The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Timber Framing/Log construction => Topic started by: stanwelch on December 29, 2011, 05:05:44 PM

Title: Ash for timber frame members question
Post by: stanwelch on December 29, 2011, 05:05:44 PM
I am new to the forum and have read many threads regarding what trees to use for timber framing.  However, I would like to know the pros/cons for the use of Ash.  I have enough dead/dying ash trees in my woods to build the sawmill shed I'm planning and would like your advice.
Title: Re: Ash for timber frame members question
Post by: Jim_Rogers on December 29, 2011, 05:28:28 PM
Stan:
Welcome to the forum.
I don't have any experience with Ash other than milling for lumber for flooring or other products.
I have never used it for timber framing.
I'm sorry I can't give you any advice but maybe others will.

Good luck with your projects

Jim Rogers
Title: Re: Ash for timber frame members question
Post by: Mad Professor on January 01, 2012, 04:16:06 PM
Ash is excellent

End coat the cants as soon as cut, ash will check badly, otherwise

Dead wood is hard to work, like oak.

Recommended, by my mentor, Dick Babcock
Title: Re: Ash for timber frame members question
Post by: stanwelch on January 02, 2012, 12:02:27 PM
MAD PROFESSOR, thanks for the information.  I plan to start cutting late this winter for a small shed (10 x 12) to cover the sawmill cutting head and have a place to store my tools and saws etc. near the saw.
I retired last April and want to learn how to construct a timber frame building.  If the small shed goes well, I want to build a 24 x 40 sawmill shed and lumber storage.  I also have a fully equipped woodshop in my 30 x 50 pole barn and am running out of room for air drying lumber.
Too many projects too little time.  Wish me luck.
Title: Re: Ash for timber frame members question
Post by: Kansas on January 03, 2012, 07:35:10 AM
Powder post beetle may be a problem Not saying it can't be treated. But they can wreak havoc. If your ash is dead and dying, is it the emerald ash borer? The foresters on here could tell you more, and whether it would affect the wood. I don't know much of anything about timber framing, but we have cut a fair amount of bur oak for it. Ash, providing bugs aren't a problem, should be just about as strong.
Title: Re: Ash for timber frame members question
Post by: stanwelch on January 07, 2012, 09:48:55 AM
The Ash trees are dying from the Emerald Ash Borer.  I will saw the logs soon after felling then coat the ends and spray the post/beam for the powder post beatle before stickering.  Does this sound like the best plan to protect the beams before cutting joints?  It will take me a while to get the beams and posts milled before I start construction.  Should I cut the mortise and tenons as I get a member cut or should I wait and let the members dry a bit while I cut and mill the others?
Title: Re: Ash for timber frame members question
Post by: Raphael on January 07, 2012, 12:40:30 PM
I'd cut all the joinery at the end.  There's bound to be some movement, checking etc. as the timbers dry which could cause assembly problems in joints cut early on.

Try to keep the sun off the timbers and a solid roof that sits well above them.  If you're letting them sit several months it's a good idea to shift the stickers from time to time.  Don't ask me how I know  ::)
Title: Re: Ash for timber frame members question
Post by: beenthere on January 07, 2012, 01:03:22 PM
"Shift the stickers" because .... ?  Sticker stain maybe?
Title: Re: Ash for timber frame members question
Post by: stanwelch on January 07, 2012, 08:03:45 PM
Thanks, Raphael.  I will have some timbers sitting several months and will try to move the stickers.  How long can I leave the stickers before moving?
Title: Re: Ash for timber frame members question
Post by: Raphael on January 08, 2012, 01:09:22 PM
Quote from: beenthere on January 07, 2012, 01:03:22 PM
"Shift the stickers" because .... ?  Sticker stain maybe?
That's a good part of it, make sure there's no condensation building up in there.  My pine was stickered up on light cribbing wet off the mill and the last few pieces I cut joinery in have a few dynamic cross stripes.   ;)

  I also wound up with a small pocket of surface rot where the sticker crossed one of my 'old' spruce posts, that's the 'low roof' problem.