Oak down! Any tips?

[aceswired]

Out walking with the family near our house tonight. There's a wooded path near a housing development that's rarely used. Spotted a large oak that must have fallen in a bout of storms last week. Leaves are still green. From my Internet crash course, it appears to be white oak. Thought I'd grab a bit tomorrow. Will have just a hacksaw and hatchet along. Any tips? Can I get decent wood from the center of 7-9 inch diameter limbs? Should I try to grab heart wood from where the trunk split (probably much harder to access)?

[shadylane]

Probably won't be much heart wood in the center of 7-9 inch diameter limb.
But if you have the time and inclination, cut off a limb and find out.
Personally I'd fire up one of my chain saws.

[aceswired]

My chainsaw is electric.

[T-Pee]

Probably won't be much heart wood in the center of 7-9 inch diameter limb.

Actually, that's exactly what I've been using for the past year. I do suggest using a chainsaw and cutting 5" thick rounds for "fingers" however.
There's plenty of heartwood in thar! Be sure to let it season for a good year if it's green though.

tp

[shadylane]

My chainsaw is electric.

How long is your extension cord
All jokes aside there should be several inches of good heart wood in a branch 7 - 9" dia.
I'm lazy and have friends that cut fire wood for a living. They like to drink and I like to make shine.
There's always some busted up white oak weathering behind the shop.

[aceswired]

Probably won't be much heart wood in the center of 7-9 inch diameter limb.

Actually, that's exactly what I've been using for the past year. I do suggest using a chainsaw and cutting 5" thick rounds for "fingers" however.
There's plenty of heartwood in thar! Be sure to let it season for a good year if it's green though.

tp

I'll hack a few pieces off, split up and sit um. Might take the hatchet to the split in the trunk too. Should be able to free some chunks.

[Bushman]

Do you have a small 1000/2000 generator or a neighbor that has one you can borrow? With a generator and plug in you wouldn't need a long extension cord.

[aceswired]

Well I got lucky. Waded back to the split in the trunk and the fall had snapped off and cracked open a nice 5 foot length of 14 inch (give or take) limb. Lots of great looking wood, and I don't even have to split it. Should be set for oak for awhile starting next summer.