Slabbing the Bigger Maple Crotch (Big Logs #5)

Last spring, I saw a firewood posting on craigslist for some really large logs. The trees were removed as part of a street widening project. I was able to get 5 of them starting from the smallest. The biggest logs I was unable to get due to their size. This crotch section was just one part of a much larger silver maple tree. This was the last log that I picked up and is now the last log from the group to go onto the mill.
Picking Up the Log Vlog: • A Bigger, Crotchier Ad...
More on the log trailer: • My Trailer with Log Lo...
Bandsaw Mill Build: • Wide Cutting Bandsaw M...
Slabbing the Smaller Ash Log: • Slabbing the Smaller A...
Lumber Stack Bases: • Lumber Stack Levelers
Products Used
Cant Hook: amzn.to/2n7XNWD
Peavey: amzn.to/2m3Wple
[Amazon links are affiliate links]
Thank you to Triton Tools for sponsoring my work: www.tritontools...
Support What I Do: www.mattcremona...
Check out Wood Talk, a podcast about woodworking that I co-host:
www.woodtalksho...
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Website: mattcremona.com
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Facebook: / mattcremonaww
Email: [e-mail]

[@krtwood]

Matt can do anything. Except pour water from a bucket.

[@KSFWG]

I beg to differ -- he pours water from a bucket into his shoes very well !! ;) (just kidding, Matt)

[@cryptoscalpers9603]

or finish painting his mill!

[@locohombre79]

krtwood the yelp when it went in his shoe was priceless

[@samuelluria4744]

If you guys keep criticizing Matt, something bad might happen to you....😐

[@Altcapball]

Top KEK M8, I always wrote it off like he had decided for some reason he needed to consistently miss half the surface for .. comparison?

[@pipercub45]

I never get tired of watching the saw mill work!

[@chriscunicelli7070]

Matt. Very very cool. There are so many guys out there who just don't have the skill or drive to do this. But I'm glad someone in the woodworking community has done what it takes to save this special material. Thanks.

[@WilliamAlanPhoto]

I love how much you love wood! It's a joy to see, and hear your joy! Thanks for sharing all of this!

[@BoDogg]

Matt you are the only person that gets excited as i do about wood grain everybody thinks im nuts they dont get the fact there is not another piece of wood like in the world and only nature can do that

[@mcremona]

truth!

[@samuelluria4744]

I can do it...

[@alanr745]

Add me to the list of nuts people then. I'm brainwashing my wife with Matt's videos so she'll let me build a slab trestle dining table at some point in the near future.

[@ellenl.5581]

@Alan R, This is almost like a soap opera.

[@jefflaporte2598]

I definitely appreciate the beauty in the grain as well.. Here's a video from Japan. This guy cuts some big stuff and this one was pretty sweet as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iICxinWcgtRkrMU&frags=pl%2Cwn

[@waynekeeler1442]

You love what you do!! And it is nice to watch someone that does. I have learned a lot from you so thank you for that.

[@lindasmith5633]

I remembered watching u build your saw from scratch and what an amazing thing when u set your mind to doing. No one could tell you that u have never built a saw mill so u cant do it.

[@TheWatchit45]

These log are like a treasure chest, you never know what you got until you unlock it and look inside. It been fun watching your journey. Thank you

[@mcremona]

thanks Steve!

[@maryannrurup353]

I will always watch, and live wood working through you, thank you so much.

[@locomokko]

I dream of getting trees like this. Wow. Watching this has motivated me to find more wood to feed my sawmill monster! Cheers, Scott from Japan

[@buckeyewoodshop]

Run with it Matt. Take full advantage of your youth and opportunities. I wish KZbin had been around in my younger years to take advantage of the millions of ideas and techniques and opportunities that were out there but unknown to me.

[@judithfairchild8620]

What a interesting wild ride. Your reasoning is accurate. I really like seeing the big logs saved from firewood.

[@CammiesGarage]

You can take pride in what you have done. You make wonderful things. It is great following along your journey. I look forward to seeing more. Keep up the great work.

[@mcremona]

+Cammie's Garage thank you!

[@richfiryn]

What i am really looking forward to is when some of these remarkable slabs become finished pieces of furniture, the process, design elements and end results.

[@theds2003]

there is a normal human race and then there is Matt Cremona i have loved watching the journey thanks for taking us with you. You build a belief that you can achieve by just having a go.

[@alanmullock381]

Thanks for bringing us with you on this marathon journey! More Please! 😆😆😆😆

[@mcremona]

I pretty much only do marathons :D

[@timmaggard8862]

Incredible job Mat I wish I could use a slab that size. Such beautiful wood. And we owe it all to you and Mother Nature!! Strong Work!!

[@jeffeberl12]

I was honestly thinking, "not another sawmill video" but this is still mesmerizing. I like the new camera angle and seeing more folks in the vids. thanks.

[@mcremona]

Thanks Jeff! I have to laugh because if I based my content on views, I would only make sawmill videos

[@scottsears6440]

Matt, it's great to watch your success with the mill and your channel. I think Jim needs a bonus, he is a work horse.

[@mcremona]

Thank you Scott! Jim is ridiculously hard working.

[@ao235]

I just finished a serving tray out of that silver maple you sold me. It had a lot of the same color/figure as these slabs, the recipient really loves it!

[@danjeffrey1531]

I like the shots from the carriage-cam. Congratulations on this whole thing. What a huge project -- and what a great result.

[@dbs1183]

Matt love it as always. you should call yourself, "Lumber Rescue," since that is what you do. the passion you have for lumber makes my day

[@mcremona]

I like that. Thanks David!

[@gabrielsorzano7240]

I have seen this six or seven times and i am hipnotized by the grain. Thank you Mat.

[@orelygarcia]

Looks like all the hard work loading it, paid off. Beautiful slabs. Thumbs up Matt.

[@michaelandersen5453]

You are a very extraordinary young man. you had a vision of what you wanted to do. A love for wood that most don't have. These wonderful trees that lived their life out or some moron cutting it down because it gets leaves on his lawn, should be respected by repurposing them into a beautiful piece of furniture. Now it is time for you to start building and creating some outstanding pieces that we can enjoy watching you make. Some of us will never be able to work with a piece of wood like you produced, but living the experience through you has been and will continue to be wonderful. Thank you so much. Mike

[@latherookie]

The journey has been a joy to watch. Thanks to you for sharing it with us. I just wish I lived closer to you so as to see these in person.

[@mcremona]

thank you Kevin!

[@Wolf-xi4if]

SOLD! I will be by to pick them up in about a year! WOW! Some serious firewood!

[@kennapop3]

I have watched another slab cutter in Tenn. Your machine is so much more,and while you both love wood you share so much more, Thanks.

[@mcremona]

Thank you!

[@MattPeterson103]

Really love the overhead shots of the mill. Just so cool watching the blade just eat through the saw.

[@MattPeterson103]

P.S. I really long for the day when Matt finally gets latches on the blade covers. Something about just using ratchet straps bugs me. :P

[@mcremona]

I think even after I get those guards painted and latched, I'm still going to put the straps back on. Just to drive you crazy

[@tst3v3ns]

My pilgrimage would be to travel to Matt's place and bring back as many slabs as I could fit on a trailer. The figure on this log has to be my favorite out of everything you've slabbed up. Good job, can't wait for the high boy project to start.

[@robertevans6481]

WOW that log has it all...some Beuitful tables are in there just waiting to come out....have a great week

[@jnsfrahm]

Everybody needs a friend like Jim!

[@mercoid]

I hope he gets a slab and a hot meal for helping.

[@perryingto]

I could just see one of those slabs as a desktop. Thanks for allowing us to go on this adventure with you

[@mcremona]

Thanks Perry!

[@donaldshulman6771]

Hey Matt, I think your adventure is just beginning. I see dining room tables, conference room tables, coffee tables, chairs ... You have enough wood for many future projects. The kids will need to get in the shop and help!!! Can't wait to see what you build.

[@mhaz49]

Really like your excitement when you discover what the grain looks like. I've met many sawyers and none of them have that level of happiness. Keep the videos coming.

[@Treestouch]

What a joy to watch and have a good look at the gorgeous grain. Congratulations! It's been so much fun riding along in this adventure.

[@mcremona]

thanks Kyle!

[@SteveP-vm1uc]

You are killing me Matt!!! I love these video's for the raw ambition it took for you to build this mill and the love for the trees you mill for us. Problem is, in this video you make it sound like the end of the road. I don't want to sound like a wimp, but since I broke my back, I need to watch guys like you do things I'd love to do.. Please don't stop milling and SPILLING!!!!! I really look forward to all your video's.. Ps. I think I like this tree the best of all. The first slab that showed the crotch feather was AMAZING!!!!!!!!

[@mcremona]

+Steve 1961P. The initial journey that brought me to this point is just about done but there are still plenty of adventures awaiting us :)

[@dor12144]

Thank you Matt for giving us those videos. I've looked forward to them every week! Just reinforced my argument with my son-in-law who thinks "its all just wood". My take is that cutting wood and constructing furniture is an art.

[@mcremona]

He is quite wrong :)

[@wrightdu83]

Matt it has been an absolute blast to watch you complete this projects over the months and months. It has given me soo much inspiration to get out and work on my woodworking!

[@Gforceracing20]

Fantastic bandsaw playlist from start to finish.

[@mcremona]

thank you!

[@TheRedhawke]

Great video and thanks for sharing this adventure with us Matt.

[@mcremona]

thanks!

[@tomweller5045]

Matt. Your enthusiasm Is one of your best qualities. The "adventure" of the sawmill helped show the reason why this profession which has chosen you (Yep, it chose you, not the other way around) to show others how to enjoy what you do. Whether it is for a living or recreation, woodworking should be fun and exciting. You show that well, and I commend you for that. Keep on doing what you have been doing. I really get a lot of information as well as help in your projects. No. I will not be making a sawmill, but I did like the journey.

[@JimDockrellWatertone]

Gorgeous wood! Lots of furniture and guitars in there.

[@watti-yi7sw]

Hey Matt.... just saw this vid! Those slabs have big epoxy table written all over them! Thx4 insight for sawing at this level. Stay safe.

[@ezfly5680]

Beautiful wood! Thank you for rescuing it from the fire. How awesome to cut a long and find the treasure inside😍 (curly maple is my favorite)

[@larryfromlincolncountywa3989]

What a great adventure this has been, indeed. Thanks, Matt, for teaching this old wood-dog some new applications for some old tricks. I have to believe that you're going to continue to be an inspiration to young wood workers (and some old ones, too). Keep it up!!

[@srip63]

That mill is a beast! Great job 👏 👍 👌 🙌 😀 💪

[@NathanHarrison7]

Wow! I was very impressed watching your videos and your "mobile" lumber mill setup. And even more impressed now that I learned you MADE that yourself. Wow! Skills.

[@mcremona]

Thank you!!

[@andreroutheut4326]

That log produced some gorgeous lumber, amazing video Matt

[@mcremona]

thank you!

[@108hindu]

Matt, you are a very determined and persistent individual....👏

[@BruceAUlrich]

So cool to see all of those milled up. Crazy the journey to create this mill.

[@mcremona]

Thanks Bruce!

[@MadWilly66]

It's awesome, inspiring and encouraging to see someone take an idea from their head and turn it into something that brings them so much fun and happiness (and income). Perhaps it would have been cheaper and easier to buy a large mill. But, the design and build process has to be fulfilling, once you get to exercising it regularly. Great work, Matt!! Thanks for taking us along on your journey.

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome journey Matt, glad I could follow along!

[@thomastieffenbacherdocsava1549]

Matt, What an adventure and you can pay for the kids college. LOL! You were talking at one point about an auto feed but it looks like you have it down. Jim is such a great friend to be there when you need him. It's amazing that the saw has the power to slice through when there is a stack of five heavy Mutha's on top. I'm back in the stone age with my milling and it's a different point for me in time. Had the idea and fantasy and the excitement of seeing spaulted maple and the undulations in walnut. You have to move or sell off some wood pretty soon. LOL! And there is a lifetime of material for anything you want to create. You did it! Congratulations. the end is the beginning!

[@donpollard9460]

22:20 - a wild ride? Loved every minute of it! I think some of your fab methods were a little different, but - Hey! It works!!

[@robertcraig5741]

Thank you for saving all that "junk" wood from the fireplace! The figure in those slabs is amazing.

[@Butchsbjj]

Matt thanks for all the videos on the mill. They have been a real inspiration and an eyeopener. I can definitely see a saw mill in my future. Again thanks for the great content!

[@1956vern]

Awesome Matt, your a fortune soul and hard working man! Happy wood working to you too!

[@marionrobertson3895]

Matthew the slabbing was super nice the wood grain was soo pretty such character all the different pattern and color beautiful.Thanks for the video be blessed.

[@josephbrauer2573]

Matt , you are an inspiration , I want to mill lumber/logs , even more now. :) God bless .

[@mcremona]

thank you!

[@andrewFull]

Congratulations, those slabs are amazing.

[@mcremona]

thanks!

[@normjacques6853]

Solid body (or even hollow body) guitar makers would die for some of the figured hardwood slabs you've got there!!

[@danieldowning4583]

Such a treasure almost lost. Good save on this one. Great work Matt. Love the channel.

[@kiwe50]

It's amazing how quiet the bandsaw mill is, no need to lower the volume when your milling. Have really enjoyed the build.Can't wait to see it finished and painted. The upgrades to your trailer were also fun to watch.

[@felixfurniture4989]

What a journey dude. You're a champion.

[@mcremona]

Thanks!

[@mikel1483]

we are both doing pretty much the same things. im retireing my homebult mill and getting a woodmizer. enjoy watching you. my dad always said work smart not hard. he was taiking about you

[@franksmodels29]

Great vid 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 greatly enjoyed watching the build from the beginning... Looking forward to more.. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@mcremona]

thank you Frank!

[@stevecollins9450]

Well done video and some beautiful slabs too, Matt.

[@mcremona]

Thank you, Steve! Hope you've enjoyed the ride :)

[@stevecollins9450]

Big time :>).

[@TheBeerbelly007]

Thanks Matt for the journey, it was great---

[@kenbudd3]

That burl looks like a star burst. Good job on the mill.

[@mcremona]

thanks Ken!

[@Thom4123]

Wow this is some of the best coolest looking slabs you've milled and that's saying a lot considering all of your slabs are so sweet. Take care buddy.

[@blackfender100]

Some really cool looking slabs Matt !

[@mcremona]

Thanks Joe!

[@MRrwmac]

I'm guessing you feel pretty good right now and looking forward to the next BIG log or upgrade to your wonderful mill. Congratulations on completing the journey and accomplishing your goals!!

[@jan-roarbernhardsen7626]

Looks amazing. This will be some beautiful tables

[@adamcroker_hg]

Why, oh why, do I find this so interesting and entertaining? I may never know, but at least I am not alone. Great work and thanks, as always, for sharing.

[@mcremona]

No idea. I've just come to accept it :) Thanks Adam!

[@cryptoscalpers9603]

Your neighbours must really love you, to put up with that on a regular basis!

[@mcremona]

more of an irregular basis

[@andreww6738]

A bath never looked better, Mother nature at her best. Nice work, you guy's must be pooched after that.

[@mcremona]

Thanks! This one wasn't too bad

[@judithfairchild8620]

That's some fabulous wood.

[@elams1894]

Inspirational. Great determination and capability. Gives me hope that one day I may be able to do the same. Well done Matt!

[@portalwoodworks8499]

love the saw mill, i wish I had one like it. I see wood all the time that i could get to mill. Keep up the good work and videos.

[@fernandoamaral4424]

I love see this machine working!

[@mrbakerskatz]

The pleasure is all mine , Thank You !!

[@JosephNieboer]

Your right, you're going to build a bigger house for all those tables. Great video!

[@mcremona]

+Joseph Nieboer :) thanks!

[@salmonhunter7414]

That is some of your best wood yet!

[@mcremona]

I have to agree!

[@BillyMcCord]

Fantastic! I think i have watched the progress from the very start. I remember when you were picking those logs up, and thinking wow, whats he going to do with that!... awesome job Matt!

[@genekloszewski4526]

ive been following the whole series, of videos,.. great build on the sawmill,.. really interesting grain figuring in the silver maple slabs,.. i hope you have good luck marketing/selling the slabs. fellow woodworker from new haven connecticut !

[@markbridle9329]

Great set of videos, fantastic wood

[@mcremona]

+mark bridle thank you Mark!

[@vincentbarkley9121]

Matt, amazing video. A jib crane with a vacuum handler attached to the mill would boost your productivity and eliminate all the heavy lifting.

[@MarkShepard]

love the different camera angles and shots! rock on!

[@bquade70]

another great video Mr C!! been loving the new 7" power hand planer.. 😉👍👊

[@mcremona]

do work!

[@marthalofton1848]

Just finished watching this on our TV you tube. those are very nice boards. we )my husband and I _ love watching your videos . he and his son has a Wood Mizer mill . and they have cut plenty of logs. we did our den in pine blards and did a basement apartment out of different types of wood. I don't go on his cutting of logs. but I have plained plenty with him.

[@jakedevillier5863]

I love these videos. Even though watching them makes my back hurt.

[@hotrodhog2170]

What an amazing journey you have made! These logs turned into awesome slabs, I don't know how you are going to be able to part with any of them. Each is so unique and beautiful! When your friend John was blowing off the sawdust towards the camera, I found myself squinting so I didn't get sawdust in my eyes LOL

[@drice847]

Matt, I loved the video. I really liked the shot at around 13:00 from behind the sawblade where you could see the chips and the sawdust really fly. I liked that shot the best until you poured 5 gallons of water in your shoes! I couldn't stop laughing. LOL

[@jakewitte1788]

These videos are like torture! Watching them makes me, and I'm sure many others, want to start my own sawmill. I think even starting small, with a nice chainsaw and Alaskan mill would really work well for those without the means to build a huge sawmill like yours. Keep up the great work.

[@samuelluria4744]

Matt Cremona: Always The Man, and Still The Man.

[@drewt3210]

As always, Matt, great video. Thank you for inspiring and and sharing your adventures. At the risk of being your mother, you & Jim need respirators. Working outside doesn't make you invincible. We want you around for a long time to come & lung cancer is no joke, brother.

[@robertcalamusso4218]

Good job guys.

[@ryendeclue9495]

i want one of these big beautiful slabs!!! great work man

[@mcremona]

Thanks!

[@jhamilton4173]

Matt - A lot of great videos....a tremendous amount of work...an incredible accomplishment....we are all in awe and hoping to see you compete on American Ninja Warrior Soon...I think you're in good enough shape!

[@mcremona]

haha!! Thank you!!!

[@tsmith235]

Matthew Cremona i think sawmills are really hard work. not for most. theres plenty laying around in wisconsin. harbor freight has one.