Yesterday, I was given four 5′ “long” Cherry logs. The tree has been on the ground since Katrina. They had to be cut to fit onto a trailer so the ends are fresh cut with no checcks. The bark and outer sapwood is hanging on and soft but the heartwood is still in very good shape. These pieces are about 30″ in diameter.
I did not have long to contemplate the offer and decided I would take them. They are on the ground right now.
If they were yours, what would you do??
Replies
I would very quickly have them shipped to the first person who responded to your post.
it was worth a try.....
-pjw
First, seal the end grain to prevent checking and promote even drying. Some will recommend paint, but I've had much greater success with a wax emulsion. Then decide if you can or want to mill the logs into boards.
Chris @ flairwoodworks
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
If I use the cherry, they will have to be cut into 4/4 lumber. If I can find someone to cut them, do I wait until they are cut to treat the ends to prevent checking?
The tree was cut in half. One end of my logs is where the old cut was mede. I have looked at it and do not see signs of checking, only discoleration.
Seal the ends as soon as possible - don't wait for them to be cut. It seems very odd that there is no checking on the end where it was previously cut in half - assuming that it is not recent.Chris @ flairwoodworks
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
I would call a sawyer in your area and ask him.Offer him a swap sawing for some cherry lumber.Let us know how they turn out.
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