Are Small Logs Worth Sawing into Lumber?

Sawmill Products I Use

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[donavanshomes]

Thanks Again I am know the family will be grateful to make use of wood that came their family homestead we will let you know what we are able to make from this wood. Thank you 😊

[mslif]

Small logs vs crooked logs. Then there are small crooked logs. Someone with a small sawmill who just wants small pieces to work with may very well find value in small logs, even firewood pieces. Matt, you are a blast to watch. I'm 3 years late on this video, but it was still worth my time. You really cause a person to think in a good positive way. Thank you.

[williammaxwell]

Small "logs" can still produce timber that, while being "goofy, " still is usable for amazing projects /furniture

[spaltedwoodsman]

Matt, I applaud your generosity and kindness toward the family that asked you to preserve the wood from their tree. The tree, although small, must have given them much pleasure over the years, and I can appreciate the sentiment attached to such a treasured backyard companion. The wood will no doubt be transformed into something just as beautiful and treasured as the tree itself, and be in the family for generations. Well done Matt. Well done.

[woodfly]

As a wood turner, I would give my eye teeth for bowl blanks especially the crotch sections. Don’t underestimate the value of those ‘little’ logs. You could make a pile of dough by providing blanks.

[gregmislick]

well, considering that at the moment I have to do my milling on a 10" table saw, Man, those are BIG LOGS!

[hdwoodshop]

Matt’s looking for a piece of scrap wood for an auxiliary fence. Grabs 8/4 cherry. Yeah this will do.

Me. I wish I had a nice board for a project. Hey I could use what Matt throws away. 🥺

[jeffweese]

Late to the party, my apologies but been binge watching your videos - these are my favorites to cut. Not only because I don't have a mill as large as yours, but they're just so easy to handle and such character.

[zed]

Mathew, you have a combination of qualities that are rare on YouTube: you are a skilled craftsman, competent video producer and an affable narrator. Good work, as usual. Taking the time to save wood from a small tree that has sentimental value to someone is a good deed.

[kenjett]

Hi Matt as a old Sawyer as a commercial prospect your right small stuff is just firewood. But as you partially pointed out it's what it's worth to the individual. I on occasion although didn't enjoy doing it. (In some ways). I did custom sawing on my free time for people but I didn't charge by board foot as you demonstrate not many board feet for time it takes. I charged by hour for custom sawing that covered my time for labor and the mill. Just as I would charge for dozer work. But the customer had to choose if it was worth it to them for what they got and I never got any complaints. But often the customers were tickled to get something out of their what we considered junk. For me that was a easy way to make extra money on the side and a satisfaction of making someone happy.

[lindaklock]

Oh my gosh! This question was right up my alley! Thank you much for taking the time for this video. I am, obviously, in the learning phase of wood working and I appreciate all the little pieces of wood! They can be something too! : )

[TheDeerInn]

With the use of resin these days, no wood scraps can go for waste. Glad you were able to save most of the tree for usable wood, which looks great for use in bench, table, or bar tops.

[Kkuts]

Nice of you to do this Matt. I'm sure the family is grateful! :)

[howesfull]

I'm glad you used the term 'sentimental wood.' That's exactly what makes it worth the effort. Small cutting boards or jewelry boxes for my kids that they climbed when they were little....that they'll take to their own homes when they grow up.

[JJulz]

Thanks for showing this aspect of sawing lumber, especially from small diameter limb wood. I didn't realize there could be so much inherent stress retained in the wood simply from what area of the tree it was growing from. I do believe that there is a lot that can be done with heirloom wood that could mean a lot to the family, such as jewelry boxes, valet boxes and as you mentioned, cutting boards. Thanks again for sharing your work, and I bet the family that grew this tree appreciated your help.

[catroger]

wooden folk artists and model hobbyists would love small pieces like that, as a timber mill boss told me once there's no such thing as an offcut ! ha great vid many thanks

[damiensampson]

Wow, . Matthew, I have never heard so much growling out of you since I started watching you. I was very amused, thank you. I love all of your videos. Keep up the great work Matthew.

[evankooiman]

You’re a good man for cutting up that small stuff. Even if you’re getting a good rate for the work, a lot of guys might pass up on the work.

[davebohnert]

just a personal experience. a sawyer i have worked with many years back said he coud saw anything even if all he got was a line of saw dust and two slabs. great videos Dave

[deezipp]

Glad to see you finally used the jointer, because that's how I've done small logs and it worked out alright. Still have those 3" pieces of maple.