log support post

[miko0618]

I have no idea where to put this thread but here goes. I want to use some tree trunk as support posts. how much will it shrink? its for a basement holding up the first floor. I usually remove soft maple, spruce, white pine, scotts pine, cherry, beech, ash, locust and sometimes oak. are any better than others? whatever I use it will be way way overkill so strength is not an issue. I just want it to dry straight. is there any good way to get the bark off?

thanks!

 

[mad murdock]

If you are wanting to debark a log, best time to do that is in the spring to early summer before the sap stops running in the tree. A peeling "spud" works the best, you can also peel real well with a sharp axe. If the bark is tight on the log, a draw knife, or one of those log wizard things that Bailey's sells.

 

[olyman]

locust or oak will be the best,,as they are much stronger..

 

[Dave Boyt]

If it will be in a damp environment, white oak or black locust (not honeylocust) are the most durable species. As for shrinkage, you can expect an 8' long post to shrink about 1/10". You might consider having a sawmill square up the posts. Be careful about bringing bugs into the house. There are a lot of threads about this, and it looks like spraying Borate on the posts is the most widely used.

 

[rarefish383]

Do I understand correctly? You want to put a whole log, or logs, under a center support to hold the ceiling up, like lolly columns. The logs won't shrink length wise much, if any. You will still need something to shim them up tight. A lolly column has a nut and bolt to adjust up tight against the beam. It wouldn't be hard to have a welding shop cut a square of scrap plate and thread it and put a 1" bolt and lock nut in it to do the same thing. Then counter sink the plate in the top of the log. Or just buy a pack of tapered door shims at the hardware store and drive them in. Once the weight of the house sets on it, it will stay tight. Get the shims good and tight and if they squash a little over time it won't be enough to notice, Joe.

 

[miko0618]

correct. I will cut the log to height, jack the floor up and set it on the log. I will rod it to the floor and once the header sets down, rod it through that too. so basically put a piece of rebar in the floor, set the log on it. drop the floor down. drill through the beam into the log and drive a spike into it.

I figured locust is going to give me longevity but I don't think I've ever seen a round locust. I almost like the scotts pine or cherry. I saw a youtube video of a guy using a curved blade with a handle on each side. it looked like it was efficient. what is it called?

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Well, if "I" was doing it, i'd set a piece of PT lumber under it, between it and the cement. If you don't, it WILL wick up moisture and start rotting.

SR

 

[Dave Boyt]

I saw a youtube video of a guy using a curved blade with a handle on each side. it looked like it was efficient. what is it called?

Probably a drawknife.

 

[miko0618]

It will definately have treated lumber and foundation foam under it. A draw knife is probly correct seein as how you pull it towards you. Thanks!