Eastern Red Cedar at Sawmill

[RedBoatFl]

Does anyone have advice regarding cutting Eastern Red Cedar logs into usable lumber?
I have 20 +/- large Cedar logs on the wharf at the sawmill.
Should I waste wood to cut quarter sawn or just cut flat sawn
and get a few quarter sawn near the heart?

[The Gentleman Sawyer]

Re: Eastern Red Cedar at Sawmill

What do you want to do with the wood? I would flat saw, since most ERC I've sawn has not been fit for much more that birdhouses, Adirondack chairs, or boards to line a closet with. Also expect the sawyer to find nails and fence post staples.

Ken

[RedBoatFl]

Re: Eastern Red Cedar at Sawmill

The use may be small sharpie planking.
I'm leaning toward Flatsawn, live edged.
The are quality logs Mr G Sawyer.
16" to 30" X 12' with no visible knots.
The first load was cut for land owner.
These are damage from coastal storm.

[The Gentleman Sawyer]

Re: Eastern Red Cedar at Sawmill

Personally, I wouldn't use it for planking because it's somewhat brittle and sapwood is often streaked thru the heart, which will compromise it's decay resistance. The logs may not have visible knots, but rest assured there are some inside. It's also common for some rot or hollow voids to be inside also. As you live in N. Florida, you ought to be able to find some white cedar or cypress which would be more suitable for planking. Hope this helps.

Ken

[Thad Van Gilder]

Re: Eastern Red Cedar at Sawmill

I have planked with eastern red cedar. it seems ok for crossplanking the bottom of a skiff. The side planks would be a tough bend as it is indeed brittle.

I do not think its worth quarter sawing.... I would really just cut it into flitches. I have done that in the past several times and was happy with the results.

-Thad

[Bob Smalser]

Re: Eastern Red Cedar at Sawmill

I'd certainly try riftsawing the larger boles, 25" and up. That means halve the log, set the halves on edge and mill them through and through for a mix of qsawn and riftsawn. If they turn out to be full of pin knots close to the heart, you can always revert to flatsawing. Knots in a flatsawn board generally don't weaken it, wheras knots in a riftsawn board run crossways and ruin the board.

[RedBoatFl]

Re: Eastern Red Cedar at Sawmill

Thanks Gentlemen.

[SMARTINSEN]

Re: Eastern Red Cedar at Sawmill

How about some pictures, I for one, love sawmill pictures. (I am talking to you also, Stiletto.)