Chinese Elm

[reddirt6string]

Anyone ever used this for scales? I have access to a trailer full of it but don't know if it is good scale material.

 

[hodgescl]

I don't see why not. It might not look fancy but it should give you a working handle.

 

[quint]

It will depend on the wood, some of it can look amazing but like any other wood there are various levels of quality.

 

[Mudbug007]

Anyone ever used this for scales? I have access to a trailer full of it but don't know if it is good scale material.

WHAT??? As if we don't have enough Elm here in the U.S., they're now importing it from China!!! Is there anything that we don't import anymore?

 

[tryppyr]

Burn it!!!

Okay, now that I have that out of my system....

BURN IT!!!!

I would have sworn it was out of my system.

Got a BBQ smoker?

 

[marekz]

I dont know much about the Chinese elm but there is also a China Berry tree that some folks use. I met a Korean fella who
uses it for "traditional" Korean furniture. It is also referred to as "poor mans mahogany ".The tree is invasive, here in the
south .- Thanks-Mark

 

[tryppyr]

Seriously, though... the thought did come up that it would be useful to have a comprehensive list of woods and pictures plus descriptions of the appearance and characteristics. Add to that a breakdown of those that make good handles, good scales, and some indication of whether treatment (e.g. stabilization, oil infusion, et al) are needed. In addition, you could list the toxins in the woods (if any) so people would know how careful they need to be when working them.

A sort of wood database that could be queried.

But that's probably best suited for another web site.

 

[DanCo]

Hey reddirt,
Is your name based on the tour? Anyway, elm can be real pretty. I've made boxes and some furniture with it. You can make handles out of it but like any other non stabilized wood you need to use a good oil to seal it. Danish oil is what I have used. It doesn't like to be split though, so a good resaw blade on a bandsaw is your friend. It will need to dry as well and does tend to check and crack. If air drying, it takes 1 year per inch. And since your here in Texas I am sure you know not to use it on a BBQ unless you want to make the food inedible.
I saw some stabilized scales made from an elm burl and some crotch sections at the last gun show that looked good.
Dan

 

[Larry D. Davis]

I love Chinese elm color and figure quartersawn. Considered a weed tree, but beautiful stuff. I acrylic infuse it easily!!

 

[Rob Cole]

Seriously, though... the thought did come up that it would be useful to have a comprehensive list of woods and pictures plus descriptions of the appearance and characteristics. Add to that a breakdown of those that make good handles, good scales, and some indication of whether treatment (e.g. stabilization, oil infusion, et al) are needed. In addition, you could list the toxins in the woods (if any) so people would know how careful they need to be when working them.

A sort of wood database that could be queried.

But that's probably best suited for another web site.

There is one. I have the link to it at home I think. Im not sure if someone here posted it or if it came from one of the woodworking forums. It has a list of woods, photos, and general working properties. I'll try to find it and post later tonight.

 

[reddirt6string]

I appreciate all the good input fellas. I have 5-10 good 3' sections coming to me. I will see what I can do with them in a year or so.

DanCo, not named after the tour per say, but I've been known to pick and sing a little here and there.

And yes I know not to throw any in the box on the Q. I have plenty of oak, and don't need anything else. I let my cooking and the meat speak for itself.

 

[thegeek574]

There is one. I have the link to it at home I think. Im not sure if someone here posted it or if it came from one of the woodworking forums. It has a list of woods, photos, and general working properties. I'll try to find it and post later tonight.

That would be great. I have options to use so many woods that it isn't even funny, and i want to know if I absolutely can't use any of them.

 

[Brian.Evans]

Hmmmm......I have a BUNCH of stump and crotch type sections out in the barn, maybe I'll have to figure out how to cut it up. There are 6 sections about 2x3x3 feet.