Cutting Beams 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.

Cutting beams from logs.

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. 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. You do not know what is inside the log. That s why you need to promote air circulation on all sides of every board and a household fan really speeds progress.

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. The flat sawing method of cutting boards is great when dealing with high tensioned logs. Timbers sawn parallel to the center are better.

Flat sawn lumber is the most commonly produced as it is very quick to cut and creates less waste. Stack your lumber with 1 2 thick strips of scrap lumber between each piece then direct air flow over the pile. Posts are best if the heart of the log is centered in them. No matter how long it s been since your logs have been cut the wood is still too wet for woodworking.

A 8x12 beam will net an overall 7 x 11. Flat sawn boards are cut from the log where the growth rings run parallel to the wide faces of the board. You need to take the most extreme care if you cut lumber from logs. As a rule i will not cut one unless it is six inches away from the center.

Our heavy timber beams are cut to standard dimensions. 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.