Probably the oddest way to grab some firewood… We had a decent sized log in the stream behind the house in VT. It was near a large rock and created a pinch point for the water. With all the rain this summer, we wanted it out. Sawzall and generator to the rescue! Not sure what kind of wood it is. I put it up on the stacks to dry and will take some pics next weekend.
Interesting! Any chance that log was hand worked and could’ve been part of a dam for an old mill along the stream? The way the weathered outside looks with the pores makes me think it might be oak, which makes sense if it’s still solid.
The rounded end could have been done by hand. Although, I'm not seeing any ax marks along the length.
The top surface looks relatively flat, almost like the log was "2 sided" top and bottom with a saw to make it sit flat, stacked. It could be the remains of a small bridge too, which would make sense. I might really be reaching here though. My mind is always looking for ancient artifacts
I’ll get pics this weekend. There was an old sawmill up the road, but a bit away from the stream. Now I’m curious as to what this could have been. I cut it because it was really jammed up under the grass. No way I could have lifted it as is.
I see faint medullary rays and a punky outer sapwood ring so oak it is. Judging by the rings the tree grew fast in it's early years, slowed down, sped up later in life, then slowed again before being harvested. Based on the fact that its got a few wide rings at all suggests it's probably in the red oak family.
Thank you gentleman! I think I’ll cut this to length, split and season it. It will certainly be one of the most unique bunch I’ve splits I’ve burned!
Or after it’s good and dry do some woodworking project. That type of wood can have some really beautiful tones that a little stain and varnish can bring out.
I feel like some of it should be saved for the inevitable future FHC museum. Hopefully Cash Larue will bring his “archery target” rounds. The museum restaurant is called Skeeter’s and the parking spaces are all extra wide. I’d like to picture buZZsaw BRAD ’s tailgate hanging on a room all by itself, where we can all pay our respects for a vehicle part that gave its owner so much. Of course there’s also a wing where we pay our respects to the firewood dogs. Sorry, it’s Friday night and I’m a few beers in.
That’s an option too! Maybe I’ll bring it into the shed so it can dry off properly. Could be a fun piece to save.