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Advice needed for tamarack/larch fence posts

 
Mike Haasl
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I've heard that tamarack (or larch) are very rot resistant.  I needed to cut some down today since they are in the path of a larger tree that will also be coming down in the future.  I have two primary questions:

  • Should I debark them and how/when would that be easiest
  • Can I split them to turn the fatter ones into multiple posts

    • The chunks from lower on the tree are quite big (10" diameter or so).  If I split them, will they rot dramatically faster than if I left them round?
    Thanks!

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    thomas rubino
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    Hey Mike;    I suggest leaving them round.   Peel the bark green and choose if you are treating them.  They are a harder wood than most, so they last for 5-10 years in easy locations (no cows pushing on them).
    Around here most folks soak them in motor oil and diesel fuel mix.  Not very Permie like but makes them last longer.
    I've only seen larger cedar logs split down for posts.  Even they rot, if they are not old growth heart wood.
    (EDIT) Cut that lower stuff into firewood and let it season.

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    Mike Haasl
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    Thanks Thomas, so peel them with a draw knife or the like?  I've peeled cedar a bit later in the spring where you can pry the bark off but I'm thinking tamarack is a bit different.

    This fence is to keep deer out and will be holding pallets off the ground as the fence panels.  So very little active load other than wind and frost.  

    No splitting.  Ok, these will be some fat fence posts

    (Edit: or firewood )

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    thomas rubino
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    Yes, A draw knife or a spud does the job well.  You only need to peel the bottom.  The upper will peel off as it dry's. Other than the butt most tamarack bark is usually thin.

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    Trace Oswald
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    My father built a shed using tamarac posts more than 40 years ago.  The roof is falling in now,  but the posts are still upright and supporting the structure.  They are round,  not split,  and I don't remember them being peeled but I can look next time I'm there.

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    Mike Haasl
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    Sweet, that's an excuse to sharpen up the draw knife.  It does look like it will peel pretty easily (dryly) unlike some white pine poles I did a few years ago that were sticky stringy messes.  Great idea about only peeling the underground part.  If I run short on time/gumption, I'll try that.

    Good to hear Trace, Travis Johnson reported that they used tamarack for pilings for piers in the ocean and they last 100+ years.  I'll have some cedar posts intermingled with the tamarack.  In 20 years I'll report back on which did better.

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    thomas rubino
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    Mike;  Did you know that in the days of sailing ships.   Maine tamarack that grew on steep mountain sides . Was prized as the wood of choice for the prow beam of a sailing ship!
    With a 90 degree bend and the toughness of larch to begin with it apparently made one tough ship!
    I believe they had another name "Hackmatack" tamarack for it.
    One of our Maine permie loggers may have more information about that.

    For all your Montana Masonry Heater parts (also known as) Rocket Mass heater parts.
    Visit me at
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    Mike Haasl
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    posted 5 years ago
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    I didn't know that.  I'd heard from a Maine logger about the pilings though

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