Milling oak

[ashman]

Cheers Alec.

 

I am looking into doing some milling in the next week or so, will have to see how i get on.

 

Rob.

[agg221]

Hi Rob,

 

Your other question was about green vs. dead. I've usually used dead - standing or otherwise. They seem to dry out so slowly that a 3ft butt with the bark still on is still wringing wet after 10yrs lying! As such, it doesn't seem to make much difference, just pick the nicest looking one.

 

Alec

[ashman]

Hi.

Yes i will certainly be using dead as thats all that i have available now, all the green stuff has been cleared for this year, but i have a few dead ones still standing and a few on the deck i have already dropped.

 

Rob.

[TrollSpiel]

ditto everyone else...

 

slow I found is the key with oak.. the first 3" slabs I cut (55cm <--> ) warped more than the starship enterprise in the kiln - but then I'm not scared by a little joinery, so I didn't mind. I think it's a temperamental wood to dry well.

 

I also found the 2" oak boards taking about 8 weeks so far to 16%.

 

best results i've had so far are with yew, cherry, cedar...

 

I can wholly recommend milling and furniture making.

 

BTW, Rob, ive got some 8ft 120cm wide, 2" (and a few 3") chestnut slabs to kiln dry, how long? - butt had been sitting for a few years.

[Rob D]

I suppose in theory in a kiln they would still be the same as thinner slabs so 8 weeks ish for 2" but does depend on your kiln.

 

As said above it doesn't really seem to matter if the butts been down a few years as it'll still be wet!