Western Sycamore

[Upper]

I have some growing in a shady side of the hill (long straight trunks).Was thinking of bucking to 8 foot lengths and quarter sawing for flooring.Question is how much plump is needed for the after dry and twist?

[Bill Gaiche]

I would say 5/4. That is some pretty stuff quarter sawn. bg

[WDH]

Yes.  Agree with Bill G.

[Upper]

Ok thanks,going in Tuesday to get a few....

[Den Socling]

Do you mean in the shade of a hill or actually growing on the side of a hill?

[Upper]

By shade I mean in a tight little valley.Mid day full sun,and a little more morning to mid day sun that afternoon sun.They grew tall rather than wide. Here the Sycamores usually have only a shorter knarley main trunk,in full sun.

[Den Socling]

I should have explained. I know Sycamore is a beast for twisting. I have never sawed a log in my life but I've read that trees on hillsides can have extra tension. That would make Sycamore extra hard to dry.

[WDH]

My experience is that the first several flatsawn boards off each face will warp, and warp really bad.  When Jake (Customsawyer) and I are quartersawing it, we just slab a bit heavy to avoid any flatsawn boards off the first cut because I always end up handling them 3 or 4 times, then eventually throwing them into the slab pile.  Does not even make good firewood.  You simply have to quartersaw it, and it takes a big log to get decently wide boards.  3" sycamore boards do not sell well for me.