Sawmill and Timber

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Kirk Allen on July 24, 2018, 08:54:50 PM

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Title: Cotton Wood Killer Log Splitting
Post by: Kirk Allen on July 24, 2018, 08:54:50 PM
For those that don't know, Cottonwood IS NOT a wood that likes to be split.  In fact, I cant believe how little wood stopped me from prying this beast open. 

But end was 57".  Split it down the middle with a 36" bar.  Good Vertical Cut from end to end.  I could NOT wedge it open any more than what you see in the pic. 

I had to roll this puppy over and cut from the other side. 

I think this is the last time I try to split a Cotton Wood!   

(http://sawmillandtimberforum.com/gallery/1/2-240718204918-15021065.jpeg)

(http://sawmillandtimberforum.com/gallery/1/2-240718204919-15031296.jpeg)
Title: Re: Cotton Wood Killer Log Splitting
Post by: Kirk Allen on July 24, 2018, 08:59:36 PM
Please note the lime green wedges on either side of the Orange one.  BOTH of them broke when I was hammering them in.  That wood WOULD NOT move! 
Title: Re: Cotton Wood Killer Log Splitting
Post by: Kojba on July 25, 2018, 07:29:04 AM
I don't think we have any cotton wood where I live (could be wrong), but we do have sweet gum....   I feel your pain.  My Grandfather and other old timey carpenters used those twisted grain planks for purlings on roof tops, and "knees" on boats.   Once dried, the twisted grain tightened around the screw or nail, making it almost impossible to pull or back out.  Maybe there is some use for cotton wood around your place?
Title: Re: Cotton Wood Killer Log Splitting
Post by: Kirk Allen on July 25, 2018, 08:23:41 AM
Internal construction lumber.  As light as Pine but stronger from everything I have read.  I made my truss frame out of it for my saw shed.  Worked great. 

(http://sawmillandtimberforum.com/gallery/0/2_11_09_08_3_38_40_3.JPG)

Also great stable boards as horses WILL NOT chew on cottonwood! 

Title: Re: Cotton Wood Killer Log Splitting
Post by: Ox on July 25, 2018, 09:30:11 AM
That's the deal in God's world:  one must work hard to get the good stuff from it.  Good job!  I don't have any trees left around here that big.  What do you have to move it with?
Title: Re: Cotton Wood Killer Log Splitting
Post by: Kirk Allen on July 25, 2018, 01:52:35 PM
(http://sawmillandtimberforum.com/gallery/0/2_27_08_08_10_18_24_0.JPG)

(http://sawmillandtimberforum.com/gallery/0/2_15_02_09_11_47_51_4.jpg)
Title: Re: Cotton Wood Killer Log Splitting
Post by: Ox on July 26, 2018, 08:58:20 AM
Reckon that'll do it.  8)
Title: Re: Cotton Wood Killer Log Splitting
Post by: bandmiller2 on July 26, 2018, 07:43:45 PM
Kirk, I never milled cottonwood or even seen one but that tells me it would be a strong wood and not prone to snapping. American elm is much like that and that is great for truck beds and anywhere you need a tough wood. Sounds like that may be a good place for black powder wedges. Frank C.
Title: Re: Cotton Wood Killer Log Splitting
Post by: Kirk Allen on July 27, 2018, 09:30:15 AM
I have tried black powder on cottonwood before and did not have much luck.  It is very tough wood and can take a beating but it is not weather resistant at all.  As long as you keep it good and sealed your OK but it is high maintenance if its used outside. 

Agreed, much like Elm.
Title: Re: Cotton Wood Killer Log Splitting
Post by: Stevem on July 29, 2018, 09:12:54 AM
Our local cotton wood, black cotton wood, is pretty well regulated to being used as chips or filler for plywood.  The wood is very stringy and hard to finish.  People are always trying to give it away as firewood but it is so wet it's hard to dry and as Kirk say hard to split.
Title: Re: Cotton Wood Killer Log Splitting
Post by: Kirk Allen on July 29, 2018, 12:06:21 PM
I see it commonly used for pallet lumber.
Title: Re: Cotton Wood Killer Log Splitting
Post by: Stevem on August 07, 2018, 02:30:29 PM
Is there any profit in cutting pallet lumber?  They don't pay enough around here to pay the value of fire wood!
Title: Re: Cotton Wood Killer Log Splitting
Post by: Kirk Allen on August 07, 2018, 03:23:34 PM
small margins, not worth it at my level.
Title: Re: Cotton Wood Killer Log Splitting
Post by: bandmiller2 on August 07, 2018, 07:51:05 PM
There used to be a business at the other end of my street that rebuilt pallets. He was wining to me he couldn't find the sizes of hardwood he needed I told him I'll cut any dimension he wants, until he told me what he's willing to pay, I'd make more selling it as firewood. Frank C.