A bit of a wood gloat

I haven’t had much time to devote to shop projects for a couple weeks. Work and life still a little too chaotic for the moment. I did, however, have a bit of good fortune with an unexpected gift of wood. I had a childhood friend contact me on facebook and let me know that he had some “branches” he had pruned off of his Black Walnut tree and I could have what I wanted. Not one to turn down free wood, I investigated and found the branches were 3 12-15 foot sections that were about 7 inches in diameter at the widest point. A little better than the sticks I was expecting to see. I borrowed Mike’s (jockmike2) chainsaw and cut them up today. I have about 18 logs approximately 3 feet long all set and done. Diameters range from about 3-7 inches. Enough to keep me and Mike busy for a little while.

Mike and I do a bit of turning with the heartwood intact, so the thinner logs will make good cups and vases. The wider ones I can split for a few natural edged bowls. Nothing gigantic, but enough to make some decent pieces. No extreme weather changes here for a few days. I slabbed on some latex paint to coat the ends and will wrap them up with plastic and tarp them tomorrow. I know wax sealants and anchorseal are the preferred methods, but this should slow down any checking for now. I will give the gift giver first dibs on a piece or two for his house, give away some, and try to sell a few at a consignment shop. This gives me the wood to try and give that a go.

I like arrangements where two people feel the other did them a favor. I helped Ron (childhood friend) by cleaning up his yard and taking care of the wood he didn’t know what to do with, and I benefited greatly from the gift of free natural wood at a time when I would like to work more with natural edges.

Keep making sawdust all,

David

-- There is little that is simple when it comes to making a simple box.