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Thread: Can this still be milled?
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19th July 2021, 02:02 AM #1New Member
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Can this still be milled?
Approximately a year ago I cut down a relatively large cherry tree and sectioned it up into five or six 8 foot logs. It’s been sitting (outdoors) but fully tarped outside. I elevated it off the ground with pieces of firewood so it’s possible but unlikely it’s touching the ground in one or two places. I hadn’t found anyone to mill it until recently so my concern is that it’s rotted or ruined inside. I sealed ALL the endgrain with several coats of titebond, so no water is getting in or out that way. I left the bark on. Should I take it to get milled? Or did I just make some new firewood (it would be a massive shame to waste all of this beautiful lumber). (All answers are encouraged, I’ve never had anything milled so looking for guidance). If it helps, this will likely be used to make coasters/cutting boards etc, mostly small projects. Thanks for your help!
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19th July 2021, 08:32 AM #2
We don't get access to much cherry here in Oz. Perhaps a Taswegian may have some experience.
Mobyturns
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19th July 2021, 09:23 AM #3
Welcome to the forum
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14th October 2021, 06:16 AM #4New Member
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Can't see any issue at all. The mere fact it's been held off the ground and covered means it's highly unlikely rot will be present.
I recently milled two silky oak logs that had been lying in the weather for over a year uncovered but with end grain sealed with acrylic paint. No issues there. I more recently milled an ash log that had been lying on the ground for more than two years without any protection. Other than minor rot on the bottom edge, the rest was mint. Go fer it I say
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14th October 2021, 12:16 PM #5
Cherry can easily spalt, like a lot of timbers, the is the start of rotting
Must have been Northern Silky? Southern Silky rots quickly and the bugs can be an issue. Just turning some bedroom tables from up to 750mm dia logs but had to turn down to 410mm due to the rotNeil____________________________________________Every day presents an opportunity to learn something new
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14th October 2021, 01:27 PM #6SENIOR MEMBER
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Pin hole borers can be an issue for SSO and NSO
Blue stain etc another potential problem
Have to confess though...
I tend to mill stuff that has been sitting in the round tor a period
Reasons being...
Less internal tension is noticeable
Often there is a wonderful patina
And it fits in with my values of harvesting salvaged logs
Some species are suitable to let sit in the round
Others not so suitable
Spalted Cherry is most sought after apparently
So yes...slice it up pronto
Gotta say...i dont mind a bit of spalt in my wood
Log Dog
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7th November 2021, 05:31 AM #7Senior Member
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The only way to find out if it is any good is to mill it. It will probably give you some good timber and may give you some excellent timber if you are lucky. The only thing you need to worry about is finding things like screws and nails buried in the timber but if you know the history of the tree that may not be a problem. Good luck and may the result of your efforts result in some pleasing memories and keepsakes.
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7th November 2021, 10:08 AM #8GOLD MEMBER
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Its not so much the rot that I would be worried about but the splitting. All the stone fruit woods are brittle, prone to radial cracking and really have to be at least split down the middle when they are first cut. As soon as you can you need to have a look at the ends, find the most prominent crack and run a chainsaw straight down that splitting the log in two. Then you can have a look at the exposed surface and see if the cracking is too much or if some of it is recoverable. It is well worth the effort though, they do make beautiful timber even if you just get bowl blanks or pen blanks.
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7th November 2021, 12:30 PM #9Senior Member
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Len, I have never had much to do with fruitwoods so thanks for the tip about splitting. I will try to remember that if I ever come across any in the future.
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7th November 2021, 02:05 PM #10
Cherry is an absolutely glorious timber, but rarely allowed to grow to any size. Beautiful colour, fine grain and easy to work.
If damp, there may be spaulting or some "blue vein" staining - a fungus infection like in blue vein cheese.
Just mill it and use it for a special project.
Almost all fruit trees gave very good timber, but now modern orchards rarely allow the trees to grow more than 3 metres tall. So supply is very limited. If you have ever been a goggle-eyed tourist in Versailles in Paris, most of that elaborate furniture is from fruit woods.
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8th November 2021, 06:17 AM #11SENIOR MEMBER
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I have milled apple and lemon and find though hard as the timber you get is outstanding, worth a try.
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8th November 2021, 08:34 AM #12GOLD MEMBER
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Yes it is great timber and has a long history of use. The Romans prized citrus wood and often the most valuable thing in a roman villa would be a citrus wood table. My personal favourite is almond wood - It is a honey brown colour with a very fine black medullary ray through it, hard and takes a fine polish. But rare as hens teeth.
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8th November 2021, 02:57 PM #13SENIOR MEMBER
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If only one knew someone with Almond trees, oh well dream on sounds like a very good timber .
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