Storing logs for milling

[Dilz]

Just wondering if logs should be stored a particular way for milling.  I've got some oak in my yard  and wanting to mill it but was planning on waiting until its some what cooler / autumn.  I checked on the logs today and a couple of the longer ones have some major cracks in them  The shorter stuff hasn't split att all really - They are currently in a pile that probably gets too much sun - so figure it might be an idea to try and get some shade over them - or its it just a case of leave them be for now and mill them when its not so hot outside? 

[Squaredy]

Oak logs won’t dry until they are milled.  The ends will dry and maybe split a little but many of the end shakes will be there regardless of time since felling.  If you want the sapwood to be sound mill then within a year of felling.  Otherwise don’t worry.

 

 And yes it is wise to mill oak after the warm weather has passed to minimise surface checking as the boards dry.

[youcallthatbig]

keep an eye on them for insect attack too( usually June to Aug), especially if stored in full sun, heat ferments sugars in sap and attracts the little b******s.. 

you can mill oak in summer if boards are sticked with proper sticks and maybe builders hessian wrapped over cut logs to reduce  air flow thereby slowing drying rate, 

[gobbypunk]

To be honest I would just leave like Squaredy said I can hear the boards cracking already ,I milled some spalted beech a few days ago and that started to crack with the heat but got my banding kit out banded it up and put it in the shade .