Help/advice on making furniture from large tree stumps.

[StumpyJoe]

I’ve got two large tree stumps left over from some trees that were felled in our garden recently. They are both horse chestnut and around 5 foot in length and 2 to 3 foot in diameter (pictures available but I don't know how to get them into this post).

 

The (wife’s) idea is that I make some rustic garden furniture from them (probably two separate benches and coffee table tops from some other smaller pieces) and I’m thinking that I might need some advice and/or help – as follows:

 

Firstly on what is likely to happen to the wood as it dries out – as regards warping, cracking, etc. - and on anything I can do to minimise this – what would be a minimum/maximum for finished thickness – should I oil it and can I only do this on fully seasoned timber, etc..

 

Secondly, on how to cut out of the main shapes –

My first thoughts were for asking advice on what kind of chainsaw I might need to make the main cuts and how to go about it safely.

But, having googled this and having discovered that it might be a bit iffy for a novice chainsaw user to stand atop the stumps and start hacking away at them,

I am now asking if any experienced chainsaw user out there (preferably someone with an artistic eye and local to the Warrington area) is prepared to come and make the main cuts for me – so that a rough shape remains that I can then physically move and finish off by hand / with diy power tools. Like most of the rest of the country I am a bit strapped for cash but could afford to pay what it would otherwise cost me for a cheap or second hand chainsaw (maybe c. £100) and I suppose this way I get to keep all my limbs!

All help/advice/opinions welcome.

[muttley9050]

Hi stumpy, here's my thoughts.

Horse chestnut is just about the worst wood you could choose. But as its what you have, it will do.

Do you mean the stumps you have are still rooted in the ground? If so, how much is sticking out the ground, coz if it ain't about 4ft minimum you won't have any useable timber. Some photos of what you have would be useful so people can best advise for your situation.

Lastly £100 isn't really enough to encourage someone to come and do a days milling for you. With there costs and machine purchase/upkeep it wouldn't be worth there while.

Get some photos up please.

James

[StumpyJoe]

Hi James,

Thanks for the reply - I know Horse Chestnut is not really good for anything but as you say it's what I've got! Do you have any particular comments on its warping/splitting properties etc.

The stumps are out of the ground - I'll try again to add some pictures again.

Can someone tell me how to add the pictures please?

 

I'm imagining a couple or three hours work is all that's needed for someone local - I only want the basic cuts doing so that I can manipulate the remainder - for payment I accept it wouldn't be a good industry rate but I am weighing it against the money I had sort of expected to pay to equip myself with basic equipment and am just asking the question - could still be a bit over the 100 by the time I add some safety equipment.

Edited July 5, 2013 by StumpyJoe

[StumpyJoe]

Pictures:

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[Woodcrafter]

Best bet is call a mobile miller if your trying to make furniture the cuts need to be straight and level this will be more than £100. Tbh I don't think your going to get what you want out of these there primary value is as firewood. Perhaps you could advertise them on the firewood section. If you would like a keep sake possibly keep a piece that maybe carved into a sculpture.

If you got some money for it as firewood (wouldn't be much I'm afraid) you could put this to buying some pre cut timber from your local mill and still make your own furniture.

[muttley9050]

Stumpy, by the look of those pics the butts are about 6ftlong, your going to need someone with a large chainsaw and mill, would probably cost you in the region of £1500 to set your selfup with suitable new tools. Looks like about 4 hours work to me to mill into a mix of1",2" and 4" boards. Its doable,but your going to need to allow some time for the boards to season a little also. You will get some splitting towards the end of theboards, but i cant comment on properties ofhorse individually as ive never used it.

I think your best putting a thread in the milling forum asking someone to mill them for you. then once thewood is seasoned, 2 years would be ok for garden furniture, see what you have, and take design inspiration from the wood. Not 100% on durability of horse but believe it to be ok. Shame you havent go its sweeter cousin.

Cant help thinking you wpuld be better off logging this and buying some better milled timber. Reckon itsgoing tocost you at least £160 to mill this and this could buy a fair bit of lumber.

James

Edited July 5, 2013 by muttley9050

[StumpyJoe]

Thanks for the info folks. The idea tho was not to have it milled as such - I appreciate that this would be more time consuming and probably really not worth making planks or boards out of but rather to have a bench cut out of the stump as a one-piece item (possible need separate legs). And it was primarily for sentimental reasons - for my kids to have a bench each - they grew up with these trees and had great fun in them.

[muttley9050]

stumpy,

Check out this link, Its from one of rob d sites, he one of our chainsaw milling regulars on here. It may inspire you a little as to the design of the benches, but it may also show you the skill involved in the kinda cuts you are going to require. i dont think what you want to do is the easier option. Its also something that requires alot more skill and experience with a saw than just through and through planking. Im not sure it ssomething you should consider your self with inappropriate tools and experience.

Saying this,i must agree with the path your taking with these sticks and what your suggesting is more appropriate than milling.

Having never undertaken a project like this i can only guess how long it would take, but every cut would need careful and precision setting up and i can imagine it taking all day to make the cuts you want.

Try and find someone near you with a mini mill and an alaskan and see what you can arange. A post in the milling forum would help. un fortunately your too far away for me to offer you mylack of expertise as assistance.

Good Luck with your project, and dont forget to keep us updated with your progress.

James

treet| Treet Furniture

treet| Treet Benches

Edited July 5, 2013 by muttley9050
forgot link

[Woodcrafter]

Well if its 2 rough sawn benches ie. taking out 90 degrees then if I lived near by I'd do it for you. Unfortunately I'm down in surrey. If you wanted something artistic ie. some arms etc. then your prob need to double your price and will be better off asking a carver in the chainsaw carving section.

[StumpyJoe]

Yes, thanks again guys - the treet Oak bench in Mutley's first link is sort of what I had in mind - with arms but it only needs to be cut rough and I can finish off.

I'm definitely thinking not to do the chainsaw bit myself now and I can't really afford much more to pay someone so if I can't get a friendly local sometime soon, I shall probably try to shape it with hand tools.