Interesting grain!

[jagchaser]

I started the first cuts on 3 logs I plan to finish tomorrow. This was what I found when I opened the first walnut log. Maybe I need to get out more, but Im really excited to see what this one has inside it a little further! lol

How thick would you guys cut slabs off a piece like this? Im thinking 2 1/4 for the whole thing.

 

[SDB777]

Thickness can only be determined by the cutter....
Since I cut a lot of timber into little tiny chunks for woodturners, I generally like my bowl blanks form the log closest to the 'pith', then thinner slices towards the outside edge(generally the timber looks a little better towards the bark).

What are you going to do with the slabs?



Scott (no plans are still plans) B

 

[Dave Boyt]

Jagchaser, that will make some pretty furniture. Hopefully, no matter how much lumber you cut, you will continue to be amazed and delighted by the beauty of the wood you cut.

I generally cut 5/4, except for the center (widest) part of the board, where I might go as thick as 2". That's assuming I want to make benches or table tops. The pith can cause some cupping, warping, and/or splitting so you may want to cut that part out of the very center slab. End coating will reduce the splitting. What you do after milling is as important as the milling itself. Do a search for air drying slabs. Here's a link: drying slabs. I generally re-assemble the log with 1"thick stickers (spacers) between the slabs, and strap it down to help keep it from warping. This gives the general idea (cedar slabs).