Sawing information resources

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Spanish Where the beginning sawyer can find the fundamentals. (From WOODWEB's Sawing and Drying Forum) February 12, 2003

Question
I haven't done much sawing and would like to get the best out of each log. I'd like to learn more about quarter sawing and other methods. I presently have some large oaks to saw.

Forum Responses
(Sawing and Drying Forum)
A good place to start would be a great resource provided by the United States Department of Agriculture under Forest Service. It explains a ton of info on efficient log sawing. Search the Internet. I have found several helpful articles on the web recently. Also look in the WOODWEB Knowledge Base.


I suggest that you immediately get some of back issues of Sawmill and Woodlot Management magazine. I have written several articles on the best way to saw. You might also consider attending the upcoming sawyer seminar in PA or NY in March. Wood-Mizer also has a booklet that might help. I have about 100 pages of handouts for my class.

Gene Wengert, forum technical advisor


The first thing you need is the pamphlet from the US Forest Service titled "A Simplified Procedure For Developing Grade Lumber from Hardwood Logs." It is FPL-098 and I think it was either free or low cost. It has a lot of info in 13 pages and discusses best opening faces, sweep in the log, etc.

Gene published an article in Sawmill & Woodlot a while back on 180-degree sawing. I didn't think too much of his ideas but after a long discourse on this forum I tried it and found it is the best way to saw. Less edging, wider boards and the growth rings centered in the board.

Keep reading the forums and check the Knowledge Base and you can find all kinds of information.

The picture below is a small ash log that shows how to do 180-degree sawing. Requires more turning but the results are well worth it.



Search the Knowledge Base - there are a few good posts on quarter sawing. Clear oak looks great this way.
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