Sourcing Milling Slabs Drying Board Selection Japanese Tools Joinery Fabrication
PROCESS - LOGS + SAWMILLING
Decisions about how to cut a log, whether to "flat saw" or "quartersaw", which "face" to open up to best highlight grain patterns are critical to the quality of the material that will be used in furniture years later. Each log is a unique case -- no two are alike! Throughout the journey of the log from tree to finished piece of furniture, we are careful to respect and protect the natural edge of the tree. Commercially processed logs are lifted using large machines with hooks and teeth that destroy the outer edge. At our Orange County, NY sawmill, we handle our logs with care, with a focus on preserving the edges. Each board is ‘de-barked’ by hand before stacking it up to dry. This discourages insects and fungus from growing in the nutrient-rich cambium layer just below the bark. It takes more time, but the sinuous natural edges that emerge can be stunning.
