Milling questions from a newbie

[Tomazcolton64]

Hey fellas, I've got a couple questions for ya. I'm looking to try my hand at some milling. What I want to try first is to make a couple live edge cedar benches. I am wanting to have the seat and the back to be around 16" wide slabs, so my question would be, can I use a 16" log and mill it dead center first and then set my thickness off of that or do I need to use a larger log to stay away from the very center of the log?

Next, is there a certain type of paint that is better to use when painting the ends of the log? Water based? Oil based? Also, if you guys have any tips you want to share I would greatly appreciate it. I have read pretty much all the threads here but I am always looking to learn more. Thanks in advance!

 

[EFSM]

If you cut a board with the pith (center of the log) in it, it will almost certainly crack in half. It would be a lot better to take a board on either side of the center. I don’t have experience with chainsaw milling, only bandsaw, so if you’re looking for chainsaw milling advice that will have to come from some one else.
I think my dad uses Latex paint to seal the log ends.
It looks like you had an out of questions bottled up. Welcome!

 

[Eduardo K]

I use Anchorseal to keep the wood from checking on the ends. Anecdotally, I think it works better than latex paint. For the best results, paint the end of the log as soon as you cut it.

 

[PA Dan]

I also use Anchorseal for my slab ends as well as my blanks for my lathe.

A larger log would be best if you're looking for 16" slabs for the bench. Avoid the pith.