How big does a tree need to be to be worth milling?

[th_in_gs]

We’re removing a few self-seeded trees - walnut and cherry - from our property. They’re pretty young - around 8-10 inches in diameter.

Is it worth looking into getting a sawmill to process these, or are they just not large enough to produce useful lumber?

 

[Westpacx3]

I'm new at this but I doubt it. By the time you slice off the sap wood there might not be a lot left. It it has to dry out.

I'm sure some if our wood turners would love it though..

 

[HMH]

Same, I’d say possibly decent for bowl blanks, and a sawyer would be able to confirm, but I’ve always heard the rule of thumb that a log would need to be at least ~12-14” on the “skinny” end to produce a decent yield, once the bark/ sapwood/ etc was removed.

 

[Whitfield]

Ditto. Stuff of that size I tend to mill up on my bandsaw.

 

[Oka]

A factoid 16ft long 16" diameter tree has approx 100bd ft in it. Diameter relationship is not a linear conversation. This just gives you a basic starting point

 

[th_in_gs]

A factoid 16ft long 16" diameter tree has approx 100bd ft in it. Diameter relationship is not a linear conversation. This just gives you a basic starting point

I guess that makes sense - it would go up with the square of the radius of the usable wood in the ‘core’ of the tree.

Thanks, everyone - it sounds like there’s not enough usable wood in the trees to be worth the hassle of milling them. Looks we might be making some chips for mulch!

 

[HITCH-]

Where are you located?
Turners will help you cut them down in exchange for the bowl blanks.

 

[th_in_gs]

Near Swannanoa. Trees are being dropped tomorrow but we’re not chipping them (yet).

I’d say that folks could contact me if they want some of the wood - perhaps in exchange for helping saw and move the felled trees - but I think as a new user I can’t send/receive private messages?

 

[mdbuntyn]

@th_in_gs New Users can't initiate a Conversation (private message), but they can respond to any that are sent to them—you don't have to worry about anymore, because you've hit User status.

Remember to log in at least once a month to keep it. If you go past 30 days, you'll revert back to New User, but you'll regain your higher status on the day after you log back in.

 

[th_in_gs]

In that case, if there’s anyone in the area who wants to take up the offer above feel free to message me.

 

[Sleepy creek]

Save some cherry if you do any cooking out on grill or smoker gives a great flavor

 

[Gofor]

The cherry wood is great for adding smoke to the barby.

Not requiring a saw-mill; You can split the walnut into quarters with ax, maul, and wedges. Remove sap wood and pith with froe, draw knife or bandsaw. Walnut makes beautiful walking sticks.

 

[jlwest]

Be careful with walnut chips. They can be toxic to animals and gardens.

 

[Mountain City Bill]

The smallest log I will put on my sawmill is 10 inch in diameter. Only because I need 6x6's and just to get rid of the log (pine in my case). Anything smaller goes into the burn pile.

For hardwoods, 16" diameter is the smallest I mill.