After months of no cutting I finally got out yesterday and was able to put Granberg Mill through a good test run on some oak. It was a little slow and quite a workout but I am pretty happy with the end result. Eight really nice slabs ( 2 more still in trailer and not shown ) widest just shy of 18 inches wide 1 3/8 thick and 5 foot long. There is more where this came from and looking forward to round two soon. Hope today to spend an hour or two and sharpen chains so I am ready to go when the time comes.
Yes , the wife has been wanting a small rustic kitchen table to replace the one we have now. A small square table that is right around 50 inches and bar height. Only the two of us so the size really works out well for our needs. We downsized from a full size table a year or so ago and have really enjoyed the smaller table that is higher than a normal table height and a little more room in the kitchen is also a plus. I stacked them in the basement to start drying so it will be a while before I can actually do something with them. I am going to find some time today to get some paint on the ends to hopefully slow down the drying on the ends and prevent them from splitting. I have done my fair share of woodworking over the years but never with wood that I have cut myself. Looking forward to seeing what I can do. Next trip out I am going to work on milling some pieces for the legs.
Nice boards! I don't think most people have any idea just how much work is involved in chainsaw milling. Since you're familiar to woodworking, I'd imagine you know the importance of proper sticker stacking. My learning curve was steep there. I knew what was needed but didn't realize how much apple wood twist, cup and bow. Should have had some cheap wratchet straps. Do you just plan on letting the air dry?
Should make for a nice table. If you can keep the warp down to a minimum it will save you a lot of work and time later on when you go to use it.
Yes that was my plan ; unless anyone has any other tips that might be of help. Right now they are sticker stacked in my basement and ends have been painted. Learning curve for me so any input from others would be appreciated.
Well that's good news. You don't get much of that lately with everything going on. Any chance you are still selling ripping chains for the mill? If you are I would rather send it your way instead of elsewhere. Your chains I had gotten from you a while back worked perfect. Thanks for the input.
Gorgeous planks. I think you may be better off with them outside rather than inside to get some circulation of fresh dry air, especially for the initial drying process. Also, the fumes that come off of freshly sawn oak are very corrosive. One of my first attempts at drying lumber, I put a big stack of green oak in my pole barn with a fan for about 2 weeks while I was out of town. When I came home, all exposed metal surface on everything in the barn was rusted/hazed from corrosion. Later on, once your board have reached EMC, 12% you can bring them inside +/- dehumidifier to bring them down to final ~8%. I'm no expert, but you can learn from my mistakes.
Thanks , I was concerned about leaving them out with the weather here. Rain and snow ( although not much snow this year ) and them just not drying. Cant say that this is green so to speak , it has been down for a while before I got to it. I appreciate the input and might have to see about getting them out of the basement? Thanks again!!
Those came out real nice Craig. Ill have to hook you up with the red cedar logs i have sitting here since the Spring...nicer than the first ones i gave you. If there are any specific logs youre looking for let me know. I run across a lot of wood.
