How to Cut Lumber From Dead Cedars

Cedar is often used to build decks and saunas.

Cut your own dead cedar logs into lumber at home. Dead cedar logs are dried out cedar logs that are ready to be cut into boards. Cut lumber from dead cedars using a table saw. You can quarter saw a log that is up to 8 inches in diameter with a blade that rises 4 inches above the saw table. Quarter sawing a log requires that you cut the log into quarters and then cut 1-inch thick boards out of the quarters. It is a common method for cutting lumber out of cedar logs.

Things You'll Need

• Safety glasses
• Tape measure
• Cedar logs
• Table saw, with fence

Instructions

1. Measure the diameter of the first log that you want to cut. Divide this measurement by two and set the fence on the table saw this distance from the saw.

2. Cut the log in half lengthwise by running it across the blade. If your saw blade does not cut through the log entirely, rotate the log 180 degrees and run the log over the saw again. You should have two halves.

3. Cut each half-log in half by laying them flat on the table saw and running them across the blade. Keep the logs against the fence throughout this process. You should have four quarter logs.

4. Move the fence 1 inch closer to the blade and run each quarter log across the saw again. Move the blade another 1-inch closer to the blade and repeat this process. Repeat this step until you have the entire log cut into 1 inch thick boards.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear safety glasses when using power tools.

References

• West Coast Lands: Cutting Methods
• "Step by Step Basic Carpentry"; Ben Allen; 1997