Cutting Beams From Logs

Timbers sawn parallel to the center are better.

Cutting beams from logs.

That s why you need to promote air circulation on all sides of every board and a household fan really speeds progress. We have peeled cedar and pine logs log posts log trusses decorative or structural log post covers log beam covers log stairways knotty pine timbers log rafters and support beams for sale there s many ways to accessorize your home with our peeled log posts. No matter how long it s been since your logs have been cut the wood is still too wet for woodworking. If i cannot make a 12x12 from it and cut my other timbers off the sides of that then it is just one timber per log.

2 6 roof loft decking 5 4 cedar decking and more. Per wwpa guidelines for standard dimension timbers a nominal 4 x6 timber nets to 3 x5 actual dimensions after it has been sawn all beams larger than 8 inch will mill to the inch. You do not know what is inside the log. With cant sawing the first cuts are made across the top of the log and flipped 180 degrees to saw the second cuts across the opposite face.

Stack your lumber with 1 2 thick strips of scrap lumber between each piece then direct air flow over the pile. As a rule i will not cut one unless it is six inches away from the center. Posts are best if the heart of the log is centered in them. A 8x12 beam will net an overall 7 x 11.

The flat sawing method of cutting boards is great when dealing with high tensioned logs. Flat sawn lumber is the most commonly produced as it is very quick to cut and creates less waste. You need to take the most extreme care if you cut lumber from logs. Flat sawn boards are cut from the log where the growth rings run parallel to the wide faces of the board.

Once rotated 90 degrees to saw the third side and rotated another 180 degrees to saw the last side the log is squared into a center piece called a cant. Most people will go with a gas chainsaw if they intend to cut logs greater than 16 diameter for long hours or work away from the mains power source.