my first oak beam,rough value.

[Johnpl315]

Yes but if you cannot compete then why would people but from you? I had an enquiry for oak sleepers the other day, I quoted £25 each only to be told covers are doing them for £24

I understand that large beams are a different kettle of fish but as a one man band I have enough trouble trying to move 8x8 gate posts on my own never mind a 20' beam!

Is it normal that a customer would collect a beam this size?

Sorry for hijacking thread...

[PeakOakFrames]

All our stuff is cut to order. I believe it's all French and Belgian boules brought over and milled here. Sawn to garde but no paperwork as it's an extra cost that we only use if our engineer specifies it. If I was to order direct from France I could get it cheaper and wouldn't have to pay the VAT (inter European trade thingy). But I have a good relationship with my mill and that is a price that isn't too far off the French prices once you take in to account the cost of delivery and allow for the convenience factor of have a mill that is relatively local that should I need to I can drive to to pick up replacement stock. The beams from French grown stock are much better and more consistent quality than anything I've ever seen from English stock. I guess that's what happens when you have well managed forests generation after generation. Hopefully we can get our stocks recovered by the time my kids are grandparents.

 

Big J, no wonder all the framers I know of in Scotland order from the same mill as I use. I grew up in Penicuik and I don't recall seeing many oak tree plantations.

[Copford sawmill sussex]

Yes but if you cannot compete then why would people but from you? I had an enquiry for oak sleepers the other day, I quoted £25 each only to be told covers are doing them for £24

I understand that large beams are a different kettle of fish but as a one man band I have enough trouble trying to move 8x8 gate posts on my own never mind a 20' beam!

Is it normal that a customer would collect a beam this size?

Sorry for hijacking thread...

 

 

Because we can compete on beams.instead of offering sleepers we offer what we call a garden grade of anything which hasent made beaming or joinery. It's run down to 2" thick and various widths and lengths and people seem to like this.

Peak frames yes we do slightly discount for regulars as anyone would. We like people to stay regular

[kinderscout]

This oak was milled more for my education than anything as I had not milled any oak before.and was lucky enough to to get to mill such a nice piece.

It made six beams all 18 ft plus and several small ones.

One thing I really did need a spare sharp new 5 foot chain it would of made the job so much easier.First time I had used the vertical mill and found that nice to use a part from the snowstorm of wood chip.

[kinderscout]

I would like to thank everyone who contributed two this post.Carl

[Johnpl315]

They look great. Do you have a plan to market and sell them?

[kinderscout]

Don't no what is happening yet Wether they are to be sold or used on the farm where they cut,in Telford.As the weight and length was under estimated by me I would think they are plus 400kg each.

[Big J]

Big J, no wonder all the framers I know of in Scotland order from the same mill as I use. I grew up in Penicuik and I don't recall seeing many oak tree plantations.

 

As you say, there just aren't many good oak stands. It's odd trees here and there, and long clean lengths are quite rare. Hence the inflated price and why I stay away from oak beams.