Which wood would make the best mantle?

[BigRed96]

Looking to try milling for the first time at some point in the week and looking to build a mantle for one of my fireplaces. I have some Walnut, Cherry, and Ash available. Does anyone think any of these choices would make a good mantle? I built a beam machine today and borrowed a friends Alaskan Small Log Mill as well. Hopefully between the two I can get a mantle made. I have a MS660 that isn't broken in yet that is muffler modded and an 036 that's muffler modded to choose from. I just bought a Stihl 24" Full Chisel chain and planning on grinding the teeth to 10 degrees for ripping. I plan to run 25:1 oil/fuel ratio. Anything I else I need to look into before letting the dust fly?

 

[TimRD]

Welcome to the milling world! I think all three of your options available would be a great choice. Is the stuff you have dry? If not it's going to be a while before it's dried, so you may want to consider that.

Sounds like you have the right tools for what you are lookin to do. I have milled a lot of slabs with a 660 running a 36" bar. Just be sure to turn your oiler up even with the 24" bar on the 660 if you use it. I would find a way to hold the logs you're looking to mill in place very well, and mill on a slight downhill as it makes feeding during milling much easier. Be sure to post up some pictures! You might want to try milling all three and pick your favorite. You can always make dimensional lumber or whatever you want out of the other pieces.


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[Greenland South]

"I plan to run 25:1 oil/fuel ratio."

Don't run 25:1 unless the manual tells you to. I've been running my 3120 exclusively on a Logosol M8 for a few years and have never used anything but premium fuel at 50:1. You need fuel to cool, and running that extra oil will likely cause overheating. I broke my 3120 in by milling, you need a load on that engine for a proper break in. I'm sure a few of the more mechanically minded on here will chime in on this.

 

[Wagnerwerks]

I personally would run 40:1. The 50:1 ratio is highly debated especially when running saws under heavy load.

 

[bikemike]

Ash is plain n not so cool looking.
The other 2 options I vote for

 

[Stump Shot]

Your milling set up should be fine, I will agree to the aforementioned 40 to 1 mixture as being more than adequate.(Too much of a good thing) I would recommend making more than one, that way if one warps too much or splits you have a back up. As to the species, it really comes down to, what do you want to look at. I make a lot of pine and basswood mantles. I just look for straight grain and not a lot of taper in the log. Also cut from a log about a good eight inches or so longer than your finished length, that way the end splits can be cut off after drying. Good luck with your project and have fun!

 

[mdavlee]

Cherry or walnut for sure. You could set up on the ash first if you want to practice.

 

[Wolverine]

I'd vote walnut, unless any of them have significant figure. I ran into some ash that had curl, it was sweet. But I'm not a huge fan of how ash takes stain/dye.
I mill @ 40:1.

 

[BigRed96]

Welcome to the milling world! I think all three of your options available would be a great choice. Is the stuff you have dry? If not it's going to be a while before it's dried, so you may want to consider that.

Sounds like you have the right tools for what you are lookin to do. I have milled a lot of slabs with a 660 running a 36" bar. Just be sure to turn your oiler up even with the 24" bar on the 660 if you use it. I would find a way to hold the logs you're looking to mill in place very well, and mill on a slight downhill as it makes feeding during milling much easier. Be sure to post up some pictures! You might want to try milling all three and pick your favorite. You can always make dimensional lumber or whatever you want out of the other pieces.

How dried out does it need to be? It is definitely not green.

"I plan to run 25:1 oil/fuel ratio."

Don't run 25:1 unless the manual tells you to. I've been running my 3120 exclusively on a Logosol M8 for a few years and have never used anything but premium fuel at 50:1. You need fuel to cool, and running that extra oil will likely cause overheating. I broke my 3120 in by milling, you need a load on that engine for a proper break in. I'm sure a few of the more mechanically minded on here will chime in on this.

Will do on the 40:1.

Thanks for the responses everyone.

 

[Dingeryote]

+1 on the Walnut if it's going to be finished.

Left rough, Red Oak.

Just remember that the thing will twist a bit whatever you do.

 

[Wagnerwerks]

What are the planned dimensions of the mantle? I have a little hemlock mantle I made for my wood stove. I stained it, but walnut would be nice.

 

[danimal]

Mine is ash. Milled it w/a 555. 39 yrs ago

 

[BigRed96]

View attachment 43593 View attachment 43594 View attachment 43595 Mine is ash. Milled it w/a 555. 39 yrs ago

Wow,that looks great!

 

[Redfin]

This is black walnut for my stair treads. Not excactly what you are looking for but close.

 

[BigRed96]

Very nice John!

 

[danimal]

Wow,that looks great!

Thank you. 21 w/out a clue as to what I was doing. Main support beams upstairs are the same. 555w/semi chisel chain on a 20" bar bout killed that saw, me also.

 

[bryanr2]

This is black walnut for my stair treads. Not excactly what you are looking for but close.View attachment 43679

wow! beautiful

 

[Al Smith]

I suppose it just depends on what you have and what you want it to look like .This is a mantle made of plain sawn ash,raised panel

 

[Al Smith]

Then again how it is cut makes a difference also .This is quarter sawn ash,base trim in a kitchen.

 

[Al Smith]

Plain sawn white oak coat rack