I have a chance to get some slabs of walnut that are 10/4 x 12 x 8ft. They have been drying in a barn for several years.

My question is what would be the best way to cut these into lumber?

 

   Bob in KC

Well I am assuming by asking this you want to keep them in the 12 width? Do you have a band saw that will re-saw 12"? I have a riser block in mine and that is the max I could go. If not, you could rip them down into 6" boards and then you could either re-saw in the band saw or table saw.

Any idea on what you plan on making with them??

I'd use them as they are, but then again, iiI'm used to cutting stuff that big.

If you have reservations about your abilities contact your local lumberyard.

Chances are, they've got the tablesaw and know how to make a few cuts for you to make that slab, more manageable.

Howdy Bob, I agree with the others, keep them in the size they are for now, but you can cut them as you need them. Sure it's nice to have some 10/4 hanging around. But if your never going to use 10/4 then it does you no good. But for the sake of keeping them whole and stable, just bring them out as you need them.

Personally I love re-sawing thick woods. This is an excellent opportunity for you to make some beautiful cabinets with book matched doors!!! Or any type of case works where book matching would just set that project off with a huge KAPOW!

Plan some projects around your wood Robert. How about a beautiful coffee table with a book matched top. You can re-saw your 10/4 in half and have enough left over for clean up to make a wonderful solid 1" walnut book matched table top. Awesome!

Now there are many ways to re-saw this, and there are many folks out there that that have their own way to do it.

Let's ask you one question first Bob, do you have a band saw and if so, what size and type?

Thanks for all your sugestions I have not made a deal on the wood yet but will soon I think. I do not have any plans yet for it but something will come up for sure.

The American Woodworker said:

Howdy Bob, I agree with the others, keep them in the size they are for now, but you can cut them as you need them. Sure it's nice to have some 10/4 hanging around. But if your never going to use 10/4 then it does you no good. But for the sake of keeping them whole and stable, just bring them out as you need them.
Personally I love re-sawing thick woods. This is an excellent opportunity for you to make some beautiful cabinets with book matched doors!!! Or any type of case works where book matching would just set that project off with a huge KAPOW!
Plan some projects around your wood Robert. How about a beautiful coffee table with a book matched top. You can re-saw your 10/4 in half and have enough left over for clean up to make a wonderful solid 1" walnut book matched table top. Awesome!
Now there are many ways to re-saw this, and there are many folks out there that that have their own way to do it.

Let's ask you one question first Bob, do you have a band saw and if so, what size and type?