Sawyer-to-Storage Two-Step

Remember all those ash logs that Aaron harvested when we were compelled to remove several mature trees within the vicinity of Rosslyn’s icehouse last autumn? In a departure from our previous sawmilling experiences when we prioritized 100% on-site lumber processing, circumstances differ this time around. For reason that will be explained soon, we opted to transport all of the logs off to Roger Denton’s sawmill in Elizabethtown (rather than bringing a portable sawmill to our property). Early this spring, I shared a sawmill progress report, and today we mark another milestone. The recently milled boards have been transported to our property in Willsboro where they have been stickered and stacked, the first stage of a sawyer-to-storage two-step for an upcoming project.

Today’s post offers a glimpse into this staged storage, focusing on the initial drying step inside a garage at ADK Oasis Highlawn where we can maximize air circulation over the next couple of months to accelerate drying after lots and lots of rain. Although this location is offsite from Rosslyn, it’s onsite for a still percolating, not-yet-ready-to-share project that will take place at that location.

As you can see in the snapshots above, the lumber has been stored outside in the lumber yard all spring and summer during persistent rainstorms. The wood has absorbed plenty of water. With high ambient humidity even when it’s not raining, the ultra hydrated lumber is now overdue for better curing conditions.

Calvin hauled two ample loads from Elizabethtown to Willsboro where he and Tony tackled the demanding task of unloading, sticking, and stacking the lumber to maximize air circulation while ensure that the board dry straight and flat.

Although this location is temporary it offers a couple of benefits. The concrete slab is level, allowing us to decrease the likelihood that course upon course of lumber with twist and cup. And while this is an indoor location, it has garage doors that can be opened on dry days to improve air circulation. The rest of the time a pair of heavy duty fans, wide gapping between boards, and 1″ sticker spacing will aid air circulation.

As drier autumn air improve the curing condition, we will eventually relocate this lumber to another onsite location. And in the meantime we’ll monitor moisture content in the hopes of stabilizing this lumber within a year or so. At 5/4″ milled thickness, it should take about 15 months. The clock is ticking…

Thanks to Aaron Valachovic for transforming trees into logs, Phil Valachovic for using an excavator to load logs onto truck and trailer, Phil Valachovic and Calvin Cumm for transporting logs to and from the sawmill, Roger Denton for milling logs into lumber, and Tony Foster for ensuring that everything is inventoried and stored properly, and Pam Murphy for helping coordinate the entire endeavor!