Question 1

Can I bring my own log to be milled?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Customer-supplied logs are a core part of what John's Urban Timber does. Send photos of the log along with its rough length and diameter, and John can tell you what it is likely to yield.

Question 2

How big a log can you mill?

Accepted Answer

The shop mills logs up to approximately 60 inches in diameter. Very large logs need to be discussed in advance so access and handling can be planned.

Question 3

Why does wood need to be dried before I build with it?

Accepted Answer

Freshly sawn wood carries a lot of moisture. As it dries it shrinks and moves, which can cause checking, cracking, cupping and failed joints. Drying the wood to a stable moisture content first is what makes a table or countertop stay flat.

Question 4

What is vacuum kiln drying?

Accepted Answer

A vacuum kiln lowers the pressure around the wood, which lowers the temperature at which moisture leaves it. That allows thick slabs to be dried faster and more gently than they would dry in open air.

Question 5

What species do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Species that regularly come through the shop include walnut, maple, oak, cherry, elm and ash. Because the wood comes from urban trees, availability changes constantly — ask about what is on hand now.

Question 6

How wide can you plane or sand a slab?

Accepted Answer

Helical-head planing handles material up to approximately 20 inches wide and abrasive planing up to approximately 51 inches. Sanding handles up to approximately 42 inches wide.

Question 7

Can you flatten a slab that is wider than your jointer?

Accepted Answer

The Porter jointer handles material up to approximately 30 inches. Wider work is approached using D&L swing-blade equipment up to approximately 60 inches. Bring the dimensions of your slab and John will tell you the right approach.

Question 8

Do you mill on site?

Accepted Answer

Portable milling is possible for logs that cannot practically be moved, subject to site access. Share your location and photos of the log and the surrounding space.

Question 9

How much does milling or drying cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on species, size, quantity, condition of the log and the work involved. Send the details through the quote form and John will give you a straight answer.

Question 10

How soon can you take on work?

Accepted Answer

Scheduling depends on current shop workload and on drying times, which can be significant for thick slabs. Get in touch early, especially if your project has a deadline.

Question 11

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

John's Urban Timber is at 6559 Nollar Rd, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189. Visits are best arranged in advance so John is at the shop when you arrive.

Questions John gets asked most

Customer Logs

Sawmilling

Kiln Drying

Slabs

Wood Preparation

Pricing

Scheduling

General

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