Large cottonwood tree coming down across the street

Try it if you want but I’ve never had any cotton wood that was any good. It doesn’t even burn good and it is some times really hard to split or it splits like fir. Then it burns like a cardboard box. We tryed to use it on the ranches and it will get you warm more from cutting and splitting than from the heat. Maybe someone else has had a diffferent experience with it.

-- Thos. Angle, Jordan Valley, Oregon

grab a few pieces for bowls. cottonwood turns easily when wet and easy to work. it does have a odd smell.

-- keeping myself entertained

Hello Wayne,

If it’s a really large tree, it might be worth it. Large Cottonwood trees can have some really nice curl and colour. The wood tends to leave a fuzzy surface when cut, but it’s bulletproof for utility pieces as it is almost indestructible. So, I would give it a go, especially the crotches which can yield magnificent feather in the “V”...

Steve Russell
EWW, WVP, EWWFS
The Woodlands, Texas

-- Better Woodturning and Finishing Through Chemistry... http://www.woodturningvideosplus.com

I just remembered something. In the old days they made saddle trees from Cotton wood. The front was made from a crotch which is why the front of a saddle is called the fork. It was then covered with rawhide. Sorry, Wayne, forgive my lapse of memory, must be age.

-- Thos. Angle, Jordan Valley, Oregon

It’s certainly a soft hardwood and fuzzy on the end grain. I’m not gonna say much new here, but I like Steve’s idea of looking some figured pieces to turn, and Dan’s on the mark about the stink. And, Thomas is right about the firewood – it doesn’t put out too much heat (I have hit the 500 degree mark with it though) and I don’t like to burn it because of how bad it smells when burning.

-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA

I do not know the properties of cotton wood – but if it is free then take some – you could just use it for practicing your turning (trying a new cut or method) – you may pleasnatly surprised at the outcome -

you could also use it as a secondry wood in a project at worst you can burn it – it will have some calories, therefore it will give you some “Free” heat. Never turn down free wood

-- Tony - All things are possible, just some things are more difficult than others! - SKYPE: Heron2005 (http://www.poydatjatuolit.fi)

Thanks. The tree is very close to two houses and the owner has decided to take it down a piece at a time over the next couple of months. I will see what I can get when it comes available.

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

Carvers like the bark.

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