Thread: Help Please with Small Blackwood Log

1) Read this paragraph then go do what it says and come back and read the rest later. Paint the sawn ends of the log with some end sealer or house paint asap.

2) The log has a pipe in the centre so full width board as not going to happen.

3) Because of 2) I would cut it in half along it's length with an Alaskan sawmill and then cut the rest up with a bandsaw.

4) If you don't have an Alaskan then even cutting it in half free hand with a CS would be OK

Originally Posted by BobL

1) Read this paragraph then go do what it says and come back and read the rest later. Paint the sawn ends of the log with some end sealer or house paint asap.

2) The log has a pipe in the centre so full width board as not going to happen.

3) Because of 2) I would cut it in half along it's length with an Alaskan sawmill and then cut the rest up with a bandsaw.

4) If you don't have an Alaskan then even cutting it in half free hand with a CS would be OK

Thanks BobL, when would be the best time to carry out 3)

Originally Posted by hitch

Thanks BobL, when would be the best time to carry out 3)

It's easier to cut when it's green so I would do it now.

Originally Posted by BobL

It's easier to cut when it's green so I would do it now.

Thank you BobL. I will follow your advice.

OK, you specified "boxes or turnings out of it?" So you're not really after long boards suitable for furniture?

Right now, I'd cut it into lengths about 1 1/2 to maybe 4 times the diameter and seal the exposed end-grain immediately after you make each cut.

The shorter lengths makes it easier to store, to handle and to split the logs down the middle - they can be riven by hand with wedges, an axe or a splitter.

They can be stacked outside, heart-side down so any weather runs off the bark. Keep them off the ground though, using a couple of bearers to allow air-flow. And it really is a good idea to store them somewhere sheltered from the worst of the weather.

One of the best places for curing timber is under the house but that has other... 'problems' attached. Such getting access, and the "what about termites/borers/whatever" game.

Originally Posted by Skew ChiDAMN!!

Right now, I'd cut it into lengths about 1 1/2 to maybe 4 times the diameter and seal the exposed end-grain immediately after you make each cut.

I'd at least split it half first - that way you can see what that pipe is doing and you might be able to isolate more of the internal damage to fewer pieces than is likely when cutting to length blind.

Originally Posted by BobL

1) Read this paragraph then go do what it says and come back and read the rest later. Paint the sawn ends of the log with some end sealer or house paint asap.

What paragraph are you talking about here Bob?

Originally Posted by BobL

2) The log has a pipe in the centre so full width board as not going to happen.

Originally Posted by BobL

I'd at least split it half first - that way you can see what that pipe is doing

What pipe??? All I can see is a very small amount of heartwood which you might have mistaken for a pipe and the fork end looks like it has a grub hole

Originally Posted by DJ's Timber

What pipe??? All I can see is a very small amount of heartwood which you might have mistaken for a pipe and the fork end looks like it has a grub hole

It looks like I did - shoulda looked a bit closer. Unless you want longer boards go with Skewie's Idea.

From what I see u mostly have sapwood, atm I'm not sure how durable/suitable blackwood sapwood is but in general sapwood is cut off... some species it can be left on as it is resistant to bugs and is quite serviceable... but blackwood
A few pen blanks maybe?
Peter

I think i would go the other way to Skew.

There is probably some small cracks at the end by now so i would mark a STRAIGHT line down the log so you cut through the biggest of the cracks. Then just split it in half with a chainsaw - If you make sure the saw is sharp and be careful you should get a fairly good straight edge. Seal the ends again and about 3 inches along the sides - also any other end grain (where any branch has been cut off)

My reason for this is it is about 2 or 3 years at least before this is anywhere near dry enough to use and your preference may change by then, If you are going to turn it then you will want it split down the middle anyway. Cutting into smaller lengths and sealing the ends wont let it dry any quicker than in a long length.

My only other point is that grubs love sapwood on Blackwood , and there is plenty on that log so be prepared for some damage.

Cheers

Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond to my request for assistance.

It would seem that I don't have a "gem' in this log.

As I have just moved from Sydney to Tasmania and all my WW equipment will remain in storage for about six months it would seem I don't have the resources to process it and preserve it properly. Perhaps the fire wood heap is the best place for this one.

Thanks again all for the learning experience.

Ian

I don't want too sound rude, but I would dock that small log and put it in the woodheater, Hitch, I'm 45 minutes away from you, contact me if you like and I'll give you some thing you do something with, I have salvaged a fair bit of Blackwood from burn heaps, be happy to pass one on to you if you like.

I'd use that log for firewood too, theres not enough heart wood to make stuff with.

If I were you, I'd try my hand at drying it. Get a bit of practice in so that you know some of the problems to expect the next time you come across a log that you don't want to risk ruining.

After all, if you have the space... what have you got to lose? You can write it off as firewood at any time.