Milling lumber by hand?

Re: Milling lumber by hand?

SamW

>FWIW A clear, straight oak log on the ground is very valuable to a traditional chairmaker. Saw it into reasonable lengths, say 5'. Then use wedges and gluts to split each log, first into halves, then quarters. The quarters will probably be light enough to carry. A chairmaker would then use a froe or other tools to split out billets of rectangular section in order to make arms and spindles. There is a market for freshly split, clear-grained oak. Once split, you would ideally keep the sections wet. www.windsorchairresources.com/chairtalk.htm is a discussion group that might have more and better advice for you along these lines.

Re: Milling lumber by hand?

Warren in Lancaster, PA

>The traditional way to saw planks from a log is with a pitsaw. The log is placed on planks across a pit or on large 7 foot trestles with a man underneath pulling down for the cutting stroke and another on top pulling the saw back up. It's kind of fun- you go 1/8 to 1/4 inch per stroke depending on the log. It is not anything you would be able to do out in the woods, however. It's hard enough to saw straight under controlled conditions.

In my neighborhood a man and two work horses could get the log up and onto a log wagon or sled with minimal damage to the property. You might have trouble finding somebody like that. My advice is to try to split it up or let it sit. A board in your shop is worth a lot more than a board in a log in a ravine.

Re: Milling lumber by hand?

Pam Niedermayer - Austin, TX

>I agree, splitting is the best way to go. First, there's no real need to get the log up off the ground except to saw the section. Second, quartersawn is a great cut. Third, as you said, the pieces can likely be carried/dragged. IME, sometimes a chainsaw is needed to get the split started; but a maebiki would probably work as well. But then, I'm no Paul Bunyon.

Pam

Re: Milling lumber by hand?

Jim in Burlington On

>I could see cutting it up now and then when the ground freezes pulling it out so as not to tear things up to much. A few minutes with a chain saw would be alot easier. If you can borrow a come along and rope so you don't have to get a truck to close to the tree's would be easier.

Re: Milling lumber by hand?

Mike Fitterling

>Wish you were closer. I'd be there with my Montero and winch, no road necessary. Good luck.