Quartering a Big Southern Red Oak Log

[WDH]

Being able top flip them over onto the log deck with the cant hook, then pick them up with the forks on the tractor really helps.  Sliding them onto the sticker stack can be challenging, but I have learned how to only have to pick up one end a little and lever it over.

Jake taught me how not to tote wood.  But it takes the right equipment.  That was the lesson.

[cutterboy]

Cutter,

Yeah, you have to go slow with those big logs.  Those wide cuts really challenge the 15 HP.  If I got another LT15, I would surely go for the 25 HP engine.  To me, that would be the perfect manual mill.  Still, the mill did its job. 

The really big logs are a lot more work than the middling size logs. 

WOW! 150bf in a 8' log is a big log indeed.
Danny, we are both in the same situation..... manual mills with small engines. My Norwood only has a 13hp Honda engine. It's a great engine, but I sure would like 25 or 28 horses. I've sawyed some big oaks but it takes some time.

You're right about the really big logs. They are a lot of extra work. I think I can saw two 8' logs that each produce 50bf almost as fast as one 8' log that gives 100bf. Of course the big log usually gives more clear lumber.

[WDH]

Cutter,

Yep, the good stuff is in the big logs.  It is a lot of work and a lot of extra effort but it is well worth it if the log quality is good.  I have found that if the log is heavily tapered, split, knotty, rotten inside, etc. that you are spinning your wheels and working for nothing.  The big ones have to be pretty good or I have learned not to fool with them. 

[DR Buck]

Hey Jake !!!   Where were you on Saturday?   I could have used your expertise.   ;)

I had this monster red oak on the miill and had to take it off and split it with the chainsaw.

39" on the small end and 42" on the big end after trimming off the flair.

[WDH]

Dave,

That is a whopper for sure!  Did you quarter saw it?

When Jake split the big red oak log for me, I got out a piece of chalk and went over to the log.  He looked at me sternly and said, "I don't use chalk."

He split the log expertly as I put the chalk back in the truck.  (Note to self:  You better use the chalk when you do it  ).

[DR Buck]

Danny,
Yea, I quartere sawed it.   It had some rot around the pith and a fair amount of hardware buried inside so the yeild was less that I expected.  It came out of a church yard and they must have had things nailed to it for their social events.   I've got 1 more red oak like this one and 3 white oaks about the same size, all from the same church yard.   I can't wait to collect all the nails.  It should save me a trip to the hardware store.

[WDH]

Wow, that is a shame.  You will be able to add to your metal collection, and that is not a good thing.  Kinda like kidney stones   :-\.

[Magicman]

Sometimes I wish that I had kept all of the hardware, nails, screws, and wire that I have hit in logs.  Then again, I'm glad that I didn't.   ;D

[ellmoe]

Sometimes I wish that I had kept all of the hardware, nails, screws, and wire that I have hit in logs.  Then again, I'm glad that I didn't.   ;D

   With the price of scrap metal, I figure that's my profit!

[customsawyer]

I was running my mill and watching my wife tail lumber. It don't get no better than that. When you get home she is to tired to care if you get to the honey do list.

[WDH]

That is mean  :D.  Did you cook her supper?