Worth the effort?

[AndyO]

I'm looking for some wisdom...

One of the estates we work on has a fairly large Beech tree came down and I'm torn whether to slab it.

 

So my questions are:

1. Is timber of this size approx 5.7m of fairly straight stem and averaging over 1m its whole length in demand and worth the effort not just the milling but all the handling etc?

2. I would need to invest in a chainsaw mill, bar and chains. Are the @PantherMillskits the go to?

3. Is a 661 big enough to make the job not entirely soul destroying?

4. How thick would be ideal to slab it?

 

I have some experience with my Logosol M8 but its only running a 24" bar. I have a Valtra with loader but might need to borrow a bale trailer off of a neighbour to take the full lenght slabs to the yard.

 

Any input is appreciated, cheers!!

[Johnsond]

I’d start by cutting the root plate away  and see if there is anything going on inside. Recently cut some spalted Beech and I could have sold it 2-3 times over. Good size stick, might be giving a 661 a bit much to do, 881 probs the best option  👍

Edited March 8, 2021 by Johnsond

[trigger_andy]

1 minute ago, AndyO said:

I'm looking for some wisdom...

One of the estates we work on has a fairly large Beech tree came down and I'm torn whether to slab it.

 

So my questions are:

1. Is timber of this size approx 5.7m of fairly straight stem and averaging over 1m its whole length in demand and worth the effort not just the milling but all the handling etc?

2. I would need to invest in a chainsaw mill, bar and chains. Are the @PantherMillskits the go to?

3. Is a 661 big enough to make the job not entirely soul destroying?

4. How thick would be ideal to slab it?

 

I have some experience with my Logosol M8 but its only running a 24" bar. I have a Valtra with loader but might need to borrow a bale trailer off of a neighbour to take the full lenght slabs to the yard.

 

Any input is appreciated, cheers!!

1, Is it in demand? Id say not. Whilst Beech can be nice when Milled I really do not think there is much of a market for it. Not like Oak and Elm. Some will say that they get customers that will buy slabs based on the grain and features alone. My (limited) experience is customers know what they want and thats the end of that. Ive literally just had a phone call for 10m x 650mm of Elm, never had anyone ask for Beech apart from a few small pieces for making pens etc. 

 

2, You'd need a bigger saw than that for 1m wide beech. Ive only heard good things about the Panther Mills and will be getting one as soon as they are back in Stock. Unless you're planning on doing a lot of Milling you're gonna be investing a serious amount of cash for next to no return. 

 

3, If you do mill it then 3-4" Slabs. 

[arboriculturist]

You know, I know, we all know there is no single right answer.

 

Rob D gave me good advice few years back - selling is the issue.

 

I would possibly do 1 or more of the following:

Cut to assess stick.

If you have ready market and ongoing large sticks - maybe invest.

Offer to a miller as it is.

Poss. get another miller to mill.

Mill and sell wholesale to turn it over.

Mill, sticker and store if you have the infrastructure.

Remember to cost your and labour out - from the minute you step outside your front door.

Employed staff can cost around 20 - 40% more to employ annually than just their hourly rate.

Every hour spent on each task needs to be costed correctly - if not you may be flogging a dead horse.

 

Good luck.

Edited March 8, 2021 by arboriculturist

[gobbypunk]

Where in the country are you, not been doing much chainsaw milling since I broke my ankle but I would be up for helping I have an 880 with a 4 ft alaskan

[AndyO]

Cheers for the input everyone. Very much appreciated!

Its not going anywhere so have time to do a bit more research and head scratching.

1 hour ago, gobbypunk said:

Where in the country are you, not been doing much chainsaw milling since I broke my ankle but I would be up for helping I have an 880 with a 4 ft alaskan

Thanks for the offer but I'm in Scotland buddy...

[Rough Hewn]

I'm looking for some wisdom...
One of the estates we work on has a fairly large Beech tree came down and I'm torn whether to slab it.
 
So my questions are:
1. Is timber of this size approx 5.7m of fairly straight stem and averaging over 1m its whole length in demand and worth the effort not just the milling but all the handling etc?
2. I would need to invest in a chainsaw mill, bar and chains. Are the @PantherMillskits the go to?
3. Is a 661 big enough to make the job not entirely soul destroying?
4. How thick would be ideal to slab it?
 
I have some experience with my Logosol M8 but its only running a 24" bar. I have a Valtra with loader but might need to borrow a bale trailer off of a neighbour to take the full lenght slabs to the yard.
 
Any input is appreciated, cheers!!

Cut it in two.
One 3m and one 2.6m
3” thick slabs
Get a miller in for two+ days.
Cost approx £800-£1200
You will have to move the big heavy slabs,
Store them with 1” sticks every 14-16”.
In a dry barn.
You should get £200-600 a board when dry, and you will get at least 12-16 boards.
[emoji106][emoji106][emoji106]

[lux]

Cut it in two.
One 3m and one 2.6m
3” thick slabs
Get a miller in for two+ days.
Cost approx £800-£1200
You will have to move the big heavy slabs,
Store them with 1” sticks every 14-16”.
In a dry barn.
You should get £200-600 a board when dry, and you will get at least 12-16 boards.
[emoji106][emoji106][emoji106]

That’s a huge variation in price per board ? Can’t see anyone parting with £600 for a Beech Board spalted or not ??

[Rough Hewn]

That’s a huge variation in price per board ? Can’t see anyone parting with £600 for a Beech Board spalted or not ??

A 3m x 1m x 75mm slab of air/kiln dried,
English grown, with mad colours and patterns.
I sold one recently that size for £600 and I’m cheap. (It was 5” thick and air dried).

[emoji106]

[lux]

A 3m x 1m x 75mm slab of air/kiln dried,
English grown, with mad colours and patterns.
I sold one recently that size for £600 and I’m cheap. (It was 5” thick and air dried).

[emoji106]

I’m surprised at Beech but good on you for getting a nice price on it.
What was the MC when sold ?