Free log. Is it useable?

[jordan_frerichs]

The people on the corner of our block have had a giant log sitting on there lawn for years, probably enough for to be considered air dryed (do they air dye wood as logs, or as rough-cut lumber? If they don't air dry logs, is it still dry enough if it has been there for 7-10 years?). now there is a sign on the log reading "free firewood. cut it and its yours". I am trying to talk my dad into fixing the chainsaw so we can use it to make a few bodys or necks or something (been toying with the idea of a one piece, but maybe not). I think it may be elm, but not sure, will have to ask the owners of the house. My dad thinks it might be a waste of time (he is a busy guy), because the wood may be rotten. It has no bark on it, maybe a few cracks, but that may just be an outside view. From the outside, there does not appear to be any rot. What are the chances that the wood is rotting on the inside?

[southernrocker]

I wouldn't think it would be rotten if it is still there after 7 years but it might be a little buggy. If it's free, cut it open and see how it is. What kind of wood is it? Also, if it's big enough, make a bass body out of a single piece. I did that with hard maple and I love the sound and I know it's great quality. Good luck!

[J. Crawford]

If its a big log, carve an entire bass out of it. One piece, neck, body, hedstock and all.

[JanVanHove]

If it's free, I agree, try to cut it open and see how it is...

Oh and post pictures of the monster...

[jordan_frerichs]

Originally Posted by Jordasch

If its a big log, carve an entire bass out of it. One piece, neck, body, hedstock and all.

Except the fingerboard, so i can fit in a truss rod. I think it may be elm, but i honestly don't know, just that it is a hardwood. I don't know if a one piece is practical, because I don't know if it is a wood suitable for a neck, also, still need to figure out how stable the wood is (root, figure, burl, other hidden variables and imperfections). also, I have very limited tools. I am trying to rap my head around how i could cut and shape an entire blank. It will be difficult to even move the heavy blank.

maybe something like this:
1) mark out a quarter-sawn section
2) mark the thickness of the slab
3) plunge the chainsaw into the end of the length
4) cut the length/thickness
5) wheel the slab out on something
6) cut away extra width with the chainsaw
7) go to a cabnetry shop, and have them plane the top and back level
8) rough shape with a jig saw
9) templates and router
10) basic build process, starting from a bass shaped slab

sound pretty much what to do? any suggestions?

enough planing. don't count your chickens untill you saw into them to see whats inside. I have a bad obsessive habit of that.