Cedar log post's - Woodworking Talk

JIMBETHYNAME · 12-10-2008, 10:10 PM

These are 2) 14' cedar logs that we are going to use as posts for a timber framed front entrance that we just built.

All the bark was removed using a 6" 60 grit sanding wheel on a angle sander.

JIMBETHYNAME · 12-10-2008, 10:18 PM

These are better pics, and the structure.
I still need to finish sand them, and also pick out the black crap in the crevices.

JIMBETHYNAME · 12-10-2008, 10:22 PM

Hard at work

maplehillfrm · 12-10-2008, 10:36 PM

looks like its going to be a nice project, that must have made plenty of dust huh??

Did you have access to a draw knife?
that would have been my first tool of attack, then the sander to take off the remaining "slag",,, going to look good though, pat

tribalwind · 12-10-2008, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maplehillfrm

Did you have access to a draw knife?

that was my first thought too,
and a wire brush or wheel to get the rotten bark outta the nooks.

red aromatic cedar is my favorite. thats gonna look great man.

JIMBETHYNAME · 12-10-2008, 11:23 PM

Thanks guys.
We tried a drawknife first, but it was no match for the sander. The knife got caught up on knots and dips in the wood, not the sander though

The logs are still fairly green, so the dust wasnt too bad. we do have a big pile of Kindling for the wood stove.

dirtclod · 12-11-2008, 08:50 AM

Try a good pressure washer. I haven't tried it personally but have seen it used for debarking cedar. The results were impressive.

**Daren** · 12-11-2008, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtclod

Try a good pressure washer.

You beat me to it dirtclod

. I have done it many times...works slick.

mics_54 · 12-11-2008, 10:42 AM

Log Wizard!

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**TexasTimbers** · 12-11-2008, 10:51 AM

You can keep the log wizard. Okay for small projects, but for full logs nothing I've found can match a pressure washer with a turbo nozzle.

If you get one, don't overlook the GPM rating. Many people think the p.s.i. is everything but the volume, gallons per minute, is crucial.

I have a 3000p.s.i. but more importantly it delivers 3 GPM. Eats bark for lunch. Keep your eye on craigs list for a great deal, this time of year seasonal stuff like that is sacrificed for Christmas presents, and bills.

Oscar · 12-11-2008, 10:51 AM

What your doing looks really great!

I have to agree with the Power Washer method, it's recomended by most of the mill manufactures and I can vouch from personal experience. I also like to use the wire wheel, especially if the power washer is impractical or such as now (20 degrees and 4" of snow!!)

mics_54 · 12-11-2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

You can keep the log wizard.

THANKS! I will. Sorry I suggested it as a possible method in which he may be interested.

**TexasTimbers** · 12-11-2008, 11:58 AM

Mics, sorry for the wording. I should be more sensitive - or you less - or a combination maybe.

That's not some sort of personal attack on you. I have one, and was alluding to my own experience with it. I'm sure it's a great tool for many circumstances.

No offense meant toward you personally. Some people will say pressure washers are a nuisance and hassle. Won't hurt my feelings.

Oscar · 12-11-2008, 03:30 PM

Jim:
Is that aMortuary/Funeral Home Gurney your using?? When I first saw your post this am I thought your cart looked a little too familiar!

JIMBETHYNAME · 12-11-2008, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oscarratm@mchsi.com

Jim:
Is that aMortuary/Funeral Home Gurney your using?? When I first saw your post this am I thought your cart looked a little too familiar!

No, it came from a curtain factory in town that recently closed. (the shop is an old casket making shop, though).
It used to be one piece. Its handy as hell, we put the planer between the 2 sections and we were planing 11' 3x8's with ease.

I checked today and the grit of the disk was 30 grit.
I dont know about powerwashing them, this only took about 1hr. 15m. per log and thats with rough sanding at the same time.
And I was dry

plus it was raining out, plus its december in ny, lol

Tonight/tomorrow there is a N'or easter(whatever) moving through so that means more rain so I will be in the shop finish sanding them tomorrrow.
Thank you for the compliments

tribalwind · 12-11-2008, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIMBETHYNAME

Tonight/tomorrow there is a N'or easter(whatever) moving through so that means more rain

it's been over long island last couple days, think the weeekends clear, i'm headed to PA tomorrow for weekend,nots ure what its like there

she's all yours !

mics_54 · 12-11-2008, 10:14 PM

tex,

Quote:

Mics, sorry for the wording. I should be more sensitive - or you less - or a combination maybe.

I were just shuckin.

**TexasTimbers** · 12-13-2008, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mics_54

tex,

I were just shuckin.

Kewl.

You got me there though I hafta admit.

mjdtexan · 12-16-2008, 10:01 AM

I cant wait to see the finished pictures. I have 5 ceder logs stored right now for my mothers front porch. She wants me to leave the bark on for some reason. My parents house is a real log cabin built over a hundred years ago. They love it. It is pretty nice. The porch is held up by some ugly 4x4's. We are going to replace them with the cedar post. Hopefully I can show her pictures of your finished product with your debarked cedar and change her mind. The cedar trees came from Hurricane Ike. I also have a lot of pecan logs and oak logs from the storm. I am going to mill them myself.

<---- looks forward to your completed pictures.

**Daren** · 12-16-2008, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjdtexan

She wants me to leave the bark on for some reason. . Hopefully I can show her pictures of your finished product with your debarked cedar and change her mind.

The bark will stay on just long enough for the sap borers have at them probably, they like to hide under there and do their work. (what I am suggesting is remove the bark)