Oak 4x6

[EZ]

Hi Guys,
Sawing 4x6 x12 ft long, is it best to cut these out right out of the center of the log. The logs are 16 to 20 inch dia, he only wants 6 of these & I have plety of logs to chose from, but he wants the 4x6's to stay straight.
EZ

[Bibbyman]

EZ,  Is there a question in there?

Boxing the heart is the way to go.  To keep them straight - even out of the heart,  watch for stress in the log.  I should say the obvious,  all logs have stress - its just the amount of stress that causes bent lumber.

If the log as crooked or has sweep,  the 4x6 will have stress in it and will bend as you saw it from the mill and only get worse as it dries.  Also if the log has twisting grain,  then the 4x6 will twist as it dries.

Even with a perfectly straight log with no twist, the 4x6 could bow or twist.  You can usually tell as you start to peel boards off;  If you note them shifting or lifting as the cut is being made,  the log has stress in it.

Tom has a good tip on  removing stress posted on the Knowledge Base.  

Here is the link.  
Removing Stress in a cant (Thick middle Thin end)

[Greg]

Hi Guys,
Sawing 4x6 x12 ft long, is it best to cut these out right out of the center of the log. The logs are 16 to 20 inch dia, he only wants 6 of these & I have plety of logs to chose from, but he wants the 4x6's to stay straight.
EZ

I don't if you as a sawyer can guarantee something will stay straight. Cutting on center will help, but I think it really depends how he dries them and uses them.

At a minimum I'd think he should stack them with a good amount of weight on top while drying.

Do you know what he intends to use the 4x6s for?

Greg

[EZ]

Bibbyman,
I thought I was right, but I thought I should post it just in case. I have so many things rolling around in my pea brain, that sometimes I have to stop & think what my name is. Thanks Bibby for the refreshment coarse.
Greg,
He's going to stand them up on end on concreate, kinda like a pole barn, I guess.
EZ