Question for you tree / wood guys.

J

jdh6fan

Joined
May 17, 2011
Messages
28
Due to all the ice here in central Oklahoma here I am setting here with no power typing on my phone. Looks like the ice has ripped the limbs from both a walnut and a pecan tree. Are these worth trying to salvage some of the wood from? Is there any wood worth keeping in the limbs or just in the base or trunk? How would yall go about using these now dead trees? What sizes do you cut it in to dry? I'd appreciate any input.
Thanks
Jeff
 
I like walnut a lot. Even when it doesn't have a ton of figure it is still nice looking wood. Cut some up and look at the grain. If you can find some spalted pieces in the pecan it looks nice also.
 
Both Pecan and Walnut will provide some beautiful figure in crotches or bends. Knife-handle sized pieces can be taken from larger limbs. Grab some and chunk it up. Remember it will be "wet" and needs a LOT of time to dry correctly. Paint the end grain with latex paint or elmer's glue to help reduce checking and splitting.
 
Tree limbs grow under high stress and tension causing the wood to be unstable for most uses except lathe turning where twisting can be a good thing.
 
For ax, hammer, and hatchet handles branches can be great, often have a good shape already with continuous grain for strength much like a "self" bow. Have also used lilac for shovel handles, it is a traditional handle material.
 
Ill have the trunk too. Branches might not be worth messing with. If I save the trunk should I cut it up into more manageable pieces so it would dry quicker? I realize it will take a few years depending on the size of material. If it is cut up do I need to paint the whole block with latex paint, or would it be best just to not cut it up and leave the bark on it. I appreciate all the info yall share with me and others every day.
Thanks
Jeff
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top