Making table tops question

[subhunter]

Today I am going to start cutting on a 42"+ rad oak tree that is nice and healthy. I am blocking the most of it into firewood but I got an idea to try and cut several 'cookies' off the biggest portion and try to make a table or two. This would be my first attempt at something like this and my question is: What thickness should I make them and what procedure should I use to help the drying process?

Please forgive me if this is the wrong forum for this post

 

[rarefish383]

Paint the ends, I've only cut a few Oak cookies that didn't check badly. If I were doing a table top like that I think I'd try making a diagonal cut, big oval, maybe less likely to check, Joe.

 

[820wards]

Paint the ends, I've only cut a few Oak cookies that didn't check badly. If I were doing a table top like that I think I'd try making a diagonal cut, big oval, maybe less likely to check, Joe.

Oak will check and crack if you make cookie cuts. I to would suggest that you make a diagonal cut the thickness you want. I would also say to use your guide rails or board for the cut that would be the top of the table. It will make for a smoother/even cut for your table top surface, and it will take you less time to sand smooth. Just my suggestion.

Here is a bench I just made from a Blue Oak log. Note the diagonal crack in the wood. A cookie is not what you want, it could get multiple cracks as it starts to dry.

 

[subhunter]

HMMM ok

Thanks for the sugestions. I do not have a CSM so i was hoping that a 2"-2.5" thick cookie could make a round table top. I was wanting to experiment as I have never made anything {much} out of wood. Some of the pieces I was going to cut would not be perfect circles. I was going to try to make some smaller coffee type, short tables just as more of a hobby type thing.

So to make the cuts you were talking about, cross cut but at an angle to get the diagonal cut?
Thanks again

 

[mtngun]

Some old threads on the subject. What you propose has been done, see Bill Stuewe's post in the 2nd link

http://www.arboristsite.com/milling-saw-mills/124828.htm

http://www.arboristsite.com/milling-saw-mills/115384.htm

 

[gr8scott72]

Thanks for the sugestions. I do not have a CSM so i was hoping that a 2"-2.5" thick cookie could make a round table top. I was wanting to experiment as I have never made anything {much} out of wood. Some of the pieces I was going to cut would not be perfect circles. I was going to try to make some smaller coffee type, short tables just as more of a hobby type thing.

So to make the cuts you were talking about, cross cut but at an angle to get the diagonal cut?
Thanks again

Here's a red oak about that size slabbed:

This one was 54" across:

It's a shame you don't have a CSM with a 42" red oak log waiting.

 

[subhunter]

I wish I had a CSM I am goin to try and get several cookies in different shapes and see what I can make. The tree is wider than it is tall in those pix and had some enormous arms as well that could have made some nice boards.

 

[deeker]

You guy's do great work.

Keep posting pics....

Kevin