Hello,
I have managed to obtain a 7' log of yew, seasoned standing but requiring seasoning in the lower 20". Band saw cutting proved impossible as it did not want to "go" where I wanted it... probably lack of tool skill. I then got my preferred tool that I am good with, the trusty chainsaw, and cut the log in two with that. (2 1/2" & 4" at the ends). This has done a pretty good job, giving the thicker side with only a couple of tiny knots well off centre along the length.
There is a slight lateral bend at one end, and a small bow with slight twist causing a hollow on the flat side. To deal with this I have Tied it up and firmly secured it to a rafter in my garage flat side to the beam. At the point where it has the biggest gap between the flat side of the log and the beam I have started to apply pressure with a G clamp with protection to the wood provided by an old suede gardening glove. I am then left with the end foot (thin end) which rises a little. To this I have hung a 56lb weight I have laying about.
My (probably ridiculous) expectation is that the clamp can be slowly tightened as the wood moves to a flatter (to the beam) position, and that the weight will slowly bring the end in line.
I am doing this because I consider that it might make life easier when cutting the bow shape equidistent to the centre line, resulting in an even heartwood/sapwood ratio across the limbs.
Please tell me if I am going horribly wrong......I might add more clamps if I can borrow a couple big enough.
Thank you,
Richard.
I have managed to obtain a 7' log of yew, seasoned standing but requiring seasoning in the lower 20". Band saw cutting proved impossible as it did not want to "go" where I wanted it... probably lack of tool skill. I then got my preferred tool that I am good with, the trusty chainsaw, and cut the log in two with that. (2 1/2" & 4" at the ends). This has done a pretty good job, giving the thicker side with only a couple of tiny knots well off centre along the length.
There is a slight lateral bend at one end, and a small bow with slight twist causing a hollow on the flat side. To deal with this I have Tied it up and firmly secured it to a rafter in my garage flat side to the beam. At the point where it has the biggest gap between the flat side of the log and the beam I have started to apply pressure with a G clamp with protection to the wood provided by an old suede gardening glove. I am then left with the end foot (thin end) which rises a little. To this I have hung a 56lb weight I have laying about.
My (probably ridiculous) expectation is that the clamp can be slowly tightened as the wood moves to a flatter (to the beam) position, and that the weight will slowly bring the end in line.
I am doing this because I consider that it might make life easier when cutting the bow shape equidistent to the centre line, resulting in an even heartwood/sapwood ratio across the limbs.
Please tell me if I am going horribly wrong......I might add more clamps if I can borrow a couple big enough.
Thank you,
Richard.