Rustic Log Furniture Question - Woodworking Talk

Tony B · 11-22-2008, 12:43 PM

I was just on a Rockler site looking at a rustic log tenon maker.
My question is.....where do you get the logs?

mics_54 · 11-22-2008, 01:04 PM

THIS would take a little luck and a little footwork probably. Your being in Kemah wont make finding them easy. A little farther north and you have an abundance of timberlands. Of course it depends upon what type of wood you want to use. I instantly thought of pine trees when I saw where you lived, but there are of course other species there. Immature trees in the 3"-6" diameter range make a great source of material but you can also use limbs from larger pruned trees for those cool bent, crooked members. Lots being cleared for construction is a good place to score material. Often rights-of-way clearance produces some prospects and you might see a chipper truck and crew working the shoulders of roads and electric line easments. Stop and ask. All they can say is yes or no. I would think after the huge storm you had down there that an abundance of downed trees, easments, clearin etc would be going on.

Tony B · 11-23-2008, 10:52 AM

Cutting my own logs is not an option. I was wondering if any log furniture builders in here buy their logs.
I am trying to determine if making log furniture can be profitable.

Gerry KIERNAN · 11-23-2008, 11:37 AM

Hi Tony

I am not too familiar with the Houston area, but I was there once, and don't remeber there being a lot of trees. However, if you have a local tree service company you could approach them to see if they can provide you with logs and limbs.
I get most of mine from local lakes and ocean beaches, but that probably isn't much help to you.
Another possibility is to talk to any companies in your area that sell firewood. perhaps you can establish a connection with the cutters.

Gerry

mics_54 · 11-23-2008, 12:14 PM

I see lots of log furnishings for sale on ebay. Alot of internet advertizing for such items also. It's pretty popular here given the Alaska vacation/tourism/rustic appeal. But I didnt see alot of bids on ebay. It isn't alot of fun knockin the hide off.

maplehillfrm · 11-25-2008, 10:37 AM

hi tony B..
have you come up with any saplings?
I have some peeled and dried maple saplings , depending on the size and type of project you are going to do , I may be able to help you out, I used to sell "kits" on ebay, but havent for awhile,, maybe I should start again haha, pat

JoshuaHoffman · 11-25-2008, 07:55 PM

Hello, If you are interested I have some extra log shorts left over from projects that I have built in the past. I can send pictures if you are interested. Thanks. JoshsuaHoffman

Gerry KIERNAN · 11-26-2008, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maplehillfrm

hi tony B..
have you come up with any saplings?
I have some peeled and dried maple saplings , depending on the size and type of project you are going to do , I may be able to help you out, I used to sell "kits" on ebay, but havent for awhile,, maybe I should start again haha, pat

Hi maplehillfrm

I have some maples in front of my place which were topped by the previous owner, some years ago, but have since sent up about twenty feet of multiple new growth, from one to two inches in daimeter. I was thinking of saving them, when I top the trees again, to make bentwood rustic furniture. Do they work well for this?

Thanks

Gerry

Tony B · 11-28-2008, 09:17 AM

I think I am going to stick to what I normally do and that is modern/contemporary furniture.
I was hoping there was some industry that I could just pull up to and buy my logs and drive off.
Thanks again for your suggestions.