Unveiling The Craftsmanship
The Journey Of A Wood Slab
A finished wood slab is more than just a stunning piece of furniture; it is a culmination of a remarkable journey, from the towering tree to the meticulously crafted final product. At Ponderosa WoodSlabs, we take pride in demystifying this process and inviting you to appreciate the artistry behind our re-purposed wood slabs. The creation journey unfolds across four distinctive phases:
1. Logging: Logging involves the intricate process of cutting, skidding, and on-site processing of trees, preparing them for transport to the sawmill. At Ponderosa WoodSlabs, our wood comes from locally harvested urban reclaimed trees, ensuring sustainability and giving a new life to these magnificent pieces.
2. Milling / Cutting Options: Milling transforms raw logs into lumber for a myriad of projects. In our sawmill, logs are artfully sliced into slabs using a Band Saw, with adjustable settings for thickness. The choice between square edge and live edge slabs is made during this phase, each lending its unique character to the final design. Ponderosa Millworks, a key contributor to our collection, boasts a Wood-Mizer 1000 capable of slicing logs up to 6 feet wide.
3. Drying: Following milling, the resulting planks or slabs are laden with moisture, typically around 32 percent. Drying, a critical step, reduces this to around 7 percent. We employ two methods: Air-drying, a slow yet cost-effective process involving meticulous considerations, and Kiln drying, a faster method using controlled heat and dehumidification, significantly reducing drying times.
4. Preparation: With moisture content around 6%, the wood slabs are ready for their intended purpose. However, preparation involves surfacing the slabs to achieve flat, even surfaces. The Jointer flattens one face, the Planer refines it, and the Sander completes the process, preparing the slab for the finishing touch—whether it’s oil, varnish, lacquer, or other finishes. This meticulous process ensures that each slab meets the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Join us in appreciating the journey of a wood slab at Ponderosa WoodSlabs, where each piece tells a story of sustainability, precision, and the timeless beauty of nature crafted into functional art.
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