33in x 30ft red oak

[Philip Duffy]

Humungus red oak tree, a hurricane casualty, is laying in my back yard. Any suggestions on hauling it out in less than 10 pieces would be appreciated. My instinct is that I need a skid-sled and a team of horses, or a very big tractor. Sure would like to see those planks laying on a drying rack for a year or two and then used to make someone a nice house full of furniture. It would be a crime to have it just lay there and rot. Ideas??? Phil

[Bill Sampson]

Phillip, Harper Hardware in downtown Richmond is having a wood show and sale on Fri and Sat Dec. 12 & 13. A Wood Mizer demo will be set up for both days. Might be worth your time to visit and talk to the demonstrator about your oak tree. Bill Sampson, Richmond

[Todd Burch]

There is a type of portable sawmill called a swing blade that can be set up to straddle a log in place. Lucas makes one, so does Mighty Mite. Perhaps you can ask either for a local referral.

Also, FYI, red oak is one of the most difficult woods to air dry. I would suggest that you find a kiln and have it professionally dried, that is, unless you open it up and it's hollow or rotten or has some other defect.

Todd.

[Barbara Gill]

I once had a customer deliver hugh (SED 52") on a roll back. I don't know how many logs they could haul at once or how much it would cost.