Expert: Dave Johnson - 4/7/2009

Question
Hi Dave,
 I am living and building in Western NY.  We are bracing ourselves for the arrival of the Emerald Ash Borer, and considering logging and milling the big straight ash (we have quite a few) for posts and beams this Summer, even though we won't be able to chisel them into shape until AT LEAST this Fall, but most likely not until next Summer.

 I know that ash is very workable when green, but am concerned about working it after a year.  Do you have any insights as to whether this is a good idea or not?

             -Kate

Answer
Hi Kate,
Personally, I think you should wait til they're dry anyway, because if you do them green, the mortises and tenons will shrink/twist and won't go together as well.
Ash will be harder than a softwood, but certainly workable as the grain is usually quite straight.

Best of luck and if you need more, mail me again,
Dave