What to expect?

[Oli Explosion]

Hello!

I've been asked to mill up this beech and he is in-tree-gued about what might come out of it. I suspect it might contain a couple of pockets here and there, but I've never millled beech so cant really help. Any ideas! and He's got an Oak which is still standing with some crown die-back and wants to know about how long it should be felled before sawing. I am new to sawing and have an idea but thought I'd check before telling him the wrong things! Isn't it best to mill stuff straight after its been felled?

 

Does anyone know of a book detailing various tree types and their milling qualities, hidden quirks, which are prettyest? bascially everything to do with milling.

If not I thought I might try and get loads of info from everyone on here and write one.

All help and ideas greatly appreciated!

[LeBucheron]

I have a book which might be helpful: Wood. Identification and Use by Terry Porter. It's got a page for a lot of woods and quite a lot of info regarding conversion (incl. milling), drying, storing, defects, diseases and of course use, susceptibility to disease/rot...etc.

 

Good book and it's been very helpful for me.

[Oli Explosion]

Brilliant! thank you

[Rob D]

It's a tricky one Oli - but I'd say timber milling, drying, working... keep reading, doing it and over time you get a feel for things... it's a long (but pleasant) learning curve.