From Gene Wengert, forum technical advisor: As a rule of thumb, there will be a measurable loss in
four to six weeks
of warm (over 50 F) weather. It is just a rule of thumb.
How long can pine logs sit before milling?
Bass wood and pine will stain fast but the lumber is still good and some times brings more for the stain. The cooler temps will help slow things down. Some logs you may want to pull to the side and let set for a couple of years. I would pile all of the maple and sycamore for
atleast a 18 month sit
.
How long do logs need to dry before milling?
Depending on the thickness of the lumber and where you live, weather and time of the year, it will take anywhere from
6 weeks to 4 months
. Most lumber is in the 1” to 2” thickness and the time above applies to thicknesses. Drying cants, timbers, posts will take considerably longer.
How long before you can mill a log?
Most logs I saw are usually between
6 to 12 feet long
. Unless you need very long lumber it usually best to cut a long log into 2 shorter ones before starting the milling process.
How long will a pine log last in the ground?
Fishfighter is right about the wide range of conditions and log types. A dead white oak log might be good for several years while a pine on the ground easily might not be good
after less than one season
.
Should I let logs dry before milling?
Summary:
Logs should be milled for drying as soon as possible
, and the ends should be sealed as soon as they are felled. A bandsaw mill will create less waste than a chainsaw mill. … They should be milled about 1/4′′ over than your intended final thickness.
How long do logs take to dry?
It’s a year-round task because firewood requires anywhere from
six months to two years dry
out. Late winter and early spring are ideal times to cut and store wood for the following year.
Is it worth it to mill your own lumber?
Milling your own
lumber can produce quality material for a fraction of the price of a lumber dealer
. … This means you select how you want the lumber cut and are in control as it’s drying. In my experience you’ll end up with stock that is much higher quality than you can readily buy.
How much does it cost to mill a log?
The most stable or secure method for pricing for the mill owner is a flat, hourly rate. Rates vary from location to location and range from
$65 to $105 per hour
plus extra charges for travel, broken blades, etc.
How do you keep pine logs from rotting?
The best way to prevent rot is to
keep water out of your wood
. This can be done by using a top notch exterior finish on your logs and log siding and regularly maintaining that finish per the manufacturer’s directions. The key is maintaining that finish on a regular basis to keep water out.
Can you build a cabin out of pine logs?
Pine, cedar, and hardwoods may be classic choices for wood construction projects, but they are not truly the best wood for log cabins. These classic wood types are particularly at risk for insect damage, rotting, warping, and splintering.
What can you do with pine tree logs?
- Big Sliced Tree Logs as Garden Benches. …
- Build a Tree Log Slice Walkway.
- Wood Log Planters. …
- Garden Bench from Two Tree Log and a Piece of Tree Log Slice.
- Raised Garden Beds from Logs. …
- Log Stairs on a Slope Garden.
- Wooden Tree Logs Turned Into an Exotic Coffee Table.
How long can a log last?
Log cabins can last anywhere
between 20-50 years
if done right. Log cabins can even last for a full century if it’s properly looked after and built in a good location that doesn’t experience extreme weather changes. If one is built incorrectly, it can require extreme maintenance within 5 years.
Why do sawmills keep logs wet?
When logs must be stored
for long periods
at temperatures above freezing, it is best to keep logs soaking wet. Storing logs under sprinklers or in a log pond helps prevent end checking and slows deterioration caused by insects, fungal stain, and decay. However, chemical staining can occur under wet conditions.
How long to let wood dry before cutting?
The traditional rule-of-thumb for air-drying lumber is to
allow one year of drying time per inch of wood thickness
; this adage obviously only takes a few of the aforementioned variables into account, but it’s at least a rough starting point in understanding the time investment required in order to properly air-dry …
How do you dry oak without cracking it?
Salt
is a natural drying agent that will help remove the moisture from the wood while also reducing the speed that the wood shrinks as it dries. Using salt is a simple way to help prevent cracks from forming as the wood dries without using harsh or pungent chemicals.
