I have a camp way up north in Canada and about 4 years ago lightning hit a virgin white pine which I estimate was over 200 years old. This year it came down and I would like to make some rustic slab furniture.Does anyone have knowledge of a practical jig that might be available to help me make angle slabs with my chainsaw? I found one called a Haddon Lumbermaker. It is available through Woodcraft magazine. How well it works? Theory and reality are very different.
Also, any tips on how to season the wood before the final fabrication starts?
Any info on this topic will be appreciated. As you can imagine, material isnt a problem.
Thanks,
Mike
Replies
Your Haddon Lumbermaker is one of many versions of chainsaw attachments that are generically called Alaskan mills. I've used them to cut walnut trees and a holly oak, but they took a long time cutting end grain all day! Still was very worth it, as the oak tree had to come out of the yard anyway and the orchard lumber had some wonderful grated wood. You can cut for effect when you do it yourself. You may have some striking blue stain happening if it's been standing dead that long.
I seasoned my wood by slabbing it in approx. 2' slabs and air-drying it for a year in a garage, then planing and resawing to usable pieces. Most of it stayed flat, except for the knotty parts. Air drying is preferred for best wood color, IMO.
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