Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Besides the bird poo and the critters and dirt on the other side of this log, this might be perfect for harvesting free lumber.
But before you start slicing into a found log, there’s something sawyers understand that most woodworkers don’t.
By the time most of us find what we think is free lumber, the ends may already be compromised. Moisture escapes fastest through the end grain, and even if you don’t see checks, or cracks yet...they may still show up later as the wood finishes drying.
That’s why on a log like this, I fully expect to lose a few inches on both ends.
The first thing I need is a flat reference face, so I’ll slice about a 1/2” off one edge, using an attached board to help stabilize the log. Since I’m already expecting to lose a few inches on both ends, that’s exactly where I’ll attach it.
We'll cut this into slices, but this is NOT the time to cut to final thickness.
If I want 3/4" lumber later, I’m probably cutting closer to 7/8"... maybe even an inch. Green wood moves, shrinks, cups and twists.
With all my pieces now cut, I have to find the pith or center of the tree and cut it out completely because of how unstable it is.
So after all the trimming, the checking, the waste, and removing the center, from this entire log, this is what I actually get to keep. And that’s BEFORE the wood finishes drying.
It is absolutely worth it to cut your own lumber, but you have to think like a sawyer: usability is key.
Like step by step projects? Check out the second channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Ben. K
Bill Patterson
D. Lundman
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
Besides the bird poo and the critters and dirt on the other side of this log, this might be perfect for harvesting free lumber.
But before you start slicing into a found log, there’s something sawyers understand that most woodworkers don’t.
By the time most of us find what we think is free lumber, the ends may already be compromised. Moisture escapes fastest through the end grain, and even if you don’t see checks, or cracks yet...they may still show up later as the wood finishes drying.
That’s why on a log like this, I fully expect to lose a few inches on both ends.
The first thing I need is a flat reference face, so I’ll slice about a 1/2” off one edge, using an attached board to help stabilize the log. Since I’m already expecting to lose a few inches on both ends, that’s exactly where I’ll attach it.
We'll cut this into slices, but this is NOT the time to cut to final thickness.
If I want 3/4" lumber later, I’m probably cutting closer to 7/8"... maybe even an inch. Green wood moves, shrinks, cups and twists.
With all my pieces now cut, I have to find the pith or center of the tree and cut it out completely because of how unstable it is.
So after all the trimming, the checking, the waste, and removing the center, from this entire log, this is what I actually get to keep. And that’s BEFORE the wood finishes drying.
It is absolutely worth it to cut your own lumber, but you have to think like a sawyer: usability is key.
Like step by step projects? Check out the second channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Ben. K
Bill Patterson
D. Lundman
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
