Milling Our Native Oak, Pine, Fir, And Redwood For Furniture Is A Specialized Woodworking Technique 

1. Material Selection: Choose a suitable wood species for your project. Common choices include walnut, maple, cherry, oak, pine, redwood, and fir, and more. The tree’s size, shape, and health affect the potential size of your slab.

2. Tree Selection and Harvesting: Locate fallen or salvaged trees that have been removed for safety reasons, urban development, or other reasons. If you’re cutting down a tree, ensure it’s done safely and with proper permissions.

3. Tree Preparation: Remove branches, leaves, and excess dirt from the tree trunk. Leave the bark intact if desired, as it contributes to the live edge aesthetic.

4. Log Cutting: Cut the log into slabs using a chainsaw or portable sawmill. You can cut the log into thick planks or flitches, depending on the size of the tree and the desired final dimensions of your furniture piece.

5. Initial Drying: Stack the slabs in a dry, well-ventilated area to allow them to air dry. Sticker the slabs using pieces of wood between each layer to promote even drying and prevent warping or cracking.

6. Moisture Content Check: Use a moisture meter to monitor the moisture content of the slabs. The ideal moisture content for woodworking is generally around 7-12%.

7. Kiln Drying: For faster and more controlled drying, a kiln should be used to reduce the moisture content of the slabs. Proper kiln drying minimizes the risk of cracking and warping.

8. Slab Flattening: After the slabs are dried, they might have irregular surfaces. Flatten the slabs using techniques such as hand planing, power planing, or a wide belt sander. This step ensures the slabs have a consistent thickness and are ready for further processing.

9. Resin Fill (Optional): If there are cracks, voids, or knots that you want to stabilize and enhance, you can fill them with epoxy resin which can be tinted with color or other additives, if desired. This can add character and uniqueness to your live edge slab.

10. Sanding and Finishing: Sand the slabs progressively to achieve a smooth surface. Choose a finish that enhances the wood’s natural beauty while protecting it. Common finishes include oil-based finishes, varnishes, and polyurethane.

11. Assembly: Once your slabs are prepared and finished, you can begin assembling your furniture piece. The live edge slabs can be used as tabletops, countertops, or other prominent surfaces in your furniture design.

12. Joinery and Assembly: Use appropriate joinery techniques to assemble the furniture, such as mortise and tenon joints, dovetails, dominos, or metal brackets. Ensure the piece is stable, sturdy, and properly aligned.

13. Final Touches: Inspect the furniture piece for any imperfections, and make any necessary touch-ups or adjustments. Once you’re satisfied with the result, your live edge slab furniture is ready for use and display.