Timber Framers Guild Forums General General Forum Questions ash beams

I have an opportunity to recieve some ash logs and use in lieu of red oak for 10x12x24' timbers. Any pros or cons? Thanks, John

Hello John:
Just thought that I would throw in a few comments about using white ash for timbers. I personally would have problem using the ash in lieu of red oak, around here ash was widely used for timberframing and is quite strong, but hard to work with, especially if it has become somewhat dry. I have reconstructed buildings using white ash and I had to hose the timbers down to keep them workable. I suspect red oak being a straighter grain would work easier, but it also will become very hard to work with if it dries out.
I don't know if this is of any use but that is my comment.

No. Hewer:
About how long after the log is sawn and keeping it out of direct sunlight before the timber would become hard to work? I know ash has a higher shrinkage rate than red oak, but once cut will the ash remain stable or is it prone to twist or warp.It will be sitting for 3or4 months until my r
raising? Thanks John.

John-

We use white ash (Fraxinus americana) quite a bit.

I like it and it seems to blend well with oak frames.

Whether its green or dry? It would seem to me you use what you have, when you have it.