How should I saw this white oak log?

[kng]

I'm not sure about the heart check.  The log is 10' long and 18".  I will be sawing 4/4 for my dad to make Adirondack chairs.

Thanks in advanced!
-Kyle

[Ox]

I would just mill it up to whatever boards your dad needs for his chairs.  I wouldn't worry about any checking.  Cut off any cracks when you go to use the boards.  This is one reason to cut a 10' log 10' 6", for trim.
I always try to keep it simple when working with natural materials.  Trying to make everything perfect is futile.  There are no perfect edges or shapes in nature, I wonder why mankind seems to want things this way?  It's ingrained in all of us.  ;)

[drobertson]

Agree, looks like an inch or two of sap wood, so if it were me  I would make a target of 6 and 8 inch  wide 1 inch, flat sawn,  I too have a list for the same order(wife's) honey do list,  only change I could see might be a few thicky's like 1-1/2, for good measure,

[Delawhere Jack]

Find what you think is the most significant check and mill the log so that the check is parallel to the band. Try to keep it contained within one board.

I wouldn't bother trying to quarter saw it, it's just a little small for that. Square it up and start making boards.

It sure is a nice straight log.

Mill it.

[DannyLand]

If I were cutting it for chairs I would aim to give myself some quarter sawn as well as flat sawn by following the checks.   If possible, square the cant so the largest check is parallel to one side.   Flip it 90 and cut perpendicular to the check down the heart to remove the pith and separate the other half of the log with the other two large checks in it.   If youre up for the task, quarter saw the side with the two smaller checks in it and flat saw the other half so you lose the least amount of material from the checks and give some good solid quarter sawn boards for the chairs.  The quarter sawn is a pain to do depending on the mill you have but I think it can be worth the effort.   
     The quarter sawn stuff is preferred in chairs and cabinets as it moves the least in comparison to flat sawn stuff.   Judging by the size of the log and the last Adirondack chair I made, a 6" wide board is the largest you need but it depends on the style youre going for.  But Im looking at this more of a woodworker rather than sawyer.

[sandsawmill14]

imo its to small to quartersaw it will give very narrow boards but if thats what you need go for it  good luck

[kng]

Thanks all for the advice!  I'm just trying to maximize his usable lumber, and create good sawing habits.  I wasn't sure how far into the log the smaller checks would go.

The log is nice, I got it from a local sawmill.   It's actually about 10'9" long.

Since he's not interested in any quarter sawn, I'll cut parallel to the largest check and go from there.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond!

[4x4American]

Looks like you're in the same area as Yellowhammer.  I was learned by him that certain types of checks, the ones the tree got from being dropped, will dry better if you saw perpendicular to the check and edge it out. 

[kng]

Looks like you're in the same area as Yellowhammer.  I was learned by him that certain types of checks, the ones the tree got from being dropped, will dry better if you saw perpendicular to the check and edge it out.

Yes sir!  YH has helped me out quite a bit. 

[scully]

I understand that quarter sawn is not a priority but if it were me I would target the flat side . If you look at the end growth rings that log seems to have a side that they run almost straight . You could get some nice looking quarter in those boards with little effort just because the log lends itself to that situation . I am not suggesting you quarter the log but saw it in a position that would take advantage of that grain  . It's to small to really quarter anyway .

[alanh]

Timely info, I have a white oak that`s the same same length, (10` 9') but 32" diameter, was planning a few 4" live edge for maybe a couple mantles then perhaps some quarter sawn..or should I not bother and flat saw