1C so I turn to an adjacent side that shows more promise.  After sawing the adjacent faces the first side comes back to F1F or maybe it just needs a little end trim to make F1F.  Do you turn back to that original face?  Bear in mind the difference is 92 cents between 1C and F1F walnut right now and I'm turning a lot.  Production is slow but I guess I can attribute that to me learning.  Curious as to what the pro's do.

[Brad_S.]

There is no set number, the log dictates when and where to turn to next. The example you give is perfect. Always go for the best board, no matter how many turns and whether or not you've already cut on that face.
BTW, I'll try and turn 180 degrees if grade allows so that I can balance tension and also so that when I finally do turn 90 degrees the grain 'cathedrals' are centered on the boards. If getting better grade doesn't allow this, then I just go for grade and ignore the grain pattern.

[Larry]

Brad, I almost always turn 180 degrees...don't pay a dime more but I just like the thought that I'm making the best lumber possible...makes me feel good.

You won't see any "cathedrals" from me in walnut as I full taper saw for the best grade (and money).  Sometimes I'll saw "cathedrals" in oak for the raised panels the cabinet boy's like.

[Brad_S.]

Course turning and returning and turning again on a hydraulic mill is much easier to do than on a manual mill. Being lazy as I am, I'd be too tempted to cut way back on the number of times I turn the cant if I had to unclamp, rotate and re-clamp manually. I admire the patience of those of you that do that.

[TN_man]

Larry,
I have got a question. What kind of industries are buying your walnut? and do you kiln dry it or sell it green. I have some walnut logs but have waited to cut them till I find a market, which I have not tried to hard just yet. I was going to see if you have any suggestions of which direction I should head.
Thanks,
Jeff

[Larry]

Just research your local market.  Memphis...Hardwood Capital of the World?  Woodworkers buy small quantities but they don't much like the sapwood.   

[Brian_Rhoad]

When grade sawing I start by taking a slab and a board, turn 90* or 1/4 turn, slab and board, turn 90* etc. When I get back to the first side I usually take 2 boards and continue with 90* turns until I get to a 6" cant.