Next log

[scogar]

Can't get to this one until a few weeks from now. It is SYP and 24 in at the small end...slight twist along its cambium layer so is may cork screw on me when drying. It was too heavy for the truck so I cut it down to 6 feet rather than the 8 feet I started with. Though I originally thought I would cut it at 5/4 I am leaning toward slabbing out four or five inch slabs and using it for a garage work bench top. I painted the ends and put a tarp over it. I'll be out of pocket the next couple of weekends so it will give me time to get a hold of Bailey's and order a 36 in bar, some chain, and time to rig up an auxiliary oiler.

Pics below:

View attachment 287742View attachment 287743View attachment 287744

 

[Dave Boyt]

Nice find. Looks like it has already be de-barked. I've had my old Chevy loaded down with 8' oak logs that diameter many times. Steering is a little squirrely (just aim in the general direction you want to go). If you do much of that, consider a good flatbed trailer. If I were closer I'd offer to mill it on my portable sawmill. Actually, the offer is good, if you want to bring the log here (to Missouri).

 

[scogar]

Thanks Dave. If you swing down this way and help me load it again I'll bring it up there

Actually when my friend told me about the log I got a little nervous of having a few feet hanging out of the end of the truck as my bed is real slippery with the liner. Just to be certain I cut it at the 6 foot mark to fit the bed. I too have skateboarded down the road with a heavy load. And I was concerned because I had to drive this from downtown ATL and if you have ever been here you realize there are far too many people on the road. And I was leery of taking a log this big on the highways with lots of traffic

In the end the weight was absolutely no issue with the front end. the truck drove as if she had no load at all - at least the steering felt that way. I've had a lot more weight in her when she was younger. She's 18 yrs old with +200K miles. Though I don't baby her I respect what she's done for me over the years and I try not to break her back as she's been rode hard and put away wet for many years and keeps giving.

I'll post the slabs when cut

Scott

PS - now that I got the log, the same friend is interested in cutting a hickory he felled last year...supposedly another 20+ incher, so even though it's down it should have a lot of good wood. Be a couple of months before I see if this one pans out though

 

[excess650]

2" or 2-1/2" slabs should be plenty for a bench top. It looks like that log has been down for a while, so I kinda doubt that its gonna twist.

 

[Dave Boyt]

The weight of the log is distributed better if you put it on the bed crosswise, especially if they're 10' or 12' long. Plus you don't have to worry about hanging a red flag off the end.:msp_biggrin: If people see you, they'll get out of your way.