Custom Sawing

We have been offering custom sawing services since Timms Lumber and Sawing was opened over 40 years ago! If you have a tree that has come down or needs to come down we would be happy to process it for you. It will just need to be delivered to our shop (this can typically be done by the company that removes the tree for you) and we can handle the rest.

We are able to handle trees that are as short as 6 feet and up to 20 feet long. We are also able to handle a maximum width of 34 inches. We are able to process your log however you would like from thick slab material to timbers all the way down to 1 inch nominal lumber. We also offer quarter sawn and rift sawn if you are interested though that will reduce your overall yield.

Sawing and Processing

Plain Sawing

Plain sawing, also known as flat sawing, is the most common and efficient method of processing a log because it involves simply slicing the timber in parallel layers from top to bottom. This technique produces a distinctive "cathedral" grain pattern on the face of the boards, which is highly sought after for its natural, arched aesthetic in cabinetry and furniture. Because the saw moves straight through the log with minimal repositioning, it offers the highest yield and fastest production speed of any milling method. However, since the growth rings are oriented tangentially to the board's surface, these pieces are more susceptible to cupping and twisting as they dry compared to other cuts.

Rift Sawing

Rift sawing is a specialized technique where each board is cut at a precise angle, typically between 30 degree and 60 degrees, to ensure the growth rings are perpendicular to the face of the lumber. This method produces the most dimensionally stable wood possible, as the vertical grain orientation significantly minimizes the natural expansion and contraction caused by humidity changes. Visually, rift sawing results in a very consistent, linear grain pattern on all four sides of the board, making it highly desirable for modern furniture and high-end flooring. Although it is the most expensive processing method due to the significant amount of triangular "wedge" waste produced, the unmatched structural integrity and clean aesthetic are favored by master craftsmen.

Quarter Sawing

Quarter sawing begins by dividing a log into four longitudinal wedges, which are then processed individually to ensure the growth rings intersect the board's face at an angle between 60 degree and 90 degrees. This specific orientation produces a remarkably stable board that resists cupping and warping far better than standard flat-sawn lumber. Visually, the technique reveals striking "medullary rays" or silver grain flakes, a prized aesthetic feature particularly prominent in species like White Oak. Although the process is more labor-intensive and produces more scrap material than other methods, the resulting structural integrity makes it the gold standard for high-end flooring and fine furniture.

Pricing

Rough Cut (rough cut straight off the mill and stacked): $1.00

Stickered (cut and stacked with stickers for drying): $3.00

Kiln drying* (cut, stacked, stickered, delivery to and from kiln): $6.00 - this does not include the price of material.

*kiln drying takes a minimum of 3-6 months

Storage - once your order is cut, we allow 2 weeks maximum for pickup or you will incur a storage fee of $150 per month

We also offer storage for your logs or cut lumber to air dry. Our price is based on the number of logs and board feet. *inquire for pricing

FAQs

  • We use board footage to calculate our material cost and to calculate it yourself you simply need to multiply the length x width x thickness and divide that by twelve. You can also use this website if you would like which will do the calculation for you.

  • We offer kiln drying whenever we are doing custom sawing, the cost is 5 dollars a board foot and includes the cost to saw the material, setting it up for drying, transporting it too and from the kiln and two weeks of free storage at our mill.

  • Our sawmill is on site and any logs that you need milled will need to be delivered to our location.

  • We are a sawmill and don’t have the equipment to remove trees. However most tree services are willing to drop your logs off at our location.

Still have some questions? You can shoot us an email here.