Advice on milling beech

[Stephen Blair]

Ok, beech doesn't like the great outdoors unless its living or covered.

What about treating it with linseed oil or similar on a regular basis?

[Brushcutter]

Thats the top two bits of Beech of the stack and thats the stack it's self.

 

 

Not sure how much extra life the oiling would give you. Whats the project wood for? If it's for some garden art in your own garden what does it matter about the 5 years top life span. Just replace it in 5 years. If its for a customer i can see the issue. Really what you want is a big lump of Sweet Chestnut as it can go in the ground and take a beating from the elements without ever needing any treatment. Unforunantly most bits of chestnut 30" or bigger are normally shakey.

[Rob D]

Ok, i will forget directly into concrete, and go with a steel idea.

How long do you think beech will last outside?

If its the wrong timber for the job then I will accept it and use the timber for another project.

Thanks guys, keep it coming.

 

 

In this case it's the wrong timber for the job - beech just does not last long outdoors. You'd be far better off with oak or cedar if you can get it.

 

Beech is really a timber for indoors only.

 

 

[Stephen Blair]

Thanks Rob, I have ideas and easily available timber, just these 2 won't go together this time

 

What about silver fir?

How durable is it outdoors?

[Brushcutter]

Thanks Rob, I have ideas and easily available timber, just these 2 won't go together this time

 

What about silver fir?

How durable is it outdoors?

 

That will rot quick as well.

[dervishcarving]

I dunno about the rot-time (beyond its years not tens of years) but i know that cuttign beach cloggs-up the saw fast. chainsaw or band-saw