Slabbing the Smaller Maple Crotch (Big Logs #1)

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.
Companion Article: www.mattcremona.com/making-lum...
Referrenced Videos
Shop Update: • Matt's Weekly Shop Upd...
Load Testing the Mill: • Load Testing the Bands...
Picking Up an Ash Log: • Loading and Unloading ...
More on the log trailer: • My Trailer with Log Lo...
Maple Crotch Vlog: • Picking Up a Maple Cro...
Bandsaw Mill Build: • Wide Cutting Bandsaw M...
Products Used
Triton T20 Drill: amzn.to/2bQ1ZkV
Center Punch: amzn.to/1WIWwkN
Cobalt Drill Bit Set: amzn.to/2bYIRnR
Metal Circ saw: amzn.to/2c3DaSS
Triton Super Jaws: amzn.to/2eB0smV
Triton Engineers Jaws: amzn.to/2ftAyPE
Super Jaws Side Support: amzn.to/2eB18Zv
Shackles: amzn.to/1UMeIU9
Winch: bit.ly/2lEj99q
Peavey: amzn.to/2m3Wple
[Amazon links are affiliate links]
Thank you to Triton Tools for sponsoring my work: www.tritontools.com/en-US
Support What I Do: www.mattcremona.com/support
Check out Wood Talk, a podcast about woodworking that I co-host:
www.woodtalkshow.com/
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Website: mattcremona.com
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Twitter: / mattcremona
Facebook: / mattcremonaww
Email: [e-mail]

[@mcremona]

Who has the crotch count?

[@ericosterhout7564]

one large crotch yielded 7 small crotches including one that has a ball (Burl) on it... lol

[@Typersx1]

Matthew Cremona how can I buy one of them for a dinning room table project?

[@MidtownSkyport]

I lost count. You outdid yourself there Matt, well done Also, I can imagine you could get some some beautiful guitar bodies with that quilting etc. Maybe even using some of those bark inclusions as features, but that's just what I'd do with it (well, that's the plan)

[@KevinJohnson-hi1xf]

I was thinking you should have crotch count in the corner... dings whenever you say crotch

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

sombrero!!

[@mimiashford5544]

Matthew...you are the very definition & epitome of a true American. LOVE watching bc my dear Grandpa was a logger, road builder & wood worker in the 30's though the 60's, along with his 6 brothers. Like you, he always built what he needed machinery-wise & could repair anything. Nice to see someone so young keeping the 'small mill' alive. I think there are few vocations purer than working respectfully with trees & wood. Bless you & your family.

[@umbalaba]

I am in awe that you are able to process wood of this size. Just wow!

[@ericmichael1964]

Does it ever dawn on you, that this wood is considered to be less than trash to most people? Like gold to me. Can only imagine the joy of seeing these slabs as they come off that beast.

[@pellywoodworks594]

Incredible slabs my friend, you have worked hard for this!

[@robshamel3210]

Pelly Woodworks im guessing if it were to break under there it would lessen some damage?

[@davidjanuszewski5020]

Looks like you have a good-neighbor, no fence between you and him... Shows the respect and friendliness..

[@robertpearson8546]

I'm so glad that you went with the skid steer and the telehandler instead of the hydraulic positioners for the saw bed. In software design, you do not really know all the challenges of building something until you have completed the build. You now know enough to build another one.

[@juliomcdermott4696]

Fantastic results! And that fact you made the mill and you made the trailer set up and you do it solo. Winning. An inspiring man to all who watch. Take care, regardless of crotch size.

[@mcremona]

Thank you!!

[@MRrwmac]

Matt, that trailer arch lift you built is awesome, amazing, and astoundingly strong!! Thank you so much for showing us how you loaded the humongous logs onto the mill bed and transported the slaps off! Your right, the beauty in those logs is memorizing!

[@mcremona]

Thanks Mac!

[@1rustytree]

You just proved there is no such thing as overbuilt! Those slabs were something!

[@mcremona]

+1rustytree hahaha thanks!

[@revtmyers1]

I think you have just become the envy of every woodworker or those who wish to be. Great job and congratulations on a successful mill.

[@mcremona]

Thank you Thomas!

[@Ian_Hay]

I think it was the appearance of the sombrero when I finally said "This video has EVERYTHING!"

[@mcremona]

+Ian Hay hahahaha! Yes!!

[@mayoropl1]

Let's ask Matthew for some cheerleaders in background during sawing!

[@beeldhouwerijvanvelzen1533]

I thought he was working on a rain catchment system :)

[@seanlathbury5410]

Got to say, I know it takes time to put these videos together but I really appreciate it. Nice to see the wood and your enthusiasm the beauty of the wood

[@felixreali7101]

I have the utmost respect for you Matt.

[@grntitan1]

I've seen your trailer numerous times, but I'm still impressed with your creativity with that design. That thing is slicker than deer guts on a doorknob.

[@mcremona]

:) thanks!

[@kevinwoodcock7578]

I can only imagine how pumped you must be... That mill is a monster...

[@mcremona]

+Kevin Woodcock so crazy pumped!

[@judithfairchild8620]

Really great logs. Love the infinite variety of patterns and pictures in the grains

[@bufford14]

Hey Matthew, I love to watch your channel. You can do amazing things WHILST WORKING BY YOURSELF. The log arch is a great thing to have as well, without that you would have to have a forklift. Love your channel, keep the videos coming. Thanks mark

[@mcremona]

Thank you Mark!

[@JimG31547]

Matt, Looks like you are just about set with inventory to start a lumber operation. Thanks for taking time to video and share, Jim

[@mcremona]

Thanks Jim!

[@pacowang283]

You are an inventive, industrious and hard working young man. God Bless you

[@mcremona]

thank you!

[@edsautter51]

Thanks Matt, enjoyed every single minute of this. Wish I had you closer I'd be over buying wood all the time.

[@mcremona]

Thanks Ed!

[@bobs344]

Started watching again . Why is it so fun to watch logs get milled up?!

[@mcremona]

no idea :)

[@edadpops1709]

Well thought out equipment, love the hand crank and trailer arch

[@ralphhorne6063]

Oh yeah, your one talented and lucky man. That Maple is absolutely gorgeous and looking forward to the projects that come from it.

[@mcremona]

Thank you Ralph!

[@JerryPaulTreeCreations]

Wow! That is quite the machine. Beautiful slabs. Great job! Cheers!

[@mcremona]

Thanks Jerry!

[@ronron8464]

What absolute fun to open those logs up and be amazed at their beauty!! It translates thru the video for me too!! Thank you!! 👍👍 Ron, Littlewierdshop

[@turbocobra]

Beautiful Slabs Matt, fun watching your trailer and mill in operation

[@norlmerk]

Funny just got a table saw and slabbed a live oak 4-inch round branch! I was so pumped doing my log and then see the size you slabbed! Loved watching on a nice Texas day!

[@Mercmad]

I see people discussing your pricing here. Many years ago as a Sawmill engineer i went out into the bush to oversea the dismantling of a big bandsaw mill that had been dormant for 20 years, When we got there a few of the blokes headed off into the garbage heaps and started hauling back Flitches and slabs . This was in new Zealand and the timber was Kauri .Some of the slabs were 30 feet long and 2 inches thick. They loaded our truck every time we went up to collect the machnery and made really good money,even 30 plus years ago. Just remember,it's not pine you are dealing with and a world market is as near as the internet today.

[@demonrathunter]

finally someone who drapes something over a cable! well done!!

[@terrytuite8947]

Simply beautiful. I bet your neighbors really love you.

[@mcremona]

yup

[@johnbiggs7620]

this summer I might have to make that 3 hour trip down to you to get a nice slab to build a new kitchen table for my wife. love the videos Matt.

[@mcremona]

+John Biggs thanks John! You're always welcome

[@JonHammond81]

Time to put your prices up! More than appropriate to ask double what you're currently asking. You earned it!

[@samueljames9342]

Beautiful wood, my mouth is watering.

[@lateralus423]

Cool to see this thing working. Awesome job saving that hunk of maple!

[@mcremona]

+lateralus423 thanks!

[@orgcoast]

Very nice video and great looking maple. As a woodworker, I'm drooling.

[@SmoothTurning]

The sombrero is a nice touch.

[@mcremona]

popular request :)

[@Fazman81]

Matt on behalf of all woodworkers thank you for saving this beautiful wood from becoming firewood. I would love to build an acoustic guitar with some of that Curly Maple. Great stuff mi amigo, great stuff!

[@AnthonyJanflone]

I am amazed and greatly interested in some of that wood! Thank you Matt and all the best to you!

[@mcremona]

Thank you Anthony!

[@blackfender100]

Very cool Matt.Beautiful Lumber !

[@mcremona]

Thanks!

[@jacobasay2686]

Great job with the mill. It has been really cool to watch the process of construction and now some slab production.

[@mcremona]

+Jacob Asay thank you Jacob!

[@REVerbtalk]

I have not a single idea why I'm watching this video of slabbing some crotch wood but I developed respect for the nature of slabbing and even more respect for the wood. Now i want to find some maple wood, slab out a couple circles and make a couple custom cutting blocks and a serving platter for the round table.

[@latherookie]

This piece is going to make a beautiful table or desk. Can't wait to see where you take it!

[@mcremona]

+Kevin Carpenter thanks Kevin!

[@felixfromnebraska8648]

Matt, those machines are both BEASTS..... Love your videos.

[@mcremona]

+Felix From Nebraska thank you!!

[@dahveed284]

Man, that is some hard work! Nice looking slabs.

[@alanm3438]

I hope that your neighbors love you as much as I do.

[@claycan2]

Outstanding videos and even better workmanship! You have inspired me. Carry on your passion and thanks for sharing with your Amigos!

[@mcremona]

+Clay Chambers thanks Clay!

[@Rejoice1631]

LOVE that Sombrero, good sir.!.!.!.! Quite a Festive Touch to your video.!.!.!

[@archon612]

I think a good investment for you would be a front mounted trailer hitch. It would make it so easy to maneuver the trailer back and forth when move boards off the mill, also you could make a video out of it. My uncle did this on every one of his trucks, we had a lot of boat trailer to maneuver around, front hitch made it go over twice has fast.

[@hernancoronel]

You surely are the slab master!

[@jdwing4488]

Love the Sombrero Matt. The sawmill is amazing - love seeing you put it to the test. Keep up the awesome work!!

[@mcremona]

Thank you!

[@sdmcustoms]

it's really cool to watch the process.

[@eldoradowoodcrafthobbies3888]

I have watched many of you vids this is my favorite. You ve struck gold in wood. Any one watching your vids will be hoarding wood . Ha! Your a trend setter yet I think your a lovely parent.

[@mcremona]

+Daryl Iams thank you Daryl!

[@ga5743]

Totally enjoyed the build and cutting, you are an amazing young man.

[@mcremona]

thank you!!

[@65LB]

Beautiful pieces.

[@thomasklink3766]

Impressive! First class work.

[@orelygarcia]

Nice Slabs and love that Mill. Thumbs up Matt.

[@mcremona]

Thank you :)

[@carlprice3777]

That was awesome! Thanks Matt!

[@mcremona]

thanks Carl!

[@adamgabbert]

You've really outdone yourself with this mill, Matt. Oh, and congrats on 100k!

[@mcremona]

Thanks Adam!

[@blacksheep_77]

"I can't believe this is firewood"...what a comment...what a statement! Keep cutting it up.

[@williamspanfelner7981]

What fantastic slabs! Great content and great job.

[@mcremona]

Thank you!!

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

Matt, you are an incredible person. I first got hook on your video's thorough the wood working you do. Now we are seeing another side of expertise you possess and that is milling and metal working. Perhaps you have been doing it all along and I missed those videos, but I am impressed. I'd love to see you combine the welding/metal working with wood working. Thanks for the great video's. (We that are already Subs., have to find away to get more subs. for Matt) ~Dolly

[@zp7126]

you are a cool dude. thank you for showing your art and inspirations in what makes you enjoy life.

[@mcremona]

Thank you!

[@davidpyle1221]

Great video really enjoy listening to your experience and knowledge I feel like I am on site as I watch the video as you explain every situation in detail. Thank you regards from down under.

[@mcremona]

+David Pyle thank you David!

[@mywaleri7954]

The grandiose project, you're done, good luck

[@mcremona]

thanks!

[@Graeme408]

Wonderful, some amazing wood. The saw mill is clearly a good investment. It looks like it will be making money in a few months at this rate.

[@mcremona]

Thanks John!

[@TheWoodStroker]

Your mill is working really great Matt. I am jealous of those beautiful slabs!

[@mcremona]

+Michael Aitchison thanks!!

[@steverobb5360]

Awesome lumber!

[@stevecollins9450]

Beautiful lumber there, Matt.

[@mcremona]

thanks, Steve!

[@foxonthefarm7260]

That is a really cool trailer.

[@FredMcIntyre]

Really nice looking slabs Matt!

[@mcremona]

+Fred McIntyre thanks Fred!

[@edadpops1709]

Man that last one would make a cool shop sign !!

[@johnm1286]

What a beautiful dinning table two of those put together would make!!

[@WilliamAlanPhoto]

Love that trailer! So cool! I didn't realize you were so close to your neighbors. I hope they love the unedited versions of your videos in real time! lol I'm genuinely surprised there are not zoning ordinances against what you are doing. You're going to have slabs stacked to the clouds for years and years!

[@Yankeesheepdog]

Wow Matt, those were beautiful, so jealous.

[@mcremona]

+Ken on the run thanks!

[@jeffkerr4249]

you are truly an awesome person Matt. southwest Georgia.

[@mcremona]

Thank you Jeff!!

[@JackbenchWoodworking]

Outstanding, Matt!

[@mcremona]

thanks Charlie!

[@robr3015]

AWESOME! That wood looks really nice, it will make some nice furniture one day. Great stuff Matt! I'm glad it finally came together and is working well. Oh, I wouldn't mind a video of you making the rollers, I would be interested in how you make it.

[@danieldowning4583]

Matt this is shear genius. Great job on the log transfer to the mill.

[@mcremona]

+Daniel Downing thanks!

[@RocketDesignFurniture]

You are so lucky on this batch, Every slab is unique and beautiful in its own way. Can see some really nice things being made from this.

[@sherrellelkins1976]

Your laugh is so enjoyable. Thank you.

[@harryjnr2335]

Matt your channel is awesome

[@mcremona]

thanks Harry!

[@ThoenWorks]

Awesome slabs! - Looks like the mill is working great.

[@mcremona]

thanks!

[@johnsobj]

Just incredible. Great work! Plus, getting closer to some roi finally.

[@mcremona]

Getting closer with each view ;)

[@eddykirksey6981]

How cool ! Wish I had your energy and know how! Keep up the good work 💪

[@mcremona]

Thanks!

[@MegaChekov]

Your a great inspiration Keep up the good work all the best from John in Texas

[@mcremona]

Thanks John!

[@susanparadis285]

awesome sawmill

[@onehot57]

That is some nice stuff! I would love to have one of those slabs for a live edge table!

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

Wow some beautiful wood slabs. I especially like the ones with the inclusions and the figuring all around them. $300.00 is an excellent price, i wish you were closer to me here in CT, because I'd buy a couple off you. Thanks again for a cool video.

[@4PeTe2]

Nice hat - clever use of your trailer and log arch as a fork lift

[@sarge4000]

Beautious figurin's in those slabs. Now I have the urge to go tromp around in the woods and browse around.

[@mcremona]

+Stu Meat get tromping :)

[@mickdog2]

impressive, that trailer arch is genius

[@GaryTruesdale]

Awesome Matt!

[@mcremona]

thanks Gary!

[@hotpuppy72]

I love your video. I thought I was the only crazy guy who lived in a normal neighborhood and had "industrial" hobbies. Awesome Stuff.

[@hotpuppy72]

p.s. You should monetize your videos. I make $1000 to $1500 a year from mine. :)

[@franksmodels29]

Going well Matt.. Mill cuts like hot knife thru butter..👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@mcremona]

+Frank yazzetta thanks Frank!

[@ernabueing4250]

Matt, is there anything you CAN'T DO??? You are amazing........kind-of like my son but he is into cars and racing.

[@TylerBoespflug]

Matt's next big build... a forklift. Though, I admire your tenacity to get the job done well with what you have available.

[@TheBeerbelly007]

Good looking wood Matt---

[@mcremona]

+TheBeerbelly007 thanks :)

[@willwyatt7023]

Matt: PLEASE be carefull with those big loads. One missed step and you could have a "Life Changing Incident", and we'd all see a video of it. Otherwise, I've LOVED all the sawmill videos.

[@stevebucci8048]

Hey- I know you from DT! Steve Crognale here. I use a nom de plume on line

[@willwyatt7023]

Hey Steve. Watching Matt build and use his sawmill sure beats watching dental videos, right?

[@cleanerlakes]

Oh my gawd, that's beautiful wood.