green timber

[marcros]

Can timber be too green for use?

I need to make a small table for home, and plan to use some of these new oak "sleepers", if I can find one locally at 10 x 6. I know that they wont be fully seasoned, but have no idea when they would have been cut, or the moisture level in the middle. I can allow for movement in the design, and expect it to move and split- I want it to do this and will then re-flatten and refinish it in 12 months (or as needed). It is going to be a very simple affair, ultilizing gravity as its main fixing.

Assuming that the sleepers had been sat around for a while so weren't freshly cut, what would be the worst that could occur?

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Testing turkeys useless internet

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Ah it worked!

 

[Chrispy]

you all right there Bob?

 

[skronk]

Testing turkeys useless internet

Can you send me a pint of what you're drinking Bob ??? :shock:

 

[Racers]

I would try a half first!

Pete

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

It's like a holiday but colder!

 

[Chrispy]

Alas looks like it might be to late for help.

 

[cerdeira]

Hi.

I once made a stool from ash timber that wasn't properly seasoned. I cut the components and then went on an holiday for 3 weeks. Early summer I think.
When I came back to the shop they were all twisted and cupped. I've remachined all parts after scaling down the original dimensions and It came out well
in the end and it never gave me any problems afterwards.
I guess that the smaller components dry faster, so it can be a way to speed up seasoning. Re oak I would be more concerned because of its tendency to
split when drying

 

[marcros]

I am not bothered about the splits- I will allow them to develop and just remove any sharpness on the edges.

 

[Giff]

I have used them for outside furniture. They didn't move much but that was outside. I think they would have to be brought up to ambient MC slowly and not indoors straight away. Unglued joints ? and tighten as you go ?

 

[marcros]

This is what I was planning to replicate

http://tarzantables.co.uk/solid-oak-side-tables/

They just use 2 pieces of stainless bar to prevent wood on wood contact and for location. It seemed to make sense- I can then re flatten as it moves after 6 months, 12,18 whatever.

 

[Giff]

They look great . I think the movement / cracking helps with a design like that. Geoff