The Oak log cocktail or coffee table appears simple enough. Like most good endeavor's with wood, there are a series of steps followed in order to insure long term life. Below are process' we use in the preparations of log and stump tables.

Selection
We start with the log. Generally, I like to select hardwoods. In particular, I like the Kansas Burr Oak and, mostly because of it's excess in natural beauty. It is abundant in character. This is not to say it is the only speci with beauty. It is just consistently a log that has much much character.

Aging
The logs are then left to age. Spalt is the technical term. Several years is sufficient for oak. It varies per speci.  I like to induce spalting  with applications of moisture and storing in a semi controlled environment. This process creates the unique varience in colorations and hues which extend themselves across the face of the log,  as you see in the photo above,  with color running from creme to dark cocoa browns.

Once the desired spalting level is achieved, the logs are then ready to process further  and, the spalting process is halted.



Sawing and Leveling
When you call or email an order the next step for the log and the first step in fulfilling your order is to cut the appropriate diameter log to length ( table height). This is done with a large chain saw.


Process of Hollowing
Both the oak log table and stump tables are often hollowed, from underneath. I try to leave a 3 to 4 inch thickness for walls and the top. The hollowing process allows access to the core of the log. Access thru which appropriate seasoning can take place. Failure to do this on most speci of wood could cause the log to rot from the inside out (more) .

Seasoning
I began using the word seasoning rather than "drying" during my years of wood tech research.  You may have heard  references to "drying" or dry wood. The opposite of which is wet or "green" wood. Drying is just one method of accomplishing a process of  seasoning.

The intended purpose of the seasoning process, irregardless of methodology used to accomplish it, is to stabilize the wood against unnecessary or unwanted movement. This, such that the wood can preform it's intended design pupose. For example; you would not want a fine wooden dining table top to expand and crack to such a degree as to gather food crumbs and begin to mold. This is NOT it's intended purpose. However, it might be acceptable if the post holding up the mail box outside had such a crack as it's intended purpose is to simply hold up the mail box. Onward.

The Oak Log Table and Stump Tables have the specific purpose of being solid dining tables. We want them to last a long time. Generations of time. Thus, after hollowing out the core (inside), they are subjected to varying degrees of heat for varying amounts of time depending upon their hardness and moisture levels. Temperatures of 130 degrees farenheit are used. Sometimes higher. Moisture is measured at intervals using digital equipment. They are allowed to season until they reach what is called an ambient moisture level acceptable by Industy standards. Furniture grade lumber, about 10%. Pieces of greater masse, 12% to 14%.


Deinfestation
Our tables are meant to be "enjoyed", admired, and to inspire.. Insects are not a part of that picture.  Thus, deinfestation of the log or stump is necessary. Our deinfestation methods include a variety of techniques;  heat or kilns (above) and professional extermination proceedures designed for household use, and even fire, are several of the principle techniques.

Fabication
and FINALLY we get to create for you, a table within the fabrication shoppe. This, is where the fun for us, begins!! Bringing out the beauty is a rewarding experience and, one we enjoy very much.  More on this process will be presented later in a series of video's.