How to cut?

[Dennis Derringer]

This was a white oak that I think was already dying. I spotted some workers cutting the pieces and asked if I could have a few. They're fairly large and still have some good mass. It took 3 guys to pick up the largest one and get it in the back of my truck. As a newbie, I thought it would make for some good practice pieces for bowls.

My question, how should these be cut in order to realize the best results? Should I cut them in slices starting at the end, or lateral cuts?

Any guidance will be appreciated.

Dennis

 

[Dave Peebles]

Hi Dennis,

Here is a link to Bill Grumbine's web site.

http://www.wonderfulwood.com/articles/logcutting.html

It show some of the steps to cut a log for the lathe.

My steps are pretty much the same as Bill's.

Best wishes,

Dave

 

[Dennis Derringer]

Dave,

Thanks for the post! It shows me exactly how I should approach cutting the logs!

Dennis

 

[MichaelMouse]

Might want to look at this, too. http://www.texaswoodshop.com/turning/Woodgrain_to_Log_handout.pdf

Also like the preacher's site, though I want to post this food for thought. http://aroundthewoods.com/firewood02.shtml Look at the rough circle and ask yourself why someone would want to beat up a lathe by turning away what he could have cut away. How about undercutting the end grain to more or less match the curve of the log, instead. Lots easier.

I do the same on the bandsaw when the pieces are not too thick. http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d160/GoodOnesGone/Trim-for-balance-1.jpg Or, if they're really thick, I undercut and then use a circle jig to cut back to my maximum diameter. Eight inches with a 6" saw easily possible.

 

[hockenbery]

Dennis,

It appears that some of the sapwood is punky and if so the tree may have been dead standing. White oak heartwood is extremely rot resistant. white oak was used a lot in building wooden ships like the Constellation and Constitution (old Ironsides)

Consider making a couple of stools
I would suggest cutting some into spindle blanks 2x2 and 1x1 and drying them for the legs and stretchers. Dry some other 3x3 for pepper mills.
this will take 6-12 months.

You can rough turn the stool bottom leaving it an inch thick coat the end grain with wood sealer and put tit in some paper bags to slow the initial drying move it to dry paper bags every day for a week. each day yesterdays bags should be dry. Check for mold (Clorox the mold). when the bags are not damp just leave it for 3 months. the take it out and let it dry another 4 months.

Bowls and hollow forms are also good uses for white oak.

if you split it in thin strips you can weave baskets.

-Al

 

[Cliff De Witt]

How to Cut

Since my neighbor is having 4 trees removed from his yard today this question was very timely.

I have done some cutting and have some idea on how and what I am doing, I do have one question though.

Where can a get some of the crayons folks use for marking on trees?

This is a simple question but I can not find them, I thought of going to a toy store for a box of crayons but there has to be a better way than robbing my grandkid's toy-box.

 

[MichaelMouse]

Timber crayon in yellow or red is common in stores that sell chainsaws, but I find the kids' sidewalk chalk to be more useful. Cruisers use spray paint now.

 

[KurtB]

Cliff,
Google 'lumber crayons' to get alot of info.
Kurt

 

[Dennis Derringer]

Thanks, everyone, for all the suggestions and links. Al, not sure I'm ready to start weaving baskets, but the idea is now planted... 🙂 I'm hoping my neighbor down the street will cut them with his saw-mill so I can get some nice clean cuts. I think you're right about it being dead standing for a while.

Mike, I'll be reviewing your links to get more knowledge about what I'm trying to do.

This is definitely a great community of craftsman and really do appreciate the comments.

Dennis