This is my current wood source. These guys get old barns and whatever hauled in from east and midwest. They cut out the good stuff to make custom beams and siding. It is quit the business. This is stuff they could not use. Oak fire wood to me, in whatever form, is a real treat. It is by far the most interesting place I have found to get wood. I have taken 2 1/4 cords out in 3 loads so far. I may go back for one more load, this year. My storage areas are full. When cutting this stuff up, I would really like to know the history of the wood. I think about the work that went into the mortise/tenon joint. Even the dowel pin is hand carved. I wonder about the person that did this work. Were his hopes and dreams dependent on the construction of this building. Was he looking forward to new storage for his hay and shelter for his animals? So you guys that are heading out into the woods to drop whole trees, know that I am envious. ....but, as a true wood hoarder.....you do what you got'a do. I'll see you on the road.
150 years of seasoning probably earns you a pass on leaving it stacked for three years. Pretty cool source there. I'd be having the same thoughts as you while chewing it up. It's nice that the work is going into other structures as well as heating your house after so much effort went into getting those trees made into one of the the most basic human needs after water and food; shelter.
I tore down a Civil War-era barn around 12 years ago to use the wood and beams in our house. The craftsmanship is amazing in those old buildings. All the dowels were carved from locust saplings, I saved several of them. And man, were they ever tight in those holes, even after 150 years! I took several big sections of sleeper beams out of that barn and cut/split them up for burning. Most of the big structure was hard pine, the mantel on our fireplace was a perlin beam from the barn and had over 180 annular rings in it.......it was only 9" x 9", and had that many rings. Must've been a very dense stand of tall pines that the builder took those trees from. Ok I'm rambling now.....lol. Nice score on the oak, and there's nothing wrong with repurposing that wood, even if you're just burning it for heat.....
I always look at the rings on old wood. The forests were different back then. Thick canopies meant slower growth. I do not know if there is science behind it (density?), but from what I've always known/seen, tight rings means stronger/better wood....more desirable anyways. I have gotten 2x lumber from lowes that had 1/4"-3/8" spacing or more in the rings.
Wow, what a great source. It would almost be unheard of to burn much of that around here. Old beams and such have great value for the repurposing woodworkers out here. Those mortise and tenon pieces would be considered architectural furnishings for homes and fetch decent prices as is. Like what yooperdave put up, they would make nice furnishings. Even re-sawing the larger pieces into two doubles your workable stock. Those piles are real deal early Americana that will be lost forever.
Barn wood is a hot niche/trend right now. Even those scraps could be sold! Do you have a website link to the company? I emmediatly though of the show barn wood builders. I'm used to tight-r rings, but the really old stuff seeing more than you can count in a board really makes a think...then I get a yard tree... it doesn't look normal with huge rings. Old growth stuff makes your tools feel dull! The house I grew up in and and grew up remodeling with my dad is said to be( by an old passed local) 1820-1830.(I think it was just after the war) All post and beam, actual full log for the basement main beams. Corners are carved and marked with Roman numerals. And like you said, perfect incredibly tight joints and dowels. The deed essentially only goes as far back as the county, the Mrs has actually just recently been going to the Capitol archives to dig up the original... the patent( kayderosus patent granted by the king) to find any info as to when it was actually built. Looking through letters of indenturment..... All sorts of awesome history, as well as who's burried in the old cemetery out back....
No doubt about it, that is a great find and I would have no problem getting some of that for firewood or whatever.
Coming home on my ride yesterday, found where someone had dumped the better part of an apple tree in the ditch. I went back this morning and got it. Had a big thunder storm last night so it was in a big puddle. ...but, wood....good wood, is wood. A piece here and a piece there....pretty soon you are a hoarder. Made it home. Cut and stacked. Buttoned back up.
like others have said.. neighbor oldest barn 18?? had to be moved for gas line.. I do know much about it except had a slate roof they paid farmer to tear it down most was bought by dealer in NYC
Your notions are deep and thoughtful this isn't just craftsmanship this is dedication on a level that is indeed hard to find. You found a really nice source for heat in those beams! Hopefully you have enough wood to save those pieces of work for show. That's couple of conversation pieces right there indeed.
Work like this just does not happen anymore. I am going to be on the look out for pieces like this now. I have saved out at least a dozen pieces for band saw boxes. Saved out a piece of 5 quarter walnut that was in the mix. No telling what I will find hiding in there. Back for another load today.
Cool post, justdraftn. I've seen many inventive & innovative sources of wood, whether for burning or re-purposes, here on FHC forum. Considering its history, I'd find it hard to burn such artistry - but you gotta do what ya gotta do, eh? Good pictures are much appreciated too!
What's interesting is that this is just the "junk pile" for the business but there are much more intricate pieces in the pile that the business overlooked or doesn't consider a use for their refurbishing or repurposing. Lots of treasure there for sure. justdraftn you're absolutely right about what you might find. A lot of stuff in there for sure. I see a good mantelpiece or two as well
Great! Even in the puddle, that apple should be a sweet find. If not used for smoking, then wait until mid winter to burn that as it burns really nice and long.
