Putting the middle-man into tree surgery

Latest Articles

Putting the middle-man into tree surgery

Downsizer Forum Index -> Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Author

Message

Rachel

Joined: 26 Aug 2005
Posts: 27
Location: Northampton

Posted: Mon Aug 29, 05 6:34 pm Post subject: Putting the middle-man into tree surgery

Not sure if this is the right section but my OH is a tree surgeon and was appalled at the waste of good timber this entailed. He has approached a few carpenters who are crying out for local wood and noticed that they always have to pay over the odds. We have tried turning a couple of the larger trees he has cut down into planks and despite space restrictions (we live in a small house) have managed to have an ash table made (by a friend )and to sell a few oak planks to the company I work for (BTCV). Is anyone on the site interested in buying ash planks or oak boards plus assorted fruit woods (small planks) which have been cut locally and air dried by us? None are 'perfect' but lots of usable timber there to use!

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Mon Aug 29, 05 7:42 pm Post subject:

Sounds like a great idea. If you fancy having an advert on the main site then just shout and something can be arranged.

Producing a small amount of local timber has is something I've started looking at as I may have access to some logs that are too good to just burn. Do you mind if I ask what type of saw do you use to plant your timber? Have you tried contacting some of the various organisations that try and help with markets for local timber, such as the Small Woods Association?

wellington womble

Joined: 08 Nov 2004
Posts: 15051
Location: East Midlands

Posted: Tue Aug 30, 05 9:29 am Post subject:
Typically, right at the moment, I can't think of anything I need good timber for, but I do know we'll need firewood in the not too distant future - I know its not an ideal solution, but firewood is a bugger to get round here and really expensive, so perhaps that might be one use for it?

cab

Joined: 01 Nov 2004
Posts: 32429

Posted: Tue Aug 30, 05 9:35 am Post subject:
That's an idea with no obvious drawbacks. Put an advert here for that, someone will want to have access to the wood.

Rachel

Joined: 26 Aug 2005
Posts: 27
Location: Northampton

Posted: Tue Aug 30, 05 9:45 am Post subject: planking

www.ecolots.co.uk is a good site and well worth a look as regards planking services and used machinery sales etc. For the cheapest solution to convert timber, a chainsaw jig can be used(logersol.com) Essentialy an upper midrange or heavweight saw is required when using a standard thickness bar ie.3/8'', however if you use a pico setup you only need a saw half the power. take a look at the sites mentioned; build your own jig(as l did) or get a fabricator to do it, use a rigid alloy ladder as a guide rail and make wedges to keep the curf open so you don't backcut and 'belly' the planks.Well worth doing although it is a two man operation.Next you need to learn to season them/end seal/stack and space,weight and cover etc.Any questions get in touch. Steve.

I asked OH to answer this for me as he is the technical one here. I just do the labouring for him!!

You can get in touch with him via me if you like.

hils

Joined: 08 Mar 2005
Posts: 568
Location: Nottingham

Posted: Tue Aug 30, 05 6:40 pm Post subject:
Hi rachel, how far would/does your chap travel to do his work? I know of loads of people in Nottingham who need stuff doing - could maybe get them together and give him a day of work. Also the same goes for the Folkingham/Sleaford area of Lincolnshire...

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Tue Aug 30, 05 6:59 pm Post subject:
Thanks for the comments Rachel & Steve. I'll probably be going to a local wood fair again this year where there often have various portable saw mills and various bits of kit in operation. I don't think there's anything quite small enough to consider buying so I'll see what the costs are to get someone in to do the cutting and I can do the rest.

	Downsizer Forum Index -> Reduce, Reuse, Recycle	All times are GMT
Page 1 of 1

View Latest Posts