Poplar split?

[Ck0461]

I was milling some poplar, about 15” wide 2” thick and I had several split down the middle over 3/4 of the board. They spilt while I was milling, or 3-4min after. Any idea if it was a damage from felling or just the way the tree was tensioned while growing? It wasn’t checked and didn’t have visible damage before sinking the saw in.

 

[buzz sawyer]

Sounds like tension to me. I've had slabs split like that and I know the tree grew on a slant. Only solution I could think of would be to cut shorter lengths.

 

[Ck0461]

Not a big deal since it split straight. I’ll find a project for the 2x6’s at some point.

 

[J D]

What do you use poplar for? I've got a bunch of barrels stacked up that I've been putting off milling as I don't know what it's good for

 

[Ck0461]

Poplar’s good for a lot of things. I use it for small projects like bird feeders/houses, cabinets, and done some trim work. I’ve got a bunch on my place and I’d rather cut and use it, so I can leave the feed trees.

 

[nathan4104]

Some guys like it for trailer decking.... heavy equipment trailers that is. Mind you we don’t have much to choose from up here.

 

[Ck0461]

It rots quick if left on the ground, so I’ve been hesitant to use it for decking. I believe you can find pressure treated poplar, but I’m not 100% sure.

 

[J D]

Thanks guys. I noticed it didn't last well on the ground. I'd been thinking about getting it treated & turning it into fence rails. Might look into that further

 

[psuiewalsh]

https://www.wood-database.com/yellow-poplar/