Anybody Watch our Competition

[crtreedude]

Engineer,

There are people in this group who have had to build additional wood storage sheds... because of those special pieces...

I will admit, I have about 5,000 - no, closer to 6,000 and I really don't want to sell any of it... 

If it wasn't for Hector, I don't think I would sell anything. Can you imagine the fascination to have a piece of Mahogany in your grubby little hands... ?

I figure one of the things that Harold has packed away is a mini-crowbar so that I will let go of some wood... 

[Dan_Shade]

haha, those of us that can't part with, or even use a bueatiful piece of wood, are completely misunderstood by the rest of the world!  now, how so many ended up on this board, that's a good question

[Paschale]

I've got a friend who does his own log retrieval in Lake Michigan.  I don't really understand how it works, but after some big storms, some of these logs will break free, and float just below the surface.  He's got a good eye, and he looks for the tell tale sign of them when part of them break the surface.  He's one guy who appreciates those logs for what they are, and what they were, and the history behind them.  I've seen some of the furniture he's made from them, and it's pretty amazing wood.  One of the coolest things I saw in his shop was the end of one of those massive logs cut off, with the sawmill stamp clearly seen to identify the log.  Pretty cool stuff!  As to, "where's the adventure," well, apparently it's been more than one yahoo who's been zipping along at a pretty fair clip on Little Bay de Noc and ran smack dab into one of those logs just bobbing below the surface!     That's no gator, but it's definitely a dangerous lurker in the water.   

I tried to get this friend of mine to post his experiences here on the forum, but to no avail.   

[farmerdoug]

Paschale,

That may be because the state frowns on removing logs sunken or floating as stealing state property.  They are very touchy on the subject and it is probably wise that he does not talk too loudly about it.  They treat it the same as going onto state land and cutting trees for logs or firewood without a permit.  They will prosecute for that offense.

Farmerdoug

[johncinquo]

Dont get too worked up about those logs getting veneered out.  I know of at least two places that use a bunch of it for custom furniture and woodworkings and there are several more out there.  You want to buy some of this wood?,,  Better get in line!  There are only a couple firms licensed to pull this wood eitehr out of the water or dive for it off the bottom.  They pay a heavy price for the privelege.  On top of that , the Best logs are up in Lake superior.  Low temps all year, like just above freezing, and low oxygen levels keep the logs from rotting.  The veneer buyers are paying a hefty price for these above normal pricing on regular veneer logs.    I would hazard to guess its a simple function of supply and demand as well.  Not that many people want to spend the high dollar to have custom furniture made, from wood that is substantially higher priced to begin with.  Even the best made "office" furniture is going to be higher than normal stuff. 

GR press did a big article a couple years ago on the local guy that dives and makes furniture out of this stuff, maybe we can find the link.

[Ron Scott]

Much of the Great Lakes locations are in "cold & deep" waters. thus the need for dry suits used by the divers. 

Log salvage is not like it use to be years ago. Special permits are needed from the State for removal of any woody debis from its waters and they are not very easy to come by. Stumpage values must be paid  to the State for any logs recovered from the state's bottom lands. 

[Murf]

Them fellas aren't far from me, a friend did some barge work for them in their early days.

He told them the same thing, a waste fo great wood, unfortunately it came down to dollars & sense.

If it doesn't make dollars, it doesn't make sense.    They couldn't get as much for the logs as lumber as they could making the...... stuff ..... they do with it.

All the lakes around my place are full of timber the same age, but mostly old growth virgin white pine. They would cut all winter and yard the wood on the frozen lakes till break up then float it down to the mills. A lot of it sank before it ever got to the mills. There's a log of the end of my dock that's gotta be 4' around that looks to be in great shape, I can't push a screwdriver in more than about an inch, it's down about 30' and right in the current so it isn't even buried.

Once my mill is built I think it's gonna come up for air, and a new table........ 

[Frickman]

I too was a little upset about what they did to that beautiful wood, but it's a free country. If you want pay top dollar for cherry veneer logs, I'll sell them to you all day. If you cut them up into firewood that's you're business.
 
I will occasionally save some wood, but it has to be special. Cutting wood is a business for me, and I have to sell it to make a living. I know I can get the more common species at any time, so I don't save too much of them. A nice piece of apple, sassafrass, or another less common species will get my heart pumping and I have to keep it for myself. I'm not a full-fledged wood hoarder, but it is an addiction that is under control.

[crtreedude]

Well, we aren't anyone to talk about using really wonderful wood for mundane purposes. The house where FDH is staying is sided with Surá - Pecky Surá in fact. Really pretty stuff.

Probably much to good for FDH - I am going to have to watch him that he doesn't pry it off one night and sell it... 

[Fla._Deadheader]

 Just for kicks, What does that stuff sell for, Fred ?? 

[crtreedude]

Just keep your crowbar off my houses! 
 

[Murf]

CROWBAR ??!!

No, that's far to agressive for fine wood, FDH is much more genteel than that .........

He'd be reallllll smooth takin' it off, otherwise it wouldn't bring as much money. 

[Fla._Deadheader]

     

[crtreedude]

I can see the pressure is on... the is only one hope. Keep FDH so busy that can't have time to dismantle the house.

Harold, once you get here, I have an order for 1,000 BF you have to process into TG flooring. Just sold it.

Fred

[Murf]

Either that or just subtly point out that the neighbours places have nicer wood siding ....... 

[Phorester]

CRTREEDUDE, 

Wood HOarders Anonymous:  WHOA

[crtreedude]

I think that WHOA will work as well as it does on a 2.5 year old stallion ... with this group.

[Phorester]

Or a 4 year old boy.  You be right I suspect.