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Tue 25 Oct, 2016 11:23 am
So recently I've obtained Pine Tree logs from a neighbor and have been sitting on ideas for upcycling it for home decor, and these are some of the queries I'd like help with before doing so.
1. The trees are still sappy and I read to "let them dry." How do I know when they will be good to cut without the sap affect/clogging my saw piece? And is these really a problem or am i overthinking it instead of just applying a bit of WD40 and hacking away? (i will be switching between small Dewalt Jigsaw and a Manual Saw as they are the only two kinds of saws that I have.)
2. What kind of brands of finishes would one suggest? (I have acrylic paint, enamel and wood finish in mind both for design and a quality luster.)
3. I've done some digging into some websites but most of which are the generic "5 minute" designs. Would anyone have any suggestions for a more interesting DIY on Pine Trees and their treatments?
Thank you again.
@johne sapien,
Do you have enough to make a piece (or more) of furniture?
@johne sapien,
Do what your neighbor did.
Keep them off the ground and let them dry. Especially if you plan to use them inside.
@EhBeth, I have 6 "logs." All of which are about 4' high. All ranging from about 2'-8" in diameter. Most of which are hefty logs. The smaller ones I figure I'd just make cute little coasters or wall art out of.
@33export, it was just a pine tree they removed to make space for a new garage. I just salvaged the pieces for my own purposes.
@McGentrix, they are sitting comfortably in my garage as it has been a bit rainy here save from me keeping my backyard clear for fall cleaning. As per the drying, they have been sitting for about five days now. They are still a bit "sappy" when I touch them, and i'm sure it'll get sticker towards the center. I'm giving it at least two weeks in this dry cold weather before I touch them in hopes to have a smoother work process without fighting off all the sappy gunk build up in between. Is that in ample amount of time?
Thanks again for your replies.
@johne sapien,
I'm a fan of log furniture. I've got a few "flintstone"chairs mixed into my sort of mission/cottage furniture.
If I was considering another piece it would be a sofa or entry table.
(I'd skip that burnt/decorative bit on the top)
@EhBeth @DrewDad, thank you guys so much for your support. Looking forward to getting my hands on this project.
@johne sapien,
I'm interested too; also enjoyed ehBeth's take on furniture possibilities. Keep posting!
Wood should dry four years outdoors and one year indoors before being used for furniture
The dampness in wood when making furniture should be as low as 6-8%
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