Thread: What width to rough saw small logs?

Assume these are small diam logs of 5-8" diam (to 200 mm) and fairly straight? Cutting these on a bandsaw takes some skill and experience cutting rounds so be careful to avoid blade catching and rolling the log.

I reckon you should first saw them in half lengthwise, dock them to remove worst splits and coat the ends eg with cheap acrylic paint (eg undercoat) to seal and let these 1/2 logs dry for a couple of years (in a cool dry place) and then do some resawing into boards or squares etc for the small items you suggest. This will give you time to think and plan what you wish to make after they have finished drying, shrinking, warping and recovery can be more predictable.

Just my suggestion which you can take or leave

Thanks. They each have some sort of flat face so I hope it shouldn't be too risky to resaw them.

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I'll test them again in a few weeks but I think they are dry already. At least dry by humid QLD standards.

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My #1 rule of resawing is "Don't be greedy".

Unfortunately - bandsaws are wood wrecking demons. The "quality" of the resaw cut depends heavily on the setup, the blade, and your skill.

Now cross this with green wood - which will cup, twist, and go lumpy during drying.

Remember it's much easier to take more wood off at the planer than it is to put it back on.... And since this is timber - the "wood" is free.... You will "Loose" a lot more on the back end if they don't clean up till they get to 15 or 16mm...

I would start at least 6mm oversize on the first log. Maybe even 8mm to ensure you have enough thickness left

Don't be greedy...

Hi from Canada. I have done what you are proposing. I have cut 6 foot (1.8m)by 10 inch (250mm)diameter elm logs with a sled apparatus that l constructed. In my experience the saw band will drift. I tried to cut 2 inch (50mm) thick pieces and due to blade drift and warpage during drying l lost a larger percent of wood than necessary. If l were to do it again l would cut no thicker than 1 1/4 inch (32mm)and laminate to make thicker material. It will dry quicker as well and warp less if you weight it down and stack it well to allow air circulation after cutting. Good luck.

These photos show the stack of logs with their faces and cracks. Perhaps that might help you give me advise.

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