Timber! How can I use large (green) logs to make some simple stools?

I moved to a house in the woods, mostly pine, and a lot of it needs to come down because it was planted too close together, and also to open up the tree canopy so more light can come into the forest so more of the native plants can grow up and shield my home from view.

Since tree cutters will be here for 3 - 4 days with big tools (no jokes please) what should I ask them for - for example "Could you please cut me a few 20" tall logs I can use as stools on the patio?" How then do I work with this green wood and actually make stools? I was thinking I would strip the bark, put wood glue on the ends to seal the grain so it won't split, and then....?

I could use a few end tables for next to the beds or couches as well as some stools for the patio.

Comments

[canucksgirl]

Green wood can be used for projects as long as you apply "Spar Varnish" as soon as they are built to avoid cracking and splitting that often occurs with using green wood. It's mainly for that reason that green wood is primarily used in wood turning projects and less where perfectly straight pieces are needed.

Also, learning about how green wood behaves (versus dried wood), is important to know before you dive into a project.

Here are a couple links that will help you understand how to use green wood, I would advise doing additional research as well once you've determined the specific types of projects you want to make.

http://www.peterchild.co.uk/info1/green.htm

http://www.johnjordanwoodturning.com/John_Jordan_Woodturning/Understanding_Wood.html

Also, if you have a wood burning stove or fireplace, keep what you don't need for projects, for that purpose (or sell it if you have no need for it).

Let me know if you have any additional questions. ;)

[Ninzerbean]

OK you win, I spent forever on that site, thank you for sharing and thank you for taking the time to do so, hey, go look at Vygor's 'ible that he links too, it is amazing.

[canucksgirl]

You're welcome. Glad to help.

I have seen Vyger's ible. It's impressive.

[Vyger]

I looked up a few of the backyard lumber mills. I know your going a different route but I thought you might find the videos interesting on this companies web site.

I think I will put one of these on my inheritance list, That's my list of things for when I have a long lost wealthy relative leave me a bunch of spare pocket money.

[rickharris]

Get them to cut them to a suitable length and make 4 cuts up from the bottom to form legs all you need to do them is cut away the central part

[Ninzerbean]

You are funny, and I love the designs, something else I never wood have thought of, but cutting away the middle is going to be wicked hard to do - for me without a chain saw. But I will keep your idea in mind. Thank you.

[rickharris]

Get them to cut it out with the chain saw by making the cuts meet at a central point

[Ninzerbean]

Ok, I'll give it a try, thank you for that suggestion. I will print your drawings.

[Creativeman]

hi Ninzerbean: Whatever you do, save as much as you can. I used them for plant stands, among other things, but they do well in that capacity...have the workers cut them as square as possible, and to the size(s) you want. If nothing else, they can be used for firewood! Good luck.

[Ninzerbean]

Your trees are so beautiful, I think because of the sap with pine trees I'm not going to be so lucky.

[rimar2000]

Nina, beware the stability of the stools. Children have habit of throwing them down and get under. It can be dangerous

[Ninzerbean]

Yes, children can do the strangest things. I will be careful, now I just have to have a child to be careful for.... oh yeah too late, he's 14 now :(

[Vyger]

Some might think that cutting trees is bad but as you have said, sometimes it is necessary. Another thing you didn't mention is protection from fire. A lot of houses have been burnt down because of being to close to trees that catch fire.

There are portable saw mills that can convert your logs into boards. If you have the money to buy one then its a great solution. There are also people (depending on where you live) who own the mills and will come out and cut it for you for a fee. Pine has a lot of uses, but it's not as good as hardwoods for some things. One problem with green pine is the sap. Anyway, it is a resource that should be used and not just thrown away.

You might find some ideas from an instructable that I did.
There are also a lot of comments on that one that are interesting, and there are also other instructables about making your own lumbar.

[Ninzerbean]

Unbelievable 'ible, one of the best I've ever read, and that Russian Olive is soooo beautiful!

I asked about harvesting the wood but no mills will take it I was told for two reasons, one no one knows if there could be nails in the trees from past hunters, and secondly they can't get the length off the property, too many windy small roads. It will get chipped and put to use as mulch. The world does need mulch.

I even asked about a 'feller buncher' - my favorite machine-thing in that it is scary good at what it does, sort of like the Borg, it conquers and assimilates.

[Burf]

If it were I, I would have the logs cut to the length of the height of the desired stool, table or whatever and build a Christmas tree type stand (See the illustration) to hold it vertical. Use three galvanized or stainless steel deck screws to fasten the pieces together. You should be able to build one in about 15 minutes or less.
I would leave the bark on for a rustic look and to lessen the leakage of sap and seal or cover the top and the knots where limbs have been cut off.

[Ninzerbean]

That is an amazing idea I never thought of - or ever wood have -- pun intended (all puns are intended). Thank you!