Hey folks,
I posted a thread about a year ago with questions seeking the best advice on cutting and drying a large oak tree I have in my front yard. My wife is an oil painter, and I wanted to dry most of the wood and make her a bunch of canvas (1" or less thick cuts).
Well, I received a lot of different advice. Most suggested I cut lumber, branches and trunks of tree (which is massive), into smaller parts, i.e., 1-2 feet long. Then it was suggested that I use a sealer, like Green Seal to seal the ends of the lumber while it dries for the next few months, so that it controls the drying and avoids cracking, etc.
Well, I did a test run on a branch, about 8" thick. I cut it into several pieces of about 1 - 2 feet long. I sealed the edges. I stacked the wood in my garage, safe from the rain and sun.
The result was that most of the wood showed signs of rot after only a few months. A few pieces splintered down the center, as if it still dried too quickly - however, those same pieces showed signs of rot!
So I put a hold on cutting down the big oak tree, which I really need to do because my septic tank is near it, until I can find the right process of drying.
Any advice, or insights on the matter from you professionals would be VERY much appreciated!
Quick note, I experimented with smaller branches, cutting a 4" thick brand into about 2" sections. Then brought those into my house and stored them in my studio. They dried super quick, in a matter of a couple of days, and of course splintered badly.
Finally, I cannot find any advice on how to cut the wood, especially during the last part of the process where I would take the thicker cuts and slice them into thin (1 inch) canvas.
If possible, I'd like to use the trunk of the tree for some projects, such as a table, as the tree is enormous, about 4 feet wide!
Is this possible, and if so, what kind of cutting devices or service am I looking for?
I have a tree service company that is going to come and chop the tree down for me and even offered to help locate the lumber into my garage for me, which is pretty nice of them. They seem to think they can shave some of the trunk for me, though I'm skeptical. Seems like too big of a job for chainsaws.
Anyhow, I know this is a lot of info but it's better than leaving hazy details.
Thanks so much ahead of time for anyone that takes the time to offer advice!
Best,
david
I posted a thread about a year ago with questions seeking the best advice on cutting and drying a large oak tree I have in my front yard. My wife is an oil painter, and I wanted to dry most of the wood and make her a bunch of canvas (1" or less thick cuts).
Well, I received a lot of different advice. Most suggested I cut lumber, branches and trunks of tree (which is massive), into smaller parts, i.e., 1-2 feet long. Then it was suggested that I use a sealer, like Green Seal to seal the ends of the lumber while it dries for the next few months, so that it controls the drying and avoids cracking, etc.
Well, I did a test run on a branch, about 8" thick. I cut it into several pieces of about 1 - 2 feet long. I sealed the edges. I stacked the wood in my garage, safe from the rain and sun.
The result was that most of the wood showed signs of rot after only a few months. A few pieces splintered down the center, as if it still dried too quickly - however, those same pieces showed signs of rot!
So I put a hold on cutting down the big oak tree, which I really need to do because my septic tank is near it, until I can find the right process of drying.
Any advice, or insights on the matter from you professionals would be VERY much appreciated!
Quick note, I experimented with smaller branches, cutting a 4" thick brand into about 2" sections. Then brought those into my house and stored them in my studio. They dried super quick, in a matter of a couple of days, and of course splintered badly.
Finally, I cannot find any advice on how to cut the wood, especially during the last part of the process where I would take the thicker cuts and slice them into thin (1 inch) canvas.
If possible, I'd like to use the trunk of the tree for some projects, such as a table, as the tree is enormous, about 4 feet wide!
Is this possible, and if so, what kind of cutting devices or service am I looking for?
I have a tree service company that is going to come and chop the tree down for me and even offered to help locate the lumber into my garage for me, which is pretty nice of them. They seem to think they can shave some of the trunk for me, though I'm skeptical. Seems like too big of a job for chainsaws.
Anyhow, I know this is a lot of info but it's better than leaving hazy details.
Thanks so much ahead of time for anyone that takes the time to offer advice!
Best,
david