Best way to mill?

[jamesd]

I'm looking to start milling some oak for boards is it true that quarter sawing is the way to go? People say its more stable than through and through is this correct?

 

The other thing i want to mill is some 6x6 posts which is the best way to mill to get posts that will dry well and won't split?

 

Many thanks, James

[se7enthdevil]

quater sawn is more stable than t&t but more time consuming and a bit more wastefull.

 

if your milling a big tree then you will get quatersawn from the middle of the tree anyway. if you want 6x6 post that wont spllit then i recomend cutting a 6" slab from the middle of the tree then resawing to 6" squares so that the rings are paralell with two of the faces in effect a thick bit of quater sawn wood but this should give you the best chance of very little splitting and good stability. you will need a very good log for that though.

[Rhob the Log]

Be careful around the middle of the tree. The pith up the middle of the rings I've found quite prone to splits and boxed heart 6" posts would likely split. Best to take a board straight up the middle and cut in 2 down the line of he pith. This will also stop any cupping from boxed heart.