Slice a tree

I am going to get a diagonally cut slice of a tree that is already fallen for a project. The likely candidate is 3 feet or better across. How do I cut this thing and make the cut look presentable?

Rent a giant chain saw?

Buy a long crosscut saw?

I have little or no time "on site", because it's part of a surprise (surprise, here's a tree trunk!), and I need both sides to be relatively flat and consistent.

Ideas?

Whack it roughly where you want it then pass it through a bandsaw? Moderately straight is you're patient, <125 finish.

Whats the intended use of said slice?

A Google search for "make furniture with a chainsaw" reveals some interesting things:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IwOig7sw6c

Long story - silly gushy anniversary gift. Basically I need a flat, thinish slice. This thing is going to be monstrously heavy and I don't have access to a giant bandsaw either...

Big chainsaw. You would need a 2-man crosscut saw and they are hard to get a straight cut with.

Personally I would finish it up with my power planer to smooth it out. Maybe a heavy duty power sander would work and be easier to find.

how thick? holding on to it after it is rough cut is the tricky part. bandsaw is not feasible. you can get her close with a chain saw--you will be suprised--and finish it with a planer--you might even be able to flat mill each side in a machine shop if it doesnt clog up the works too badly. rig a router on a pair of saw horses and a 2x4 over the work and slide it around until its all flat--get someone to help with it.

I say chainsaw to cut it roughly 3-4x the thickness you want, and then find a cabinet shop who will plane it to thickness for you.

OK, my .02 worth. Fab up a rolling jig that you can solidly mount the large chain saw on. Make it so you can adjust the height. Arrange log on smooth floor. Roll chain saw along length of log. Lower chain saw , repeat as needed. Verify health insurance is valid.

Lesley wrote:

Nice Beaver.

OR... How do you know my S-I-L?

Lesley wrote:

i was expecting a pic of your beaver in your "berkley of the day" thread...

Borrow this

In reply to AngryCorvair:

Nope, no "bottom end" pics.

Lesley wrote:

I LOL'd.

Gushy anniversary gift? Are you giving this person a homemade table?

chainsaw, planer, sandpaper, clearcoat/laquer

AngryCorvair wrote: i was expecting a pic of your beaver in your "berkley of the day" thread...

And that right there is why 90% of the time i think AC is a berkeleying douchebag

AngryCorvair wrote:

Lesley wrote:

i was expecting a pic of your beaver in your "berkley of the day" thread...

Zomby woof wrote:

AngryCorvair wrote: i was expecting a pic of your beaver in your "berkley of the day" thread...

And that right there is why 90% of the time i think AC is a berkeleying douchebag

Calm down bro, he put a winkey smiley face at the end of it!

Maroon92 wrote:

Zomby woof wrote:

AngryCorvair wrote: i was expecting a pic of your beaver in your "berkley of the day" thread...

And that right there is why 90% of the time i think AC is a berkeleying douchebag

Calm down bro, he put a winkey smiley face at the end of it!

I think you're missing some history here - see ZW's signature line.

Hmmm - I don't know anyone who has a planar that big either...

Zomby woof wrote:

AngryCorvair wrote: i was expecting a pic of your beaver in your "berkley of the day" thread...

And that right there is why 90% of the time i think AC is a funny bastard

FTFY

But wait there's more:

Call up a tree removal company, say what you want an offer them $25 bucks to take a slice out of the tree.

In reply to fasted58:

... diet coke on screen ...