Aulendorf's 300-year-old oak: The final cut at the Huxohl sawmill!

Aulendorf's 300-year-old oak: The final cut at the Huxohl sawmill!

A spectacular moment in Aulendorf! The 300-year-old oak tree, which was uprooted by a summer hurricane, is now being sawn up in the Huxohl company sawmill in Gütersloh. Preparations for this big day are intensive as this tree has a history that dates back to the 18th century. The oak, which weighs 20 tons, was watered for months to keep the wood in top condition before the big cut.

The Huxohl sawmill is unique in Germany when it comes to such massive logs. Not only giant German trees are processed here, but also wood from Africa. These noble materials later find their way into luxurious yachts and high-quality musical instruments. Hermann Huxohl, who manages the sawmill, personally ensures that everything runs smoothly. The tension is palpable because if the inside of the oak is rotten, the 25,000 euros paid for the trunk would be lost.

An exciting break

The big moment is approaching: the oak is pushed under the powerful saw. A high-pitched whirring noise is heard and the first chips fly! Machine operator Detlev Südhoff is in control. The first cut causes no shock, but then gray discoloration appears in the wood. What could be hiding inside? A metal detector sounds the alarm and the men have to be careful because a nail or piece of metal could ruin the saw blade.

The tension rises as the men check the next plates. But then the relief: the wood is healthy and of high quality! Wood buyer Sven Görgen beams with joy. The oak has proven valuable and the grain tells its own story. Where will the noble records end up? The answer to that is in the next article!