Cutting Beams From Logs

Flat sawn boards are cut from the log where the growth rings run parallel to the wide faces of the board.

Cutting beams from logs.

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. Our heavy timber beams are cut to standard dimensions. That s why you need to promote air circulation on all sides of every board and a household fan really speeds progress. You need to take the most extreme care if you cut lumber from logs.

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. 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. A 8x12 beam will net an overall 7 x 11. 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. However if you are only looking to do the odd log cutting job around the home and the diameter of the log isn t greater than 16 then you might do just as well with an electric chainsaw. Timbers sawn parallel to the center are better. 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.

Run a metal detector over the log give it a really good scanning for metal embedded in the log. Posts are best if the heart of the log is centered in them. The flat sawing method of cutting boards is great when dealing with high tensioned logs. No matter how long it s been since your logs have been cut the wood is still too wet for woodworking.

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. 2 6 roof loft decking 5 4 cedar decking and more.