Replies

1. 
   user-148830 | Jul 07, 2008 07:47pm | #1

   Hey Ras,
   If you're cutting your own lumber, then you need to coat the ends of each log as soon as the tree is cut. They will start to dry out immediately and cracking will occur. You can only hope to slow it down but painting the ends will help do this. Use an emulsified wax they sell specifically for this job. [Sorry I don't have a brand name. Just look for a log end sealer product.] Or you can use paint or glue but since there's so much water coming out of the log it will break down those water based products. Keep applying them.

   Then get the logs out of the sun if you can. If you can't, pray for rain. [Yeah right, central California.]

   I'd get them cut as soon as I could to help prevent further degrade. Cut and sticker the lumber with stickers, about 1x1" every 18" or so and right out to the ends of the stack. If you can't cut up the logs, then I'd try to quarter them up by splitting them. But I have had logs eat wedges like snack food. Then you have a log that's still wet and still round but with lots of metal wedges inside. Not so good for the saw blade. Try a plastic wedge first and if it eats it, give it, and get the log cut. It's really the best way as you can get the lumber drying out sooner and not just at the ends where most of your checking will occur.

   Keep your lumber pile sheltered from the sun and rain and then wait about a year per inch of thickness. Watch for bugs though or signs of bugs. You may have to send the lumber to a kiln anyway to bug kill it. A few days in the kiln should do it.

   It's fun stuff, but it's work. Be ready for it and you'll have a higher yield. Best, Gary