What can I do with a large oak log?

[rkchapman]

A large branch (50cm/18 inches or so diameter) has come of an oak tree in my field - the tree surgeon who made it safe has left it in 6-8ft lengths for me, and I was planning to slab it (I have a chainsaw mill) and dry it for lumber. But I read that branch wood is not really useable for woodworking due to internal tensions, so perhaps there is no point...

Seems a shame to just cut it up for firewood though. I did slab and sticker up one section and it is nice looking wood, but it does seem to have started to warp already...

I might be able to use a slab or two for rustic outdoor benches, but there is rather a lot of it...

In the images below, the first log is around 7 or 8 feet long, and the second 5-6 feet.
+
Richard

 

[Yojevol]

I would say the 2 straight logs are worth having a go at but I'd be surprised if the full length is eventually usable. However they could provide a lot of useful timber for short components. Careful seasoning and careful initial preparation will be required.
If all that fails you'll have a nice quantity of dry firewood.
Brian

 

[redhunter350]

A large branch (50cm/18 inches or so diameter) has come of an oak tree in my field - the tree surgeon who made it safe has left it in 6-8ft lengths for me, and I was planning to slab it (I have a chainsaw mill) and dry it for lumber. But I read that branch wood is not really useable for woodworking due to internal tensions, so perhaps there is no point...

Seems a shame to just cut it up for firewood though. I did slab and sticker up one section and it is nice looking wood, but it does seem to have started to warp already...

I might be able to use a slab or two for rustic outdoor benches, but there is rather a lot of it...

In the images below, the first log is around 7 or 8 feet long, and the second 5-6 feet.
+
Richard

Get it done ! either cut it into slabs and make it thick enough so the when seasoned you can machine it to useful sizes and keep it reasonably flat. Or as you say use it green for rustic furniture.
Number one Grandson has been doing this for some time now and has a good store of Oak, Ash, Beech & Yew.
Latest project is a new A frame etc for the porch on his cottage -- a few pics this is Green Oak harvested early this year

 

[Myfordman]

Turning blanks either for you to use if you are rotationally inclined or to sell off on eBay etc. Cut asap and seal the end grain with old paint or wax and allow to dry for a few year with plenty of air round. Check the dap wood for bugs and consider stripping it off?

 

[Br5d]

You could plank them, make a few bowl blanks or even zillions of pen blanks!

 

[rkchapman]

Thanks all. I have now slabbed the big log...


Now I just need to work out what to do with all the sawdust!

 

[Owd Jockey]

Personally, I would take the pith out of that centre slab, hopefully to reduce radial cracking.

 

[rkchapman]

Personally, I would take the pith out of that centre slab, hopefully to reduce radial cracking.

If it ever stops raining I might give that a go. Also might paint the ends with some leftover paint or maybe even pva