What’s too big

[feathersnwood]

The feedlot I once worked for has a Osage corner post they cut a couple of years ago straight as a string no bugs as far as I can see . My question is on the small end it is about 16” across and 18” or so on big end . Is this too big to make staves out of ? Sorry no pics phone was dead at the time . Don’t want to mess with it if it won’t work so I figured I had better ask the experts !! Oh do I need to worry about wind stress cracks since it came off the base of tree ? Thanks

[Zuma]

Good question I'll be right here
Zuma

[ksnow]

I'll preface by saying I have never cut osage, but lots of hickory, oak, ash, elm and maple.
I don't think there is ever a too big. You just need bigger tools and more muscle. I've used trees up to 30" in diameter.

Kyle

[Pat B]

If it is solid and didn't grow in a spiral I'd say get it. Even if you only get one stave it's worth it. You won't know about wind checks until you make staves and it starts drying. At 16" to 18" you will also get piggy back staves. You may have a lifetime supply of osage staves with this log.
 How long is it?

[PaulN/KS]

Hey Andy, how much length does it have?
Splitting it would be a bit of work but I'll bet we know a young, strong, athletic type fella for the job... 
 

[Hawkdancer]

How you gonna get a corner post outta there without being noticed?  Lol!  Probably be able to get enough of us to come and make a shield for you, even help a bit! !
Hawkdancer

[feathersnwood]

9ft or pretty close . Think I will just take some liquid conversation up with me and remind them of how I was a good worker (or they are glad to be rid of me ) then slip the help a little bottle to load it with the tractor !! But when i get home that’s another story !! My helper goes in for shoulder surgery on the 20th so he’s no help for awhile😔. If anybody comes over to help I feel like I need to feed them or make sure they are hydrated! Damm this going to cost me a lot !!!

[Eric Krewson]

On the big ones I make the first split to halves with a chainsaw. I would cut 38" of the end and make billets out of it's splits. I like billets to be at least 36" long. This will leave you 70" for staves.

It would be much easier to halve it and quarter it before you try to move the log.

[TimBo]

Yep, whether you halve it with a saw or splitting, I would do that before moving...and quarters would be better still.

[osage outlaw]

That's not too big.  I've cut 24"+ Osage logs.  You are going to need a lot of wedges.  Getting it in half will be the hardest part.  Split the halves into quarters.  Keep halving the splits until you get them down to stave size.   You will probably need to trim some off the ends.   Make sure to seal them.  When you split belly staves seal the backs of those.  Have fun and good luck.

[feathersnwood]

Thanks guys will see if I can make a deal with them this weekend . Better get some more glue 👍

[Hawkdancer]

Looked at a new wedge the other day( made in ?) $21 plus.  Found a "bomb" splitter and some railroad ties for less than $10 at a flea market.  Worked on the crabapple to get out a fairly clean section, still got to stave that out this weekend, and get the trade box full and ready to go.  Smaller pieces load and unload easier.  Where in the Kansas are you? Lol! ?
Hawkdancer