Replies

1. 
   frenchy | Mar 26, 2007 07:37pm | #1

   csucalvie,

      Contact Woodmiser.  They have a list of their customers in your area who will come and saw it for you. 

    Air dry it.. do not kiln dry it!  If you kiln dry  you will lose all the brillant/ vibrant  color that black walnut has and it will become boring brown boards.

    Would you like information on how to air dry ?

1. 
   user-119870 | Mar 30, 2007 12:20am | #6

   Frenchy,

   I'd love some info on air drying.  Thanks for the help.

1. 
   frenchy | Mar 30, 2007 01:28am | #9

   CSU Calvie,

       Air drying is extremely easy with every wood except maple. maple due to it's high sugar content needs a much more careful hand..

     Basically get it flat and keep it staright and level and air will do all the work for you.

    Decide to what degree you want to dry stuff. If you are going to make furniture better plan and having it inside for a while to "finish" the drying process.

     You need three things,

   1    a space where the wood can remain flat and level, 

   2    stickers, and

   3    straps.  (those cheap straps that have little ratchets on them are just fine)  do not use cinder blocks or weights.. they have grit that will harm your planner blades, sawblades and other tools.. Straps are sort of a poor mans moisture meter. stickers are simply dry sticks of a uniform size that you use to let air flow around the wood..

    I bought my stickers,  Home depot had a sale on those cheap furring strips and I bought a lot of them because it was FAST, CHEAP, AND EASY TO DO..  I've seen all sorts of things used, fiberglas poles, snow fencing, lathe, etc..  as long as they are uniform in thickness and the same length they will work.

    I like to put one sticker ever 2 feet, I make absolutely certain every sticker lines up with the one below it. 

    

    straps should always be directly over stickers. If you are a little off then the boards are forced to warp as they dry.  As the moisture is forced out of the wood the straps will loosen up.  so you'll check the tightness of the straps every week for the first month every other week the second month and once a month from then on..  12 months later the wood should be either ready to use or ready for interior finishing..

      Do not put a tarp around the wood.. oh you can cover the wood witha tarp but do not restrict airflow thru the wood pile with the tarp.

     BIzarre as it seems you should also cover the side exposed to direct sunlite to prevent too rapid of drying which can cause problems..

    Questions? Love to help!

    

    

2. 
   vincentedwards | Mar 27, 2007 12:12am | #2

   I know of a good guy in greensburg, IN. This might be a bit of a drive, but he has a great Woodmizer mill and a Nyle kiln. His prices are VERY good as well.

   If you want to make the drive, I look up his info for you.

3. 
   GHR | Mar 27, 2007 12:20am | #3

   "at a price that's worth the effort?"

   It is really hard to make a deal like this be worth the effort. You have to say that your time is worth nothing.

4. 
   yotonyb | Mar 27, 2007 02:52am | #4

   I have three places you can look.  Try Ron Meyers at Meyers Woodworking in West Chicago.  Also, Kirkland Sawmill in Kirkland (southeast of Rockford...on Rt. 72).  There was an outfit on the south side that made pallets that also had a mill.  Calumet Lumber?  Down by Hegewisch...over by dere...

   The suggestion about checking the Woodmizer web site for Woodmizer owners in the Chicago area is an excellent idea.  They specifically list owners so you can find an operator in your area.

   Heidler Hardwoods at 26th and Damen in Chicago has a kiln but may not mill your backyard lumber.  Owl Hardwoods in Des Plaines may also have a kiln.  HOWEVER, let me also encourage you to have the patience to season your material rather than having it kiln dried.

   Finally, while the woodmizer people may be able to come to you, you might have to make arrangements to get your log(s) to the sawmill AND get them back home once they're milled.

   tony b.

1. 
   user-119870 | Mar 30, 2007 12:23am | #8

   Thanks for the info.  This looks like great start!

5. 
   JeffHeath | Mar 27, 2007 06:27am | #5

   Where are you located, and do you have the capability of moving the log to the mill.  I can tell you where to take it, but the guy won't come to you.  Woodstock, Illinois, if you're interested.

   Jeff

1. 
   user-119870 | Mar 30, 2007 12:22am | #7

   I'm in Schaumburg.  I can probably make arrangements to take it to him if you have some contact information.

   Thanks!

1. 
   JeffHeath | Mar 30, 2007 01:37am | #10

   GC Mill.  Woodstock, Illinois.  Straight up route 14, through the west end of Woodstock, halfway to Harvard.  You need to know how you want it cut.  Mill run is cheapest.  QS is obviously more.  I don't know the phone number, but I'm sure he's in the book.  I used to use him.  Now I mill my own.

   Jeff

   Edited 3/29/2007 6:38 pm ET by JeffHeath

   Edited 3/29/2007 6:39 pm ET by JeffHeath