I talked to a neighbor I met in the neighborhood workshop, he told me he had around 2000 mm x 150 mm, each dried logs of cherry and juniper. The juniper I figure I can carve into kitchen utensils, and the cherry can be used for tool handles.

The problem is I’m a complete beginner to woodworking. I have no clue how I should go about preparing the stock for this. I have a set of chisels, a Stanley No.5, Stanley No.4½, all of which I have the ability to sharpen. I have no hatchets, froes, or logging chisels.

He said he was gonna throw this out soon, and hardwood is hard to come by where I live.

EDIT: To clarify, I share the workshop with this neighbor, and a few other neighbors. The wood has been stored in this location for several years, and I would keep storing it here. Thank you for all of your replies!

  • Prettywhooped@lemmy.world
    8·
    11 days ago

    Tools are just tools. The “right” ones will make your work quick, but you can always make the “wrong” ones work if you’re patient and clever.

    Start by getting it home and acclimating.

    Let it sit in the environment you plan on working it for a minimum of 2 weeks (I’d suggest 6+ if you can swing it.)

    Remove the bark first, if you plan on storing it inside. If not, debark it after your acclimation period.

    Run it through a bandsaw to sort of square an edge, but beware that a round log will spin if you’re not careful. A simple clamping sled can offer a bit of peace of mind. Trim off your exposed end grain to help prevent splitting.

    This is where you’d bake it, if you have access to a kiln.

    Keep in mind that as you cut/cook your workpieces you’ll release some internal stress grown into the tree. Oversize your cuts and be prepared for your boards to cup/curl.

    Sneak up on your final dimensions and don’t be afraid to let things sit if it still seems too wet.

    And most importantly, share your progress with the community so we can enjoy the adventure too 😉

    • OhShitSon@lemmy.zipOP
      3·
      10 days ago

      To clarify, this neighborhood workshop is the only place I have access to for woodworking, so it’s handtools or nothing.

      The wood has also been stored in this workshop for several years at this point, so I would hope that it’s pretty dry by this point.

      I may look into getting a hatchet and perhaps a froe.

      I’ll be sure to share my progress as soon as I get to it! 😆