Preparation Images
The first two images show the two trees that we took down in our front garden. One was a large Birch Tree and the other
a medium size Cherry tree.
I planked the timber using an Alaskan Saw Mill frame which is basically a frame to hold a chain saw horizontally and cut
adjustable size flat planks.
I cut the trunks to various thicknesses for different purposes.
The third image are of the fresh cut planks of the Cherry. The Birch was too wide so I had to wait until I could
borrow a 36 inch chainsaw for the job. The planks were then stacked and racked in my garage for 2 years to dry out
and season.
Shelves
The next set of photos was my first project: a bookcase made out of the cherry wood. Despite being stacked carefully
and evenly on spacers, the wood did bow quite a lot. I was able to get relatively flattish planks by using the AMS
thicknesser. A really handy tool which brings up an almost sanded finish.
The initial design had to be adapted to accommodate the different widths and lengths of the wood and trying to use
the most attractive wood features and natural waney edge at the front. At various stages I learned to use different
tools available at AMS and was grateful for the input, assistance and advice from a number of fellow shedders but
in particular the construction help and the iteractive design input from Gordon Robertson.
Rustic Bench
The second project was a rustic garden bench. I had two large, thick planks of Birch which I had cut especially
for the purpose when the tree came down. The wood was too wide to go through the thicknesser so the uneven surface
had to be smoothed down using a hand planer which did a good job but left tool grooves on the surface.
This was prepared using a hand belt sander and then finer grained sanding to bring up the nice smooth finish. The
legs were purchased pre-made from E-Bay and painted with hammerite green metallic paint. Following discussions with
fellow shedders, I opted for a Danish Oil finish rather than varnish which can easily be reapplied once a year.
Sofa Table
Third project was a small sofa table made from a piece of the Birch tree with beautiful knot markings. The wood was
first put through the thicknesser followed by various grades of sanding. I decided to keep part of the bark features
on the sides of the plank. I used a coloured resin to fill the cracks in the bark so I had an even surface.
As this table will be used to put coffee cups and wine glasses on it, I finished it off with a coat of Ronseal
epoxy resin. This gives a lovely glossy finish and so far has proved to be resistant to cup marks and stains.
House Sign
Fourth project that is using some of the wood is the making of a house sign. The cherry wood was prepared using
the thicknesser to level the wood which was then given to Derek, he used the newly loaned Laser engraving/cutting
machine to Add the Engraved lettering. Once completed the sign was oiled and polished to the finish you see.
Fishing sign
Fifth Project was to produce a 400mm x200mm sign for the Ballater Fishing Association using a prepared piece of
Birch wood. This was again paired down to width using the thicknesser and sinal sanding before being passed on
for Laser engraving of the text and fish images to the required depth. Once engraved the sign was oiled and
laquered for protection from the elements it will have to endure.
Future
I would like to thank my fellow AMS shedders for the advice, suggestions, assistance and instructions on using
new tools and the general banter while I was working on these projects. Next up is a small coffee table in
Birch wood.