Best way to cut rounds from logs?

[icjerk]

Hello everyone! I have a Black Walnut and a Pecan tree that I cut down. I want to cut them into "rounds" or "ovals" with the bark on. What is going to be the best way to do this? I don't want very thick slices because I want to scrollsaw them - probably 1/2" - 1" thick. Would this be possible on a band saw or do I need to find a mill that would do this? And how do you find somebody to do this?

Also, they have been dead for awhile, but would they need awhile to "dry out"?

Thanks for the help!
Lisa

[BradTheDog]

you can do this on a bandsaw, you will want to make a good size auxilary table. You will need to let it dry out some. Depending on the moisture content it could take a few weeks to a few months. The best thing you can do is get a moisture meter, you can get a cheap one which will be good enough for your purpose from HF for fairly cheap, I think about $30.00. You will want to cut your logs about 2 feet long and somewhere between 30 and 60 degrees on the end. I would do this part with a chainsaw. I would let the first 6 to 12 of them sit in your scrolling area until you get a moisture reading of around 10. Also check somw piece of wood already in the area as a base refference. When the log is nearly there then you can cut it on your band saw. You will want to follow the same 30 to 60 degree angle on the log end. If you go straight across you will end up with a hard to scroll endgrain piece. Once cut I would let your rounds dry out another week or so. at 1/2 to 1 inch they should come to about the relative humidity of the room. Also remember to cut them oversize on the bandsaw because you will most likely need to run them through the planer.

For pieces with relatively loose bark you will proably want to strip the bark (the planer will just make a mess of it) and flat saw the log into boards on the bandsaw.

[TDHofstetter]

Lisa, listen to me and listen well. This is IMPORTANT.

You cut that walnut tree down - on your own property? Is that true? If it is, GO RENT A BACKHOE NOW. Get the STUMP out of the GROUND - NOW. Whatever you do, do NOT allow somebody with a stump grinder to destroy it - the STUMP is more valuable than the TREE in terms of woodworking. That stump is full of some of the most beautiful wood you can get. GET IT. Don't just let it rot, or I shall weep steaming tears of anguish, I promise you.

You promise ME that you'll go GET THAT STUMP, OK? Please?

-- Tim --

Don't walk in front of me, I will not follow.
Don't walk behind me, I will not lead.
Walk beside me, and be my friend.

[icjerk]

I will get the stump! The tree was dead, for several years now, on my Grandparents property. It was very loved by the family. It was a shame that it died. But Granddaddy was getting old and it just didn't get the water and care it needed. The stump seemed loose in the ground but I just didn't have the time or means to get it up. Maybe this weekend.... This tree was special and I can't wait to use some pieces of it to scroll on for my family. It is about 12" in diameter. Some of the pieces that I cut into had worm holes and lots of character. Thanks for the suggestions!

Thanks,
Lisa

[eblade]

There is a short article in the current Fine Woodworking about "Oysters" as they called them. It has a picture of some really beautiful work using them for inlays. The article talked about cutting, and drying. Probably worth a read for you.

Eric

[brent]

OMG. I had no idea. Very cool.

[Cody Colston]

Lisa,

Tim is absolutely right about the stump...even the root ball. Here's a picture from another forum of Walnut root. The guy was having trouble with his bandsaw blade wandering while cutting it. That stuff is absolutely beautiful!

Cody

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The expert at anything was once a beginner...

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