Boatworks Today Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 So last Fall my Dad decided to take down a massive red oak next to his house (this thing was big when I was a kid; 40 year ago). It was a double trunk with the main base measuring a little over 4' across and split into 2 main trunks each measuring 16" - 20". I cut them to 9' lengths and stored the 5 sections off the ground for the past year (now was the earliest I could get around to having them milled up). Well, today was finally that day! Luckily, I was able to find an experienced sawyer that after talking with him and a couple of his clients I felt good about having him slice these bad boys up. Had the 3 best sections quartersawn 8/4 and the remaining 2 sections just flat sawn 5/4 as they were the tops of the trunks and had some branches (knots); the rest were completely clear.. I knew the quartersawn pieces were going to be good, but was honestly surprised by the amount of fleck in almost 90% of these pieces Unfortunately all I have is my crappy Android for taking these pics, but honestly I don't think it really matters.. I over loaded my truck, brought them back to the shop and just finished sticking them for drying. They'll be stored over the Winter on a heated slab and the pile rotated top to bottom every 4 weeks for even drying. I've done this in the past with Birch but never red oak and has worked very well. Just before I rotate the piles I've always covered them with plastic for a few days to let the moisture acclimate; then rotate and dry uncovered for the next 3 weeks. I keep doing this process until I get a consistent moisture reading of 15 - 20% then leave them be with a fan circulating air until MC% is closer to 12.. Does this sound like a good plan or have I always just gotten lucky? Time to check out of work, have a few and watch Monday night football!! Here's a link to my FB page for the pics.. http://www.facebook....54717776&type=1 Thanks! ~Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 Wow! I have never been a big fan of red oak but that quarter sawn is amazing! Got some furniture in mind for it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boatworks Today Posted September 18, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 Wow! I have never been a big fan of red oak but that quarter sawn is amazing! Got some furniture in mind for it? It's slated for a long overdue dinner table and chairs, a center island in the kitchen and new trim (for the lesser quality pieces) around the house. Can't wait!! Next Winter is going to be a lot of fun The waiting part is going to kill me though! I could of had this kiln dried and it would be ready much sooner but I actually prefer to work with air dried lumber; seems to be much more stable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 I think the range of color is better in air dried lumber. Air dried walnut has some wonderful purplish tones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
millssnell Posted September 18, 2012 Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 I am currently in the middle of building a table from a bunch of quarter sawn white oak. Running that rough stock through the planner was amazing every time. Look forward to seeing what you do with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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