when to mill

[sthil 660 cutter]

got some big honey locust and big maple to mill into table tops and bars and coffee tables.. this is what the woman want anyhow.any suggestions on if its better to mill them now or if we should wait till fall? heard an old timer say wait till fall so they wont dry out to fast and split on the ends.. we r just looking to smell two stroke smoke

 

[pete_86]

I'm still new to milling, but I've been sealing the log ends ASAP after the tree is bucked. I think getting the bark off it ASAP discourages rot and bugs also cuts easier when woods not so dry. Just IMO, I'm still learning too but this is what's been working for me and so far I've gotten a barn full of lumber. In the process of finishing a cabinet I built for canned goods. If you guys do canning, your woman may love extra room for canned goods. My next project should be a table. Good luck and have fun.

 

[Dave Boyt]

If the tree is already cut, the sooner you mill them the better. I mill year 'round, and never have a problem. As Pete says, seal up the ends as soon as possible. It is best to put the sealant on the ends of the logs within a few hours of cutting down the tree. Latex paint works fair, but AnchorSeal is much better. Far more important than when you mill the logs is to get them stacked for air drying as soon as possible. There are lots of threads on that.

 

[pete_86]

If the tree is already cut, the sooner you mill them the better. I mill year 'round, and never have a problem. As Pete says, seal up the ends as soon as possible. It is best to put the sealant on the ends of the logs within a few hours of cutting down the tree. Latex paint works fair, but AnchorSeal is much better. Far more important than when you mill the logs is to get them stacked for air drying as soon as possible. There are lots of threads on that.

Yes, I learned that mistake on a few boards that got snow covered and I stood them up in a corner thinking I'd left space between them with the means to get to them once they melted in spring, unheated barn. Spring came early and never got to them in time. Nasty mold, but they'll be ok for something where appearance isn't critical.

Also, weigh your boards down. I guess the more weight the better. I used old landscape edging stones. Left my stickers 6" from ends and ends warped. Not too bad, but learned you have to sticker the ends. Being new I didn't really have stickers. I sourced them out of old scraps from my work and lowes or cull bin at HD. The moldy boards I may sacrafice to the mill gods and use as stickers as a promise to always stack properly.

One thing to consider are the binding straps, baileys has them. That's on my wishlist as I find that easier on the back than hefting heavy stones around. I hear you have to retension them but no biggie.

 

[sthil 660 cutter]

yes I am also just in the learning process to. I am finding it really fun to learn and mill these table tops. I have plenty of room to stack them properly and store them all inside. I have seen some pics where guys put ratchet straps around the stack to secure them. that's prob what we will end up and do. it seems there r endless things to do with these big slabs of wood we just need to research it further to c where the demand is. also seems people will r paying stupid prices for these.

 

[pete_86]

yes I am also just in the learning process to. I am finding it really fun to learn and mill these table tops. I have plenty of room to stack them properly and store them all inside. I have seen some pics where guys put ratchet straps around the stack to secure them. that's prob what we will end up and do. it seems there r endless things to do with these big slabs of wood we just need to research it further to c where the demand is. also seems people will r paying stupid prices for these.

So people will pay for these slabs? I may have to try selling some. I have some pretty large pine slabs, I'm sure the market is hardwoods though. Besides Criagslist, any other good places to list? What have you seen going and for how much? Certainly could use some extra pocket funds.