Hardwood slabs are an excellent addition to your home furniture. These can be shaped into slabs for any wood project. Benches, Seats, Tables. Timber resin can be used to improve the look of the project.
Barnes Resins is the perfect product to use to enhance all your timber, wood and woodworking projects. This timber resin finish. is a two-part, clear epoxy resin that has great bubble release. The technique can make your piece distinctive.
For those along the Sunshine Coast looking for furniture made of hardwood slabs, you may have noticed the price. Part of the cost is the process for the wood to be made into a usable slab.
The large wood slabs required for big pieces of furniture make it a big job to source the wood. However, it is worth the effort to create a magnificent table or bench top.
It takes a team to get the slabs made. The team of woodworkers need to source the trees, transport them to a location to then turn them into a slab. This process takes a great deal of time and experience to make quality slabs for quality furniture.
Of course, you could save money and make your own furniture from hardwood slabs. If you access to dead trees you can create your own furniture from timber slabs.
Types of Hardwood Slabs
You will need to distinguish the three types of hardwood timber slabs to start your projects. Longitudinal slabs are the classic rectangular slabs used to make dining room tables. While round slabs or “rounds” are often used to make end tables or coffee tables.
Finally, oval slabs can only be cut in sawmills, so you may not be able to create this type.
Types of Saws
Now you will need something to cut apart the timber slabs the right way. The two most common types are the band saw and chainsaw. The band saw is more precise, but it is rather expensive if you only want to make a few pieces of furniture.
The chainsaw is far less expensive, but not nearly as accurate. However, you can opt for the sawmill attachment which makes the chainsaw far better for cutting slabs.
Be sure to use a chainsaw large enough for the logs that are being cut, at least three to four inches longer. Second, change out the chain on the saw for one that is designed to rip and not crosscut.
Securing the Log
You are now ready to secure the log for cutting. It is wise to get some advice on how to do this safely. There is an old-fashioned way by using a couple of wedges or even large rocks to secure it properly. However, you can also purchase rails and put them together to secure the wood.
Drying Hardwood Slabs
Now that you have cut the wood, the timber slabs must be dried. Stack them flat on a concrete floor with spacers consisting of 1” wood pieces between them. This keeps the wood level and reduces warping. If you are cutting green wood, expect to air it out for one year per one inch of thickness.
It’s why you should consider dry wood first unless you don’t mind waiting a year or two. Of course, wood slabs that are kiln dried will be ready sooner. Timber Slabs Warehouse kiln dry all the timber they supply.
For those living on the Sunshine Coast who want to make their own furniture from hardwood slabs, you can do it if you have access to the right wood and cutting equipment. Along with products to enhance your projects. Barnes Timber Resin will give your project a professional, unique look.
Timber Slabs Warehouse have a wealth of knowledge with the team working there. Contact us on 0415 811 905 we can advise you on all hardwood slabs, timber resin and techniques required for your project.
