She-oak log, best way to mill?

**spray-tech** · 2nd March 2013, 11:11 PM

A few weeks ago whilst working on a large blackberry job I came across an old Drooping sheoak trunk that was standing though the canopy had fallen many years ago. the property owner said I could have it. I made the mistake of cutting it down at the time and intending to return with another vehcile to collect a few days later, but a few days turned into 3 weeks resulting in some end checking, so I think I should mill it quite soon (and paint ends). there are no radial cracks that I can see and there's still moisture in it.

I haven't milled Sheoak before, should I simply slab it, or should I go for as much quater sawn as possible or back sawn? is it a stable timber & how will it behave whilst drying. any other suggestions? Should I de-bark it before milling as I think the barks gunna be a real "blade duller"?

thanks,
Dean.

**dai sensei** · 3rd March 2013, 09:42 AM

Sheoak does crack quickly and I have found painting the ends limits them but certainly doesn't stop them. I cut it as fast and as small as I can, quarter cut where possible.

**artme** · 3rd March 2013, 10:09 AM

BTW, lucky you for the score!!

**MAPLEMAN** · 3rd March 2013, 11:01 AM

The last She-Oak i milled everything on the quarter...it really has to be kept away from sun and elements whilst seasoning as it will check dramatically..make sure you end seal the boards too..really beautifull timber though and well worth the fuss..

**spray-tech** · 5th March 2013, 09:23 AM

Thanks for the advise guys.
It's too hot down here to be milling anything at the moment especialy the species prone to checking, plus I'm too busy with work.
I'm going to submerge the log in a water trough for a month or 2, let me know if this isn't a good idea

cheers,
Dean.

**pjt** · 5th March 2013, 12:51 PM

Like every one above, cut on the quarter displays the medullary rays for best effect, when you go thru the branch fork there will also be some interesting grain, we will need some pics of course

, don't know speciffically about she oak as far as being submerged but it is something that is done, chair makers submerge some parts of the chairs in vats of water to stop them drying, also in the bigger mills the log piles usually have water going on them constantly, more so in summer at a guess.

Pete

**rustynail** · 5th March 2013, 07:05 PM

Submerging the log will be fine. When it comes out of the water it needs to dry slowly. Particularly if the bark is off. Old carpet underfelt makes a good cover while the log dries.

**MAPLEMAN** · 5th March 2013, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by rustynail

Submerging the log will be fine. When it comes out of the water it needs to dry slowly. Particularly if the bark is off. Old carpet underfelt makes a good cover while the log dries.

Rustynail is correct..this will preserve the integrity of the log...the amount of checking if left in the sun will be dramatic,so keep it well covered after you mill it..again,a really worthwhile species to mill,,,good luck with it...

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