apgandriddle Posted September 24, 2014 Report Share Posted September 24, 2014 So I just picked up several good size logs from an Oak tree recently cut down (past 2 days), and I am not sure if I should let them dry out completely BEFORE I start cutting them down to planks, or if it is okay as they are? My projects are to make several Rhino puzzle figures on the scroll saw. They will be used at the local youth group as something to play around with when they arrive every night. I am new to woodworking other than wood carving, so I figured I would ask the more experienced and knowledgeable crowd. Thank you for the help! Mike Nunez 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boatworks Today Posted September 24, 2014 Report Share Posted September 24, 2014 logs are typically slabbed (aka rough sawn) while green then allowed to dry before working into a finished product. make sure to cut them thicker than needed; after they dry you'll be able to take them down to finished thickness. 1" thick slabs can take up to a year to dry; sometimes less depending on how they are stored (air flow, temp, etc)/ Welcome to the forum 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mar10 Posted September 25, 2014 Report Share Posted September 25, 2014 Hi Mike Welcome to the Forum. If you like 3D puzzles for scroll saws try. Make CNC. http://www.makecnc.com/welcome.php Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apgandriddle Posted September 25, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 25, 2014 logs are typically slabbed (aka rough sawn) while green then allowed to dry before working into a finished product. make sure to cut them thicker than needed; after they dry you'll be able to take them down to finished thickness. 1" thick slabs can take up to a year to dry; sometimes less depending on how they are stored (air flow, temp, etc)/ Welcome to the forum Thank you for the help! I actually am going to cut them this weekend down to size, and then set them out to dry. I really need to build a sun kiln, but that will be a bit down the road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RPCV_Woodworker Posted September 25, 2014 Report Share Posted September 25, 2014 make sure you seal the ends, it will cut down on checking and splitting. The slower you can dry the wood, the more gradually stresses will be released, and the less messy it gets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wfd55 Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 Related to this topic my brother is looking to make a live edge table he has some oak and maple logs he felled 2 or 3 years ago he wanted to saw them an basically use them right away. I warned him that he may have moisture issues but not having any experience with this i was wondering if anyone has advice on it. He did look to buy a live edge slab in this area and the lumber yard wanted $700 for an oak slab abut 2" thick 20" wide and 3' long i thought that sounded a little steep. $70 a BF but again not having dealt with it in the past I wasn't sure if that wasn't right if it is that will probably keep me away from live edge work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 This is going to depend greatly on how close you are to live growing oak groves and also on demand on the market. If they kiln dried the slab this is also a factor. That cost does not seem outrageous for 20" of width near me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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