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Would you like to add information to this article? Interested in writing or submitting an article? Have a question about this article? Sawing Up Some High-Grade Cherry 
Question
A few saw-savvy people I know thought they may be veneer quality, but today a veneer buyer in my area looked the logs over, and said they weren't, mentioning that there was evidence of cluster-knots, and bird-peck. My plan prior to felling was to first find out if they were veneer quality, and if not, saw them up with the help of a friend who has a portable band sawmill. I have no immediate use for the lumber in mind, and while I'm not chomping at the bit to sell the lumber, I'm not adverse to sawing the material in a way that would make it as potentially attractive to buyers as possible. I've attached some cross section photos of the logs, and was interested in hearing from forum participants what they thought the best approach might be when sawing. Since the photos, I've end coated the logs. I've got a good building to store the material in (the third level of a three level older bank barn), and the fellow who has the band mill also has a de-humidification kiln. According to the Log Volume Calculator at the site, there's roughly 565 board feet (International scale) in the three logs. I'm hoping to hear from those far more experienced in these matters then I am. I have to admit that after 13 years of being involved with WOODWEB, noting all the valuable input the Wood Doc has supplied, and observing the willingness of participants to offer their opinions gleaned from years of hard won experience, it's going to be interesting to see how what I've learned by reading applies to the real world event of sawing. I'm really looking forward to participating in the process of turning a tree into boards.  Click here for higher quality, full size image Here's a photo of the second log.  Click here for higher quality, full size image Third log.  Click here for higher quality, full size image And a group shot of the logs.  Click here for higher quality, full size image Forum Responses
Unless you have a particular reason to do otherwise, this would be the typical way to saw high quality cherry - which this seems to be. If you or your friends are more oriented toward innovation, novelty, or crafty or rustic furniture, that changes the picture. You might want to saw "through and through." That yields a variety of grain patterns.
From contributor G: I would saw the logs 4/4 through and through. Keep the slices in order for book matching. Make the slab that contains the heart 8/4. From contributor B: I would suggest grade sawing those three logs as well. In my opinion, if you want to try through and through sawing, try it on the lower grade logs seen in the background. From Professor Gene Wengert, forum technical advisor: I also would discourage "through and through" sawing (also called live sawing) for higher grade logs. Rather, have them grade sawn (which produces flat sawn lumber). Grade sawing is also called "sawing around." Grade sawing produces round knots and more useful wood when cutting the lumber into furniture or cabinet grade material. Live sawing produces more low grade lumber and spike knots that reduce usefulness for furniture cuttings. Unless you have an active market for 6/4 or 8/4, saw 4/4. Never saw 8/4 from pieces containing wood from the center of the log, as they will be low grade and low grade 8/4 has a very poor market and low usefulness in cherry.
From contributor C: I always cut my best cherry into 8/4 because it is worth the most, but Gene is right - you may sit on it longer until the right buyer comes along. This also goes for walnut unless I have a buyer lined up for something else. I have been cutting a lot of live edge lately. The market for that product seems to be on the rise and I have a couple of regular buyers that can't get enough. But you can always get rid of 4/4. From contributor N: By 4/4, really saw for 1 1/8 inch thickness. Have you reviewed the related Knowledge Base areas below? 
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