Thread: Silk oak slabbing request

Originally Posted by Buddhaha

I have salvaged two pieces of silky oak from a neighbour who had the rest of a beautiful tree chipped. The two pieces are about 2m long each with a 600mm diameter. I am trying to find someone who I can pay to slab them. They are on my trailer so I can transport them.
Can anyone help or suggest some one.

How long will the slabs need to dry for before I machine them? Should I paint the ends with anything?

Many thanks

Kev

Based on your location, I suggest you contact Mapleman on this forum. He operates a small sawmill near Woodford, not far north of Brisbane, and may be able to help you. Send him a PM, if he doesn't see this post and contact you first.

As far as drying the slabs, the general guideline that is usually quoted is "One year for every inch of thickness". However, that is only a general guideline, as drying time can be effected greatly by humidity, storage conditions, and temperature. You should seal the end grain of the logs, and once you've milled it, also seal the end grain of the slabs or boards that you've had cut to stop the timber drying too quickly and cracking much more. Mapleman can advise you regarding correct storage seeing as Mango has a tendency to be susceptible to attack from insects when it's drying.

Regards,

RoyG

Thanks Roy. Have brought some slabs off Mapleman before. He's a great guy. I was hoping to find someone closer to brisbane.

I know if I go up to see Mapleman i will probably come back with a lot more than i take up there!!!!! SWMBO would not be happy.

I may be able to help as I have a chainsaw mill set up that cuts pretty good. Only thing is I have never actually done it as 'work' for someone else and have no idea on pricing structures as it always takes longer to cut than I think .

I'm in Albany Creek so if you did want to have a look at the last lot of silky oak I slabbed you could then gauge what the outcome would be.
Maybe the more experienced millers could throw an hourly rate + consumables rate out there.

-Matt

Kev, I'm about an hour out of Brissy if you wanted to run them out here.