http://www.woodreview.com.au 83TIMBERHowever there is more involved
than first apparent and important
steps need to be taken to ensure
a successful outcome. The
following information is for anyone
considering using their own tree to
make furniture.
Tree suitability
Australia has an incredibly diverse
range of native and introduced
species, however not all are suitable
for furniture. If unknown, a qualified
arborist will determine the species of
the selected tree and from there you
can ascertain its suitability¹.
The overall health and condition of
the tree will also bear on the quality
of the timber. If the tree is heavily
decayed and damaged by termites or
borers it will most likely produce little
usable timber, if any.
The tree will need to be of
reasonable age and size. Generally
a 400mm diameter is required to
produce usable boards of heartwood.
Tree shape is also important and
straighter trunks will naturally yield
more suitable boards.
Sawing and storage
A qualified arborist will fell the tree
correctly and safely, and may then use
a portable sawmill to cut the trunk
into slabs. This is when you can get
your first glimpse of the colour and
quality of the wood inside.
Slabs should be a minimum of 50mm
thick. As the wood dries it will lose
a considerable volume of water and
shrink in thickness. Thicker slabs will
also better withstand the internal
Opposite: A native quandong
tree and the finished table
made from it is shown some 18
months after the tree was felled.
Above: The quandong tree
is sawn on the Wood Mizer
portable mill. Let your sawmiller
know in advance the use you
have in mind for the sawn timber.stresses that can cause warping,
twisting and cracking.Prior to stacking it is very important
to seal the ends of each slab. This
is best done the same day the tree
has been milled as the slabs will
start shedding moisture almost
immediately through the exposed
endgrain. If the ends aren’t sealed
rapid moisture loss can cause
splits and warping. You can buy
proprietary waxed based end sealers
or alternatively apply several coats of
a latex paint.Air drying
Stack the slabs on a hard flat surface
around 400mm off the ground. Use
stable supports that are not more
than 600mm apart. For airflow the
slabs also needed to be stickered –