As part of a garage expansion project we’re starting in a couple of months, I’m having a tree guy come out in a couple of weeks and take down this tree in my back yard. (See attached pics)
My wife says it’s a “Silver Maple”. It’s about an 18-20″ caliper tree and the straight section from the ground to the “crook” in the middle (see pics) is about 10′-6″.
At first, I was just going to have the tree trimmer take it all away, but now I’m wondering if I want to make a table out of it, you know, so that he’s still with us…
First off: Is this wood any good for working with?
Second: Is this particular tree any good? It’s got a lot of “knots” down low where I’ve had to cut off sprouts over the years.
Third: If it’s good, then what instructions should I give my tree cutter? What portions and how much of the tree should I save? How long do I have him cut the logs?
Forth: If I end up with some logs, then what do I do? I assume that I’d take them immediately to a mill to have them cut down, so that I can stick ’em and dry the boards. What instructions would I give the mill? What dimensions would I have them cut down to?
As you can probably tell by now, I’ve never dealt with wood this raw, I usually just pick up what I need down at Paxtons.
I’m looking forward to any advice you all might have. Thanks for the help.
Bob Asher
Replies
Looks like it might have a lot of tension wood in it, not too good for cabinetry. Soft maple makes some pretty turnings though. Your tree looks like it might have some wild grain which a turner would really like. If you decide to keep it, take steps to avoid bug infestation. Powder post beetles can can damage your garage and even your house as badly as termites. See if you can locate a woodturning group in your area before you cut it. They may give you guidance.
Cadiddlehopper
I scored a silver maple tree last summer, and I like the wood a lot. It is easy to work, and, although the grain is a little plain, it takes an oil fininsh very nicely. Cadiddlehopper is right that it is a good turning wood. I made a few bowls and candlestick holders from it last Christmas. I have quite a few projects planned for the larger boards.
Whatever you do, get some paint on the endgrain of the logs immediately -- several coats -- to help minimize checking. You can then try to locate a bandsaw mill to come to you or to take the logs to. If you can find someone with a chain saw mill (ask around at local sawmills, etc) that might be the best option. I hired a guy with a chainsaw mill for the largest log, and I've been using my own saw (24" bar) to freehand quarter the remaining logs and then mill them up on my bandsaw.
BTW, where are you located?
Edited 3/17/2006 2:56 pm ET by Northboundtrain
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