LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner

Suitability of Magnolia grandiflora for woodworking

1K views 5 replies 5 participants last post by  rustfever 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have 6 Magnolia shade trees that must be removed as they are damaging concrete and getting into the power lines.
The trees are from 10"D to 18"D. When cut, they should yield 6' to 10' logs. I have access to a Woodmiser mill for milling.
Questions: Is the wood desirable? How does it turn? Are the boards stable during the air-drying process? Is the wood stable after including in a project? How does it take finishes, stain? Is it desirable? Special milling required?

Should I spend the time and money to mill this lumber?

Any help or thoughts would be appreciated.
 
#4 ·
Tulip poplar is a member of the magnolia family. I think you could have many uses, from turning bowls to making jigs, and even for keepsake boxes, from your shade trees. But, if using these trees as just another poplar you may want to think about how much time, effort, and dollars it takes to yield something that typically can be purchased for about $2.00 a board foot.

However, I do suspect you have a great opportunity to create very interesting pieces from crotches, where limbs originate from the trunk, etctera for turning.
 
#5 ·
It is nice wood. However, small trees like yours are subject to a lot of growth stress which may make drying them straight without bow a challenge. If you get them sawn, make sure that your stickers are at least on 16" centers.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top