Hi Gang,
I was just going to get my grandson from school and saw the roads department working on the side of the highway. What they were doing now it is spring is replacing all the guard rails where the cars and trucks have hit them. Here in Ontario they use cedar probably because it is cheap and it lasts a long time. The new posts that they put in are buried about two feet this leaves about 2 1/2 feet above ground for the guard rail post. They then cut off the remainder anywhere from two to four feet tall. All these pieces have the bark removed and are beautiful pieces of wood. I stopped and asked what they were doing with the pieces they cut off and was told they pick them up and throw them in the landfill. Told me I could have as many as I wanted. So in fifteen minutes I had a truck load probably 30 or more. I just love found wood especially when it is all prepared for me and doesnt cost me anything. So I thought I would share this with you keep your eyes open for the repairs it can be a great source of wood for you. They are doing the other side of the highway tomorrow you can bet I will be there.
Colin

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

they don't use cedar here in Arizona..they use old worn out snowbirds LOL :

[Texas_Jim]

In Texas I have mostly seen them using posts
that look like that pressure treated green lumber
at Home Depot. But then, I haven't actually stopped
and look at it closely.

[jamesfa]

i'll have to keep my eyes open i also like to use found wood,and recycle it,my contribution to the environment.
colin you can keep your eyes open when they are replacing some of the old cedar telephone& electric posts-local they cut them up into 18''-24'' pieces and leave them piled in the parking area of the depot.could have picked some up but the size of the pieces are more your scale than mine.
also colin when i get back if you have free time i could visit with you and you could give me some tips on spirit carving and i could have a look at your bird carvings and my pass on what i know(which won't take long)

James I was out again yesterday and I am now up to 83 logs I think I had better stop before my wife throws me out. She is always complaining that the house looks more like a lumber yard especially when we are trying to sell the house.
I would love for you to come up and we could carve the whole day there is nothing I would better like to do. Dont undersell yourself I am sure there is a great deal you can teach me about carving. I was at the club meeting last night and one of the guys was teaching applicay (I think thats how you spell it) well I just had no idea at all I found it very hard too fiddly for me, also not big enough. Look forward to your visit.
Colin

[Jace Burnette]

Just wanted to let everyone know,that have alot
of ceders down. Some for many years,from small limbs, roots logs
some in wild shapes. Also some cherry and hickory roots
in beautful shapes. one cottonwood burl eggshape 30in long
50in around the center an hollow. I plan on sending pictures
but not able right now.If you think I have something You
are interested in let me know. And we can work something
out. Also lots of pine only the heart ,knots left.
Jace

[wade clark]

Jace,
Where are you located?
Wade

[Pete Rieger]

Colin, I hope that's not treated with some nasty preservative.I'd check it out if you haven't already.I hear dust from treated wood can really do a guy in. I hope it's not, what a great score.

[Colin_Partridge]

Pete I did check it out it was all raw cedar to treatment. Wow this thread really surfaced from nowhere that was a long time ago and I dont have one of those cedar posts left they are all carved and gone. Pete I see you are from Quesnel BC. I have a good friend of mine not far from you in Chetwynd by the name of Ken Sheen a fabulous carver just wondered if you knew him.
Colin

[Colin_Partridge]

Sorry Typo that should have read not treated sometimes my fingers are faster than my brain. Yes I know before you say it I set myself up for this one no I dont type with one finger.
Colin