Matthew Cremona: sawing derecho cherry: salvaging lumber from a fallen giant

In August 2020, Cedar Rapids was struck by a Derecho producing 140mph winds. These winds destroyed an estimated 70% of the tree cover in the city and surrounding area including this massive cherry tree (prunus serotina). The homeowners reached out to us almost a year later to salvage their tree as they were unable to find anyone locally interested in or able to do so. Josh and I made the trip in May 2021 to recover what we could from the tree. How I built my sawmill: Plans for my sawmill: Sawmill Sticker Pack - SLABmaster T - Available slabs from the base of the tree Sawmill Products I Use Log Tongs: 60" Peavey - 78" Cant Hook - Hi-Lift Jack: Hearing Protection: 3/4" Shackle: Grab Hook on Pear Link: Double Grab Hook: 5/16" G70 Chain: Endgrain Sealer: Check out my Woodworking Classes Sawmill Plans Chair Kits Check out Wood Talk, a podcast about woodworking that I co-host: Mag Switch Use MATTCREMONA for 10% off Support What I Do: Website: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Email: [email protected]