Hey Steve. 2 small tips for you: If you take of the bark before cutting, it will save your blade from a lot of wear. And when you lenghtencut wood you need to use a much deeper sawblade with a lot of room between the teeth. That should make your work easier ;-). Greetings
Every few months or so I go to the local fire wood dealer an dig through the walnut pile. I've found some really amazing wood that I have used for small project. I have one walnut burl thy weighs about 50 pounds sitting in my shop. You can see we're the guys tried to split it but were unable. This burl in a hardwood dealer would be expensive. At the firewood lot it was $5. Can't go wrong there.
Love you videos and your advice. I have been milling some of the wood from my area and would like to share some advice... trim the bark off first with a draw knife. That bark has so much dirt and grit in it that your bandsaw blade won't last very long. Trim it off ahead of time and your blade will last much longer. I too can't wait to see what you build with it.
Oh I see. I have lots of leftover latex house paint at home that I can use for the ends. Will do that tonight. Thanks for the info. I expect that some of the boards will crack and probably cup or bow too. I will probably just see what happens and trim off the usable pieces. Sounds like if a board has the pith running down the center of it, I could rip it down the middle of the pith and have two smaller boards with pith on one side.
This was my first time trying it. I watched George Vondriska's video on it then just went at it. Still not sure if I cut it the right way, but seemed to turn out ok. My bandsaw is my favorite tool. It's so versatile.
Thanks Dave! Yes, the blade was a 1/4" 4tpi blade. It worked pretty well but I think a sturdier 1/2" blade would have done a better job. I think it should be dry enough now to make a project or two...will have to check it.
Oh, and don't forget to paint the ends of your boards. That'll prevent cracking, also. :) You've probably seen boards a long time ago that have paint at the ends of them. That's to prevent cracking. The boards you see now at lumberyards have a clear type of paint so you can't see it but its there to prevent cracking.
Awsome! I have always wanted to mill up some of my own wood. My next tool purchase is either a bandsaw or a pocket hole machine. Depends on which one I need most and when I get the extra funds. That was pretty cool though.
Thanks for the comment. I find slicing up logs really fascinating. Woodmizer was at the woodworking show and sliced up a cedar log and it was beautiful inside. I think the crotch wood in this log was my favorite part, but I'm not sure what to make from it....maybe a clock.
trying some resawing myself on my 14" bandsaw ... Im making myself get used to using pushsticks so I can keep my hands away from the danger zones and I avoid being anywhere near the front of the piece while pushing towards the blade. Its fun cutting open an old log and finding some beautiful patterned grain inside.
The pith is the center of the log. As it dries, it'll shrink faster than the rest of the wood. It'll cause all your wood to crack if you have the pith on the board.
I don't know. I've never done this before. lol The boards seem to be the same hardness throughout, so I was planning to just use it as is. Is there something I should know about the pith?
I've cut some big trees the last couple of years. We chipped branches the size you were cutting and larger. My buyer won't take trees where the branch comes into the trunk to soon. However there are some logs we sell for tabletop. The don't bring a much as a verneer log.
I was lucky these barely fit in my bandsaw. You should try it even though the boards would be smaller. You could glue them up to make wide panels. Just go slow.
Hey Steve, I just picked up the same bandsaw for a ridiculously low price on FB. But it doesn't come with a fence like you have. Is that a stock OEM fence or an aftermarket or a shop invention? lol. The whole point of me getting this saw was to process logs and burls like you for turning. THanks in advance! Have already subscribed and lovvvvve your videos!!
Hi Jay! Thanks for watching and subscribing. The fence is the original one. It's not that great though. You can get buy with just a board clamped to the table on both sides. Maybe use two boards to form a right angle for a taller fence. Good tool find!
Hello Steve I’m getting ready to cut an 8’’ thick piece of black walnut. Have you tried the 1/2- 4 tpi blade since posting this video? I will be buying new blades Monday and I want to get the best blade.
Hey Steve, I’m about to buy a bandsaw and I can’t wait to cut some logs into boards myself! Some questions to get me started: - Did you fasten the log to the sled? - What was the approximate diameter of the logs? - How many hp or kW does your bandsaw have? Thanks in advance!
I don't think I did fasten the log to the sled because they were so straight, but that would be a good idea though. Logs were only about 5 or 6" across. 1/2 hp motor. As the wood dried, it warped and cracked but I was able to use some of it for various small projects.
Steve Carmichael Thank you for the quick reply! I’ll fasten the log depending on it’s straightness. The logs I have laying around are about the same size, so that should work out well. Also, the bandsaw I’m looking at has a bit more power, so I think I should be fine. Thank you once more!
Hi Steve, I just subscribed to your channel after seeing this video about sawing logs into boards on your bandsaw. Would you at some point make a video of the sled you used to cut the initial flat sides? I live on six acres and saved a black walnut that had fallen over across the creek. I was going to take it to a sawmill to have them mill it into boards but some of this smaller branches I could do myself. WAY COOL! P.S. I'm a 60 yr old, newly retired woman who loves woodworking!
Hi - Thanks for subscribing. I'm about to cut up some small cedar logs soon and will try to do a video. It's basically two boards screwed together in an L shape. I just held the log on it, but probably safer to screw the log to the upright board. I suggest cutting 1" boards and letting it dry, because the thinner boards I cut bowed after drying and that might help. You can always slice it thinner after it dries.
Hello in Ireland! Cool! I don't have a kiln but that's what lumber companies do. I think most DIY people air dry lumber. Lumber yards stack and sticker boards, so the weight clamps them down and the even air flow helps to prevent warping. I've found when cutting up a log, it's best to cut 1" slices and expect warping, then when it's dry you can mill down to 3/4" or less to flatten it.
Not much cupping, but some boards became bowed a little from end to end. I was still able to make small projects with it. still have some left. Thanks!
frehleycomet where at in south ga. are you. I got two big blackwalnut trees waiting to cut on my sawmill. if you want lets talk and maybe make a deal. I got injured at work and now have to have help sawing lumber. I'm in middle ga.
Hey Steve. 2 small tips for you: If you take of the bark before cutting, it will save your blade from a lot of wear. And when you lenghtencut wood you need to use a much deeper sawblade with a lot of room between the teeth. That should make your work easier ;-).
Greetings
Great looking walnut you got there. Love walnut it has great color and grain. Congrats.
Every few months or so I go to the local fire wood dealer an dig through the walnut pile. I've found some really amazing wood that I have used for small project. I have one walnut burl thy weighs about 50 pounds sitting in my shop. You can see we're the guys tried to split it but were unable. This burl in a hardwood dealer would be expensive. At the firewood lot it was $5. Can't go wrong there.
I'm looking forward to what you'll make with this lumber. Good looking wood.
I will be trying this again. It was so much fun. I'll have to keep an eye out for usable firewood. That's a great idea.
Nice material that you cut!
Thanks James. I've never done this before and was kind of surprised my bandsaw cut it so well.
Some beautiful grain pattern there, nice gift.
Cheers
Mike
Love you videos and your advice. I have been milling some of the wood from my area and would like to share some advice... trim the bark off first with a draw knife. That bark has so much dirt and grit in it that your bandsaw blade won't last very long. Trim it off ahead of time and your blade will last much longer.
I too can't wait to see what you build with it.
Oh I see. I have lots of leftover latex house paint at home that I can use for the ends. Will do that tonight. Thanks for the info. I expect that some of the boards will crack and probably cup or bow too. I will probably just see what happens and trim off the usable pieces. Sounds like if a board has the pith running down the center of it, I could rip it down the middle of the pith and have two smaller boards with pith on one side.
Thanks Gary! I was wondering how to handle the bark. Will try that next time. It really made a big mess too.
Damn, Walnut is beautiful. Thanks for the video!
This was my first time trying it. I watched George Vondriska's video on it then just went at it. Still not sure if I cut it the right way, but seemed to turn out ok. My bandsaw is my favorite tool. It's so versatile.
Thanks Dave! Yes, the blade was a 1/4" 4tpi blade. It worked pretty well but I think a sturdier 1/2" blade would have done a better job. I think it should be dry enough now to make a project or two...will have to check it.
Oh, and don't forget to paint the ends of your boards. That'll prevent cracking, also. :) You've probably seen boards a long time ago that have paint at the ends of them. That's to prevent cracking. The boards you see now at lumberyards have a clear type of paint so you can't see it but its there to prevent cracking.
Awsome! I have always wanted to mill up some of my own wood. My next tool purchase is either a bandsaw or a pocket hole machine. Depends on which one I need most and when I get the extra funds. That was pretty cool though.
Hey, yes it was awesome seeing what was inside the logs. I did replace the blade after this.
Thanks for the comment. I find slicing up logs really fascinating. Woodmizer was at the woodworking show and sliced up a cedar log and it was beautiful inside. I think the crotch wood in this log was my favorite part, but I'm not sure what to make from it....maybe a clock.
Awaiting the cool projects.
trying some resawing myself on my 14" bandsaw ... Im making myself get used to using pushsticks so I can keep my hands away from the danger zones and I avoid being anywhere near the front of the piece while pushing towards the blade. Its fun cutting open an old log and finding some beautiful patterned grain inside.
I have to go real slow with my old craftsman 12" bandsaw. 1/2" blade is max it will run.
The pith is the center of the log. As it dries, it'll shrink faster than the rest of the wood. It'll cause all your wood to crack if you have the pith on the board.
Me too. I have a couple of ideas. I will definitely be making something for the person who gave it to me in return.
I don't know. I've never done this before. lol The boards seem to be the same hardness throughout, so I was planning to just use it as is. Is there something I should know about the pith?
i want to try this..but the ryobi bandsaw kinda allows me to only make smaller boards..but still sounds fun
Read up on quatersawn lumber and how to cut it. When you mill you own lumber with the band saw you have control. Walnut quatersawn is way cool
I've cut some big trees the last couple of years. We chipped branches the size you were cutting and larger. My buyer won't take trees where the branch comes into the trunk to soon. However there are some logs we sell for tabletop. The don't bring a much as a verneer log.
Hey, yes I have made a few pens from it. I should probably do a follow up video and make a few projects with it. Hmm, thanks for the inspiration!
How do you handle the pith in the center?
What projects have you made with this black walnut
Mostly pens. A lot of it warped and cracked after drying. I did make a small box in a video called "What Is It?" using some of it.
I really enjoy your videos. Did you use the same bandsaw blade for all that cutting?
I'm sure that I may have missed it but have you been able to use all that you have milled?
I was lucky these barely fit in my bandsaw. You should try it even though the boards would be smaller. You could glue them up to make wide panels. Just go slow.
Seems really fun but it also seems to be hard on the blade and saw
Hey Steve, I just picked up the same bandsaw for a ridiculously low price on FB. But it doesn't come with a fence like you have. Is that a stock OEM fence or an aftermarket or a shop invention? lol. The whole point of me getting this saw was to process logs and burls like you for turning. THanks in advance! Have already subscribed and lovvvvve your videos!!
Hi Jay! Thanks for watching and subscribing. The fence is the original one. It's not that great though. You can get buy with just a board clamped to the table on both sides. Maybe use two boards to form a right angle for a taller fence. Good tool find!
Hello Steve
I’m getting ready to cut an 8’’ thick piece of black walnut. Have you tried the 1/2- 4 tpi blade since posting this video? I will be buying new blades Monday and I want to get the best blade.
Yes, I have a 1/2" blade and have used it a few times. Works really well for resawing and cutting thick blocks.
Thanks for the reply. I started my project. So far so good. I plan on finishing when the rain kicks in.
Hey Steve, I’m about to buy a bandsaw and I can’t wait to cut some logs into boards myself!
Some questions to get me started:
- Did you fasten the log to the sled?
- What was the approximate diameter of the logs?
- How many hp or kW does your bandsaw have?
Thanks in advance!
I don't think I did fasten the log to the sled because they were so straight, but that would be a good idea though. Logs were only about 5 or 6" across. 1/2 hp motor. As the wood dried, it warped and cracked but I was able to use some of it for various small projects.
Steve Carmichael Thank you for the quick reply! I’ll fasten the log depending on it’s straightness. The logs I have laying around are about the same size, so that should work out well. Also, the bandsaw I’m looking at has a bit more power, so I think I should be fine. Thank you once more!
Have you used any of these boards yet in a project? If so, which projects?
Hi Steve, I just subscribed to your channel after seeing this video about sawing logs into boards on your bandsaw. Would you at some point make a video of the sled you used to cut the initial flat sides? I live on six acres and saved a black walnut that had fallen over across the creek. I was going to take it to a sawmill to have them mill it into boards but some of this smaller branches I could do myself. WAY COOL!
P.S. I'm a 60 yr old, newly retired woman who loves woodworking!
Hi - Thanks for subscribing. I'm about to cut up some small cedar logs soon and will try to do a video. It's basically two boards screwed together in an L shape. I just held the log on it, but probably safer to screw the log to the upright board. I suggest cutting 1" boards and letting it dry, because the thinner boards I cut bowed after drying and that might help. You can always slice it thinner after it dries.
Skillet!!😍
Hi Steve, it's a beautiful walnut. What's the power of your bandsaw and what's the bandsaw height cutting capacity?
+Thanh nguyen tien Hey, it has a 1/2 hp motor. It will cut about 7" tall
+Steve Carmichael Thanks Steve for the information! It helps me to decide which bandsaw I should buy. Enjoy your woodworking.
Hi Steve, greetings from Ireland, I was wondering could you dry the boards in a kiln or would that warp them too much.
Hello in Ireland! Cool! I don't have a kiln but that's what lumber companies do. I think most DIY people air dry lumber. Lumber yards stack and sticker boards, so the weight clamps them down and the even air flow helps to prevent warping. I've found when cutting up a log, it's best to cut 1" slices and expect warping, then when it's dry you can mill down to 3/4" or less to flatten it.
have you had issues with cupping?
Not much cupping, but some boards became bowed a little from end to end. I was still able to make small projects with it. still have some left. Thanks!
Where in the world did you get those pieces of walnut since down here in south Ga I can't find them and trust me I have looked
My cousin had it taken down at his house in Decatur.
frehleycomet where at in south ga. are you. I got two big blackwalnut trees waiting to cut on my sawmill. if you want lets talk and maybe make a deal. I got injured at work and now have to have help sawing lumber. I'm in middle ga.
Cool, you did a great job. I'll check out his video.
Nice
Nice wood and cheap to
Have your projects with this wood turned out ok? Thanks for making it look easier than what I had pictured in my mind!!
Yes, so far. I've only made small things with it. Some of it warped but I'm able to cut what I need from it.
if you do this again use a ripping or a resaw blade
I have since bought a 1/2" blade, which is the biggest my saw will take. I avoid using logs though because of the mess and lack of space to dry it.
Steve Carmichael cool
Yeah, I've never had any walnut before, much less free walnut. lol
How large are those logs? what is the depth of cut for the 12" saw you have?
I think it's about 6" if I remember correctly. The logs were about that size too. That's the max I could saw with it.