what is a chestnut oak like this worth, and how to saw it?

hunz · May 16, 2013, 01:22:50 PM

So I have eyed this tree for a year or two now, and wondered what would be the best way to "keep the value of the tree. It is a chestnut oak about 40" in diameter dbh and clear about 40' up until the first branch. A tree like this is probably pushing 150 years old, so I want to make sure I use it appropriately. Would you guys just saw wide slabs for table tops or ,4/4 it? I am wondering if it may be curly as well, the bark makes 3 full twists from bottom to top (90'-100') thoughts?

My phone belt clip is 6" wide just for reference.

beenthere · May 16, 2013, 02:07:13 PM

Quotethe bark makes 3 full twists from bottom to top (90'-100')

You are describing spiral grain in the oak. That may translate to twisted lumber, slabs, or whatever you saw out of the logs. Will be good to keep that in mind.

Larry · May 16, 2013, 02:29:18 PM

Your tree twists backwards. :D :D

If that were my tree I would leave it right where its living. I'm sure a lot of squirrels call it home. And to handle that size of log is really hard, even on a bigger hydraulic mill. ???

Brad_S. · May 16, 2013, 03:04:35 PM

I agree with the guys above...it will most likely give you twisted lumber.
It also looks like there are some nubs in the photo you posted. Just because there is not a branch there now doesn't mean there weren't some in the recent past. Result: twisted knotty lumber.
If all of that still hasn't scared you off, then quarter sawing is what I do when I get my hands on large oaks. If it is indeed old and the growth rings are tight, that results in even more spectacular rays.
If it is indeed knotty, then I would make dunnage.

hunz · May 16, 2013, 03:10:38 PM

Well thanks for the insight guys. The lower parts of the tree definitely have bulges where old branches have been. It sure would be a shame to go through all the work of sawing it up only to have twisted lumber. I believe I will leave her be right where she stands.

mesquite buckeye · May 16, 2013, 03:50:55 PM

When it is time to harvest this tree, I agree largely with what has been said above. That said, everything dies, so when the tree starts to decline and lose its upper twigs, it is time to harvest the tree.

Here is a strategy for milling that just might work to deal with the spiral grain. Buck the logs into relatively short lengths, not to exceed 8-10 feet. Split the tree down the middle. Cut the half logs perpendicular to the splitting cut AND parallel to the spirals. This would have the effect of straightening out the twist, at least partially and might reduce the twist losses.

Just a random thought.

Also looks like you have an old, grown over cat face on the butt log. Maybe an old lightning strike.

You could probably get some super nice fireplace mantles out of it. Just cut them a little extra big to accommodate the twist, cleaning it up square after the timbers have dried.