Replies

1. 
   BoardmanWI | Jan 14, 2007 06:44pm | #1

   There are metal detectors available, but It's been my experience that the black staining from metal in walnut that has probably resulted would make a lot of the wood unusable.  Plus it isn't that big a log to begin with.

2. 
   mapleman | Jan 14, 2007 06:52pm | #2

   Steve,

   I would cut a small slice off of the end of the log to see how much heartwood is actually there. A 10" diameter log probably doesn't have 8" of heartwood in it. Walnuts convert sapwood to heartwood at a slow rate, so it takes a large walnut log to yield a decent amount of heartwood. Doesn't sound to me like it's worth the trouble for a handful of narrow boards.

   Lee

3. 
   JeffHeath | Jan 15, 2007 06:44am | #3

   Steve

   Lee and Boardman are both correct.  I saw logs.  A walnut log that size is a waste of time, regardless of the nails, which will be a royal pain to remove if there are that many.  Walnut logs should be in the range of 18" minimum before being cut and milled.  Otherwise, there's not much heartwood.

   Jeff