There are certain advantages to having your own sawmill and kiln; one of which is being able to experiment with different milling techniques in order to produce some unique material.
Feathered oak is one such product. Under NHLA guidelines it's considered to be a "defect" in a board; however sometimes I'll mill a log so as to include it in the board, and then cut off the feathered portion after the board comes out of the kiln. That way I still end up with a FAS board to sell, and a feathered oak board for me.
This year for Christmas, I made a picture frame for my wife from feathered red oak. It has a much darker character than the white oak (the frame is finished with a clear danish oil). I find it to be an interesting and unusual native wood.
Scott
Feathered oak is one such product. Under NHLA guidelines it's considered to be a "defect" in a board; however sometimes I'll mill a log so as to include it in the board, and then cut off the feathered portion after the board comes out of the kiln. That way I still end up with a FAS board to sell, and a feathered oak board for me.
This year for Christmas, I made a picture frame for my wife from feathered red oak. It has a much darker character than the white oak (the frame is finished with a clear danish oil). I find it to be an interesting and unusual native wood.
Scott