What's it worth?

[scotti158]

Hi everyone, I just purchased a Black Walnut log, about 36" diameter and 21 feet long for $400 and another $200 to have it moved to my place. I also got four 20" diameter logs 4-5 feet long with it. Good deal? I'll have a portable sawmill come next summer to saw it into lumber.

[Marshall]

Scotti : I sure don't have any idea what its worth , but this should give you penty of Walnut to do you for along while after you stack and get it air dryed . Of course make sure you put spacers between each layer of green wood when air drying it , which I'm sure your going to do this . For I've never paid anyone to Kild-dry any Lumber before , air drying takes some time but if you have time to wait it be work ....I've stacked and waited for this process to happen just takes time . ...........Marshall

[Vector01]

Hey:

 

Here in New England that would be worth well over a $1500.00 dollars. Once it's cut and dried you will have a great investment. Now is the time to plan how you will have it cut. I can see a lot of possibilities, tables, gun stocks, intrasia wood and wood for fretwork are just a few. I don't know where you're from but if you get a lot of rain and snow I would get it off the ground and cover it. Just enough to keep the bottom from rotting.

[Travis]

I'm not very good at calculating board-feet or buying large amounts of lumber. But a little research on the net, it sounds like you got a really good deal!

 

I used Doyle's Rule (found here)for calculating how many board-feet the large log contains. I came up with approximately 1344 board-feet. I doubt this takes into account shrinkage or waste, though. By checking several websites on the price of Black Walnut, I think we can safely assume it goes for about $5/bdft. Some places have it for as much as $12/bdft, but that must be premium heartwood or something. Anyway, using $5/bdft, you can estimate that log is worth $6,720. Course this what the finished lumber is worth. You still have to mill it and sticker/dry it, which may take a year or two.

 

I'd definitely find a book on how to prepare your own lumber. Here's one that looks good. You want to make sure you dry it correctly, or it will crack. If you're going to mill it next year, paint the ends of the logs where any open grain shows. This will slow down the drying and prevent cracking.

 

When you're ready to mill it up, be sure to post on some forums and take "custom orders." I'd definitely post at Lumber Jocks for sure. I'm sure there would be a lot of woodworkers who will take you up on the offer. And they'd probably dry their own. Also, large slabs with bark still on it sell well. And bowl turning blanks would also sell well...especially for your smaller logs. Don't overlook the waste either. You can turn that into small craft lumber, or even pen turning blanks.

 

Great find, you lucky dog! I gotta make friends with an arborist!

[scotti158]

Thanks everyone for the input, looks like I made out better than OK