How long can a log be down and still be okay?

[groundup]

I have a guy who has a big 40" diameter Boxelder log. He said it has been down for about a year. It seems tight on the outside, most of the bark has fallen off.

Do you think it would be worth cutting open to see what it looks like?

 

[mdavlee]

I would try it. Never know what it will be like. The top not touching the ground is probably going to be fine.

 

[Jim Timber]

Unless it's an extra wet site, there's probably not much rot in it yet.

 

[Dave Boyt]

I'd sure find a way to get it onto my sawmill! Might have some nice spalting inside. Some woods, like hickory and sycamore go downhill in a hurry. Walnut & white oak can be good for ten years or more. Boxelder is somewhere in the middle, since it is in the maple family. Post some photos if you find anything interesting inside the log!

 

[groundup]

I'd sure find a way to get it onto my sawmill! Might have some nice spalting inside. Some woods, like hickory and sycamore go downhill in a hurry. Walnut & white oak can be good for ten years or more. Boxelder is somewhere in the middle, since it is in the maple family. Post some photos if you find anything interesting inside the log!

That's what I am hoping, maybe some ambrosia and spalt? That's what I am hoping.

It may go down Saturday, depending on weather. I will post plenty of pics if it's decent.

 

[Jim Timber]

I've had red oak not make it two years, but it's in a temporary water shed that flooded two springs in a row (record rainfall one of the years too). Rotted so bad it was hard to get solid enough wood to stick the tongs in and not pull out when lifting it. The heart wood might be ok, but the cambium was all punk.

A bit of spalting would be good. Post up what happens either way.

 

[hamish]

I have never not milled a log, and have only been disappointed once.

 

[groundup]

Had a snow day today and milled it, looks good. I wish I could post pics and get some feedback but the sight is not allowing it. If you want to see it pm me your email.

 

[Dave Boyt]

Groundup, are you posting the photos to a public internet site, then copying the link to your posting? I set up a photobucket account. It helps if you save your photos to a smaller size, say 648 x 480. In photobucket, click on the little gear in the upper right corner, and select Get Links, then click in the window just below Img Codes. Then go back to your message and paste it where you want the image to be. Hope this helps. Sort of a round-about way, but it works, and we like pictures!

 

[groundup]

It worked today, the site was being goofy yesterday. Please let me know your honest opinion on these. I am going to try and sell them, if you think they are worth it to someone.

 

[Dave Boyt]

Looks like typical boxelder. The red streaks fade with time, unfortunately, but the live edges will make nice table tops, if you find the right buyer, you'll do well with them. Looks like the stack is well set up for air drying. Have you thought about a price? Just curious.

 

[groundup]

Have you thought about a price? Just curious.

I have 8 slabs, 2 1/4" X 28" X 82" I'm think $400 for the whole lot? If somebody wants to pick and choose I'd want closer to $100 for each one.

Is that reasonable?

 

[Dave Boyt]

Sounds reasonable. Depends on your local market. You've got to remember that you've got something that woodworkers can't easily find, and if they want it, they'll pay a premium. When someone pulls out a checkbook and asks "how mucn?", you know you've got a good customer. Might start out at double your price and see if you get any takers. You can always lower the price later.

 

[Jim Timber]

Put them up on CL for a high price and see what happens. You don't want to have someone assuming it's $5/bf come out and then tell them it's 20 to gauge their reaction. But, if you have some cheaper stuff out there, and get someone in the door - know your price and be sure to introduce them to it as well.

 

[jagchaser]

That is a good idea. I have been listing my walnut for $10, maybe I should be listing for more.

 

[Jim Timber]

I once sold my 120v Miller MIG welder for $400 in 3 hours. I knew I priced it too low.

I sold my camelback drill press (old line shaft beast with babit bearings) for $500 and the buyer drove 9 hours one way the next day to get it. I knew I priced that too low too!

Unless you need the cash, put a retail price on it and see how long it takes to get some action.

 

[groundup]

Since this my first venture selling, I'm going to price it for what I want out of it and test the market.

 

[Jim Timber]

Add 20-30% to that. You'd be amazed how long CL people can linger.

 

[Leroy in Kansas]

Because this is your first venture selling pricing your merchandise a bit over what you want and coming down will make your customer happy because he/she is getting a bargin.

 

[nk14zp]

What kind of mill is it? Nice slabs.