Quarter Sawing Oak

[Big J]

6ft is much too short Brian. Never shorter than 8ft unless the tree dictates it. You just limit your market hugely. Also, from the point of view of set up with the chainsaw mill, at 10ft, you have the screw the ladder on, make the first cut and adjust the throat only four time. With 6ft, it's nearer 7.

[agg221]

I'd very much agree with Big J - in this case size is everything! I'd make the lengths as long as you can handle, probably limited by your rails/ladder. I'd rather have a 20' board, even if you're cutting it down later, as it allows you to cut around the defects and get the most out of it, assuming it's straight enough of course.

 

I've often milled thick stuff - 3" and 4", but then I'm not selling it so I don't mind if it takes a while to dry, and realistically if you don't have a kiln then you're either selling it green or what's another six months in the overall process!

 

Alec

[nantmoel]

Okay then its 8' - loads there so its no problem.

 

Thanks guys.