Irv, character logs is a new term to me but I have used them much in the past and present. A simple example to me would be the obvious crooks, crucks, bent trees. These are undesirable to the typical logger or sawmill. But to a Timber Framer they can be used with plesant results. Another character log which comes to mind is the small log, such as one which comes from thinning to improve the stand. I like to use these as rafters. They usually taper from top to bottom, the bottom being the butt, usually much wane is present. It was in an artical in TFing where Jack Sobon pointed out the fact you can boost your wood lot board footage by using these as you get some free footage in the wane. I hope this fits in with character timbers. Tim
