What goes on in our logs as they're sitting?

hackberry jake · March 28, 2013, 05:52:02 PM

I know of a few things for sure like fungus getting in them and causing spalt, and the ends dry out faster than the center, but is there any changes that take place because the log isn't dead yet? I have seen walnut and black locust logs grow sprouts. That means they are still alive right? I have heard of farmers cutting locust fenceposts and sticking them in the ground and a tree will start growing from it. Does the log add any wood after its cut? Or does it convert a tiny amount of sapwood into heartwood? How long does it take for all cell activity to stop? Too many questions?

Chuck White · March 28, 2013, 06:01:03 PM

I've gone on mobile sawjobs and found several species of logs that have grown new leaves or needles!

Sounds wierd, but it happens.

harrymontana · March 28, 2013, 06:38:02 PM

once I left 4 logs and when I came back after a year there were suddenly 8 logs!

hackberry jake · March 28, 2013, 06:45:46 PM

Quote from: harrymontana on March 28, 2013, 06:38:02 PM
once I left 4 logs and when I came back after a year there were suddenly 8 logs!

Sounds like you need to take some more logs back there. It sounds like it might actually stay up with inflation!

Magicman · March 28, 2013, 06:53:53 PM

Very often I have found many more logs on Monday morning than were there when I left a sawing site on Friday, but that has nothing to do with the OP. ;D

drobertson · March 28, 2013, 08:11:51 PM

Not sure what to say? I guess if this was the case we could cut a few logs, then a house would appear? A bit drastic I know, but, there is food left after a tree is downed. Just an example, think about a cow pie, who would think of anything growing from this? and then there are mushrooms, and how many cedars are grown from bird droppings? I have heard about posts in Coasta Rica sprouting and growing roots as well,

Delawhere Jack · March 28, 2013, 08:44:44 PM

Quote from: hackberry jake on March 28, 2013, 06:45:46 PM
Quote from: harrymontana on March 28, 2013, 06:38:02 PM
once I left 4 logs and when I came back after a year there were suddenly 8 logs!

Sounds like you need to take some more logs back there. It sounds like it might actually stay up with inflation!

Inflation is always and everywhere a monetary phenomenon. (Milton Friedman)........ But that's a whole different topic..

Delawhere Jack · March 28, 2013, 08:47:33 PM

I milled a poplar log today that I'll swear was possessed by demons.

It did everything but spit pea soup in my face trying not to be milled.

Magicman · March 28, 2013, 09:00:56 PM

Sometimes Poplar cants have to be flipped 180° several times as boards are removed and the internal stress is released.

WDH · March 28, 2013, 09:07:55 PM

I am sawing a bunch of yellow poplar right now. As the cant starts to get small when you are down to the last 4 or five boards, you can look at the bed rails in the center part of the cant and tell if it is time to flip or not. When you can see a small space opening under the cant at the two or three center bed rails that support the center of the cant, it is flip time for sure.

Cedar Savage · March 28, 2013, 09:11:41 PM

A few years ago I sold a standing bear, I carved outta willow....A couple months later the new owners told me, that when they got the bear home, they put it on thier deck, & the bear sprouted a branch from between its back...bottom legs. At first they thought it was funny, untill then thier 2yr old kid started getting obsessed with it....so they cut it off !