How To Quarter Saw A Log [ With Different Tools]

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Do you fancy beautifully created pieces of furniture and wood floors? Then you need the knowledge on quarter sawing the logs used during the entire process of furniture making and other DIY projects. The wood sawing hobby is crucial in most DIY projects. No doubt you want beautifully designed furniture to add to the glamour of your house and thus, it is vital to learn about the basics of quarter sawing your logs.

This exercise is artistic and can be learnt and perfected over time. To ease the process, we provide you with a step by step process of how to quarter saw a log using different tools. Saws are commonly used in this exercise and in the quest to apply them appropriately, let us go through some of the tips and precautions that enhance your safety during the exercise.

9 Easy Steps on How to Quarter Saw a Log

Things you will need

How to quarter saw a log

Steps to be followed

Step 1: Select the right type of log

The most preferred log for this process should be from the oak and maple. They have ray flecks and attractive appearances that are crucial during the cutting process. For proper results in your quarter sawing project, they are the most preferred type of logs. Therefore, make a point of acquiring either of these types of logs.

Furthermore, you should ensure that your logs are made up of long and thick medullary rays. When these rays originate from the centre, it makes it easy for you as you cut through it with your saw. It is at this point that you determine the size of the log that is appropriate for you, depending on your project requirements.

Step 2: Dress appropriately

 For the sake of your safety, ensure you wear your protective glasses, gumboots, gloves and long-sleeved clothing. In your protective gear, include the protective ear muffs to reduce the effect of the damaging sound from the cutting gadgets. This further gives the assurance that the projectile materials will not directly hit your skin. Also, the dust and sawdust particles will not attack your eyes as you carry out your project.

Step 3: Get rid of the branches from the log

Your project won’t be needing the branches and hence it is paramount to get rid of them during the initial phases. Using a pruning saw cut these branches at the angle of 45 degrees and ensure that you do not cut through the rest of the log. Repeat the whole procedure through all the branches until the log remains branch free.

Step 4: Get rid of the bark of the log

In this case, you can assume either of the two mechanisms which are; hand peeling and the use of a knife blade. For newly cut logs, it is advisable to use a knife blade while on the old logs that were cut and have been in existence for more than one year, you can use your hands.

The fact that the old barks have dried makes it easy to remove them from the logs.  When using the knife blade, place the teeth against the bark and move it back and forth until you get rid of all the bark. This process may prove to be tedious and you need to exercise extra patience to realize remarkable results.

Step 5: Get rid of the sapwood from your log

The reason for this procedure is to enhance the lifespan of the resulting quarter sa2n log. Sapwood is prone to fungi, and this may lessen its longevity. This does not deter it from being put into its desired use as there are chemical treatments that can bar these fungi attacks from the log.

In the quest to get rid of it, ensure that you saw it off using a hand saw. Here, you move the saw back and forth until you entirely get rid of this unwanted material. As you engage in this, bear in mind that you should exert moderate pressure to hasten the entire process.

Step 6: Make the first half cut on the log

Here, you should line the log with the portable saw and make a straight cut through the centre. The outcome of this entire process is two half logs. Once the result has been achieved, switch off your saw until the moment you are ready to use it again.

Step 7: Divide the log into four quarters

You should take the two halves and divide them further into two using the portable hand saw. First, line the logs with the saw blade and then turn it on to commence the cutting process. Once you finish dividing the first log, switch off the saw and place the second piece on the cutting platform. You should then turn the saw on to divide the second piece.

The essence of switching off the saw between the cutting processes is to enhance your safety. You do not want to end up with unexpected injuries on any part of your body. Thus, it is crucial to double-check your handsaw to ensure that it is completely switched off when not in use.

Step 8: Cut your desired size of the log from one of the quarters

Depending on the thickness that you desire, saw the edge of one of the quarters to come up with a board. Here, you should take measurements from the straight edge of the timber and carefully cut through the marked area. Once you achieve your cutting goal, switch off the saw.

Further, repeat this step on all the other pieces until you cut the whole log completely. The main emphasis in this phase is to keep the straight edges of the logs at 90 degrees during all cuts for straight and well-lined boards. Obtain as many boards as possible. You can choose to cut two quarters at the same time to save on time and energy.

Step 9: Dry the boards arrived at

To minimize the moisture in the boards, you should air-dry them before putting them into use. Place the pieces of boards in the open far from additional moisture and water to ensure that they lose moisture to the atmosphere. Regularly check the level of moisture using the moisture metre and once the content goes below 15%, then the boards are fit to be used.

Quick safety tips

  • Adorn yourself in protective gear before you start your project.
  • Regularly maintain your saws by visiting the dealers recommended by the manufacturers and changing the blades when the teeth become obsolete.
  • Consult the user manual when necessary to minimize the chances of making avoidable mistakes.
  • Ensure that you are sober-minded when handling the saws to avoid miscalculation and misjudgment as you engage in your project.
  • Do not risk touching a spinning blade but instead wait until it settles back to its stationary position and make the required changes.
  • Keep the workspace clean and free from dust and other forms of debris.

Final verdict

This the procedure of How to quarter saw a log, Quarter sawing is an easy task if you are equipped with the right tools and procedures. You can do this task on your own if you have the right tools and the know-how on how to go about it. However, in case you lack the right tools and equipment, you may consider hiring a professional to save on the costs associated with the acquisition of the new gadgets.

As you plan to engage in this exercise, bear in mind that there are various disadvantages of quarter sawing the logs. For instance, rather than drying, they may end up acquiring more moisture, depending on the weather conditions.  Thus, before you engage in such projects, ensure that you weigh between the pros and cons and settle for the best.

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