Camphor Laurel at 80 years of age

[Localele]

After the response for the Camphor Ukuleles I thought I would post a few Pics to show where it came from.This tree was planted by my friends Grandfather 80 years ago.It had to be removed to make way for a new shed that some large limbs would overhang.The branch in the photo was 4.2m long and 900mm diameter at the butt end.The branch was milled into stair making sizes for a planned extension into the huge roof space of the original farmhouse.This included 300x50 (12x2)for step treads and stringers and 125x125 (5x5) for newell posts.The log itself was 5.5m circumference at shoulder height and it was cut at about 3m (10ft)It was milled into mostly 200x100 (8x4)and 200x50 (8x2) boards.I used to think it would make a lot of furniture but that was before I discovered Instrument building.Now I wonder how many ukes and guitars it will yield.







For the first cuts Nicholas had to walk along the plank between 2 saw stools with the mill handle at head height.That was after we set the mill up on blocks to reach over the log.


The bar on the chainsaw is 1220mm (4ft)long.Plus the motor.
Cheers from Micheal.

[ozziebluesman]

Having spent half of my life growing up and working on a farm I have grown to appreciate and respect Mother Nature in all her glory and cruelty! This tree is a wonderful example of Mother Natures glory! I would love to see it in person. I bet the smell in the air is wonderful!

Thanks Michael for the pictures.

Cheers

Alan

[Allen]

Yes, thanks Michael. It's a beautiful piece of timber.

[Ethereal Guitars]

Thanks for posting Michael,

I'm always interested in pics like this. It really paints the picture of the whole process from Tree to Stringed Instrument.

For those keen on this stuff have a look at http://www.bowerbirdtimber.com/ for some great pics of big trees!

These guys are about a half hour drive from where I am in the hills of Melbourne........ not known for their luthier timber but some awesome slabs and timbers never the less......

Jon

[sebastiaan56]

Jon,

Isnt he the guy with the Ancient Kauri, 40,000 yo from memory, I forget the pirce he wanted but it was out of my range.

Michael,

Arent those mobile mills marvelous, I saw one at the Sydney WWW shows a few years ago, makes a lot of timber availible that would either feed termites of slow cookers.

[gratay]

the brute strength of the man..
thats amazing how he's taking the weight of that trunk and stopping it rolling down the hill.

[PHANTOM]

Thanks for the pics mate, love pics like these that show the start of the instrument. I too grew up on a farm and shots like these bring back great memories.

[Dennis Leahy]

That's really amazing for 80 years growth. Looks like it could be 300 years old from the size. Does everything in Oz grow to such huge proportions? If so, remind me never to get into a pissing contest with an Aussie!

Dennis

[jeffhigh]

Yeah Dennis,
All Aussies are hung like horses, even us adopted Aussies, and have a 10 gallon bladder capacity so don't even think about it...
oh yeah and we just get better with age

[James Mc]

Very interesting! Love camhpor, looks and smells great.

I'm going to be playing with one of these portable mills in January. I'm helping a guy slice a couple of huge aust red cedars and Qld Blackwoods in Cairns. Should be fun and get to swap blood sweat and tears for wood.

[Kim]

Yeah Dennis,
All Aussies are hung like horses, even us adopted Aussies, and have a 10 gallon bladder capacity so don't even think about it...
oh yeah and we just get better with age

I knew it! I just freakin knew it!!!! Umpire!! Umpire!!! Some bastard has ripped me off!!