Stan,
I was going to send this to you via private message, but I though others might like to read this.
I’ve been given so very large Ash logs. 60 to 80 inches in diameter, but unfortunately only 8 to 10 feet long. The trees were taken down for construction, and weren’t taken down by loggers, but a local tree service that’s spends most of its time on lighten strikes, utility line clearing, diseased trees, etc. Anyway, there is no yard within 500 miles that I know of that could do anything with these logs. I’ve got a place to store them, and my thought is to store them, wait a couple of years to dry, and then attack them with a huskey.
First off, do you think they are worth storing for that period of time? If so, what do you think the best way to do it would be? Obviously off the ground, but any other suggestions? Are these maybe too large, or not large enough to let naturally dry like this? Would it be better to take the saw to them now and store them as slabs? That would change how much space I have for storing them, but some would be better then none.
I’d appreciate any thoughts you have on this. I got some hickory and chestnut also, but they are not nearly as large, and don’t create the same problems. Thanks.
Don
Replies
Don -
In case the hickory becomes a problem, I have two acres where you can store it.
[email protected]
Nah, it's not that big, 18 to 20 inch dbh. I am surprised that it wasn't taken. This wood came from an small industrial park development. The oaks, maples and pulp wood were sold to a small, independent local mill, but no one was interested in this other wood. It's the only reason I got it, otherwise it would have been burned along with the bulldozed stumps, and the reason I did get it was because I stopped and asked. Amazing what you can sometimes get just by asking!
Don
Edited 9/12/2002 3:22:54 PM ET by Don C.
> ....Amazing what you can sometimes get just by asking!
Exactly!
In Eastern WA many of the cherry orchards are being cleared to make room for vinyards. Wine is the coming cash crop over there. I haven't followed through yet but from what I understand there are literally PILES of cherry trees lying along the edges of the fields. And perhaps apple as well.
I gotta get over there with my trailer!
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Dennis,
Wouldn't those ash logs work well for the kitchen cabinets your thinking about building? Just roll them up against the wall and start carving out the wood you don't want to retain..seemless cabinets...wow...lol
HA HA!
Kind of like Michaelangelo, The cabinets are already there, you just have to remove anything that isn't cabinet!
One problem would be that if someone could somehow get these into a house, the cabinets would be going up on the basement wall!
Don
> .... Just roll them up against the wall and start carving out the
wood you don't want to retain.
What a hoot! Not said thus far is that this new place is located just outside a small town north of Seattle called Sedro Wooley. It's got quite a history associated with logging and the timber industry.
Since the timber industry is pretty depressed there 'bouts, small mill wise that is, a number of the lumberjacks have developed a whole art form of chainsaw carving. Every street corner in this little town (well, there aren't that many street corners, actually) has a marvelous carving of a big black bear, an old woodsman, you name it. Very well done.
Now if I could come up with the right incentive to convince the ash log owner that he should donate them to the cause, I have a wealth of craftspeople/artisans here that could do the trick! (grin)
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Dennis,
If you pay the shipping, I'll be more then happy to donate one, maybe two!
Don
This is going to be real quick because I should be in the shop working ........
Powderpost beetle just love ash!
As ash is a non-decay resistant species, log storage for extended periods of time will not be a good idea because of the yeastie/beasties. Also since ash is relatively porous (large earlywood pores) it dries rapidly. In log form this will create end checking so end coat ASAP. If you sprinkle the logs, that will help to keep them wet (reducing shrinkage cause degrade and also minimizes some bacteria/mold infestations). Sprinkling does not have to be continuous -- but I cannot tell you how long per day because I don't know your climate conditions.
This is a rhetorical question -- why is that most woodworkers, when they see a log, only think about boards? What about billets, turning squares, posts (for table legs), etc., etc. If you cannot find a sawyer/mill, whack down parts of those logs to suitable lengths for turning. Ash is not that hard to split; all the thick ash suitable for good sized table legs is sawn, has cross grain and it is hard to work because of it. How 'bout bowl blanks?
Contact your local extension office -- get in touch with a forestry/forest products extension agent. See is that agent knows of any portable saw mills in the area. Call Woodmizer (the company) and see if they can recommend anyone closer than 500 miles!
I do not enjoy working with hickory. It is not that it is not a good wood (ie God does not make bad trees) but I opt for other species first.
Did you say CHESTNUT? As in Castanea dentata ?? Like American chestnut where underneath the village smithy sits/lays/sleeps/whatever ???
Stan,
I appreciate the help. I'll contact the extension office, but in this area their biggest concern is ground water and erosion control. Very different focus from the folks up north.
Boards would be nice, but I'm not stuck on it. I guess I'll take the husky to them and get what I can. I'm not going to be able to give them the attention you are suggesting which is why I asked.
Nope, there is no American Chestnut around here that I know of. I'm not sure I've ever seen one???? I somewhat remember the history of the tree which hasn't been kind to it. This tree would have been a Horse Chestnut or maybe a Buckeye. Both are somewhat common here and one is often called the other.
Thanks again,
Don
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