What should I do with all this wood?

David Stifle

David Stifle

Joined
Nov 20, 2008
Messages
10,188
Hi Guys,

Someone (I don't know who) left two huge planks of wood leaning up against my garage the other day. And...I mean huge. I think they are walnut (is there a way to tell if it's black walnut?) and cheery. Anyway. both are over eight feet long, about twelve inches wide, and five inches thick. They are also heavy!!!

They are rough sawn right now, so, the question...what do I do with these monsters? Sell them, make a huge fireplace so I can use them as mantles (haha), take them to a lumberyard, or just forget about them?

Dave
 
Wrap them up and ship them to me... I'll PM you my address! I kid, I kid!!!

I could make some exquisite furniture with that! Nice score...
 
either way, Great Score. as far as identifying them, the smell will give away either but you'd have to know what they smell like first... I'd paint the ends and let em dry for a few years.

Jason
 
Use a sharp chisel or small hand plane to shave off the rough sawn surface in a small spot and see what the grain looks like. Then get them out of the weather.
 
Thanks woodwrkr221,

I was planning on cutting a bit off and seeing what the grain looks like, and I took them inside almost as soon as I saw them. There're protected. I'll let you guys know what I come up with.

Dave
 
This is not a good photo but it might help to explain what is quartersawn.

qs001.jpg


When you look at the end of the board, the bands that are the growth rings of the tree will be perpendicular to the face of the board.

Quartersawn wood tends not to move as much and is desirable for guitars and other higher end projects.
 
If they are real heavy they may still be green so sealing the ends will help prevent cracking. Good thing is walnut is one of the more forgiving woods to dry.

Mark thats some wild grain for quatersawn :thumbup:
 
Thanks for all the replies, Guys. Phillip, now that I understand what quartersawn means, yes, they are quartersawn . For the time being, I'm going to check out the grain, color, etc., by cutting off a piece and finishing it. I think I'll just seal the ends as you guys suggest, and just ponder on it for awhile. I'm curious about the cherry wood too.

Dave
 
What I would do with them is cut 6 feet off and cut the rest in half. Make two upright braces from the short pieces, and hand carve a mantle from the long piece. A good hand carved mantle with oak leaves and acorns ( easy to carve) is worth a lot. Add some bugs and dragonflies, and the value soars.

If you decide to let one of them go, give me a shout. It would make a good winter carving project.
 
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