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Paging No Colors lumber advice

Posted on 2/28/21 at 7:13 pm
Posted by texag7
College Station
Member since Apr 2014
38061 posts
Posted on 2/28/21 at 7:13 pm
With the recent surges in pine lumber prices could Chinese tallow logs be used for utility lumber?

I have almost unlimited access to older trees with generally straight grain

Have considered purchasing a small mill for making 2x4s, 1x6s etc. For utility use around the farm making boards that could be used for deer stands, repairing barns, general use, etc.

I understand it may not be pine quality for actual home construction

Let’s say you have a properly milled and dried 1x6 tallow board. Many of the trees are older than some sawmill pine and seem just as if not more dense. I guess the main question is what would be the major difference from that board and a pine board milled and dried the exact same way?

Thank you
Posted by No Colors
Sandbar
Member since Sep 2010
11138 posts
Posted on 2/28/21 at 8:29 pm to
Man that's a tough one. For the record, I've never seen Tallow run through a sawmill. I did a little reading on it before responding. And the best I can come up with is "Sure, why not?"

The biggest issue I think you would have is twisting. They don't seem to be known for growing in a straight grain pattern. So if you tried to use them for corral boards, they might dry too fast in the sun and twist off the posts.

If you have time, sticker stack the lumber and let it dry for a few months in a barn. With a breeze or a cheap box fan.

Then for outdoor use I would just go go with the old standby treatment of diesel fuel and brake fluid or motor oil. Paint it on and should make good corral board or barn siding.

I wouldn't cut it too thin. I would probably recommend no thinner than 5/4 to cut down on the twisting.

That's about all the advice I have. I'm as curious as you are. Post some pics if you do it.

Also, if you know someone with a sawmill, haul the trees to them first. And do a test run before you commit to buying a sawmill around this stuff. Good luck!
Posted by Strannix
District 11
Member since Dec 2012
49569 posts
Posted on 2/28/21 at 8:37 pm to
quote:

With the recent surges in pine lumber prices could Chinese tallow logs be used for utility lumber?



The issue isnt wood on the ground its mill capacity, there's tons of trees to cut
This post was edited on 2/28/21 at 8:38 pm
Posted by armsdealer
Member since Feb 2016
11678 posts
Posted on 2/28/21 at 10:33 pm to
Pine is still cheap... before it is cut into lumber. No need to use inferior woods.
Posted by beulahland
Little D'arbonne
Member since Jan 2013
3659 posts
Posted on 3/1/21 at 4:49 am to
Keep us posted.
Posted by cgrand
HAMMOND
Member since Oct 2009
40315 posts
Posted on 3/1/21 at 1:42 pm to
quote:

With the recent surges in pine lumber prices could Chinese tallow logs be used for utility lumber?

a few months ago i would have laughed at you, but i took down a couple dozen chicken trees back behind my house and i'll be damned if the grain isnt tight as shite and straight as a line. i roughly hewed a few long pieces with my chainsaw and it dried up really nice, hard as a rock
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