toyotaman
Member
Here are some of my freshly cut pen blanks. It's been a good summer and my spalting woods are doing very well. This pecan has some tremendous lines and is very solid. Should make some awesome pens. I have my Maple to get to now.
Spalted Pecan Blanks
- Thread starter toyotaman
- Start date
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
OZturner
Member
A Great collection of Blanks,
Can't wait to see your Maple,
Can you share your method of spalting?
Brian
Can't wait to see your Maple,
Can you share your method of spalting?
Brian
kovalcik
Member
I would love to see a spalting tutorial. I have a bunch of maple that needs some character.
The Penguin
Member
start with green wood, ideally with moisture content above 25%
place it in a container (tub) with 1 cup non-chlorinated water in the bottom
close container (but do not seal it - a loose fitting lid is fine) - place it in a warm place for 8-12 weeks
check at 8 weeks - remove a piece from container and cut it open to see spalting progression. If acceptable - remove pieces from container (they will be covered in black nasty fungus) - then spray with hose to remove. Cut into blanks, then dry completely to stop spalting progression.
if not spalted enough after 8 weeks - place back in container and continue spalting process.
place it in a container (tub) with 1 cup non-chlorinated water in the bottom
close container (but do not seal it - a loose fitting lid is fine) - place it in a warm place for 8-12 weeks
check at 8 weeks - remove a piece from container and cut it open to see spalting progression. If acceptable - remove pieces from container (they will be covered in black nasty fungus) - then spray with hose to remove. Cut into blanks, then dry completely to stop spalting progression.
if not spalted enough after 8 weeks - place back in container and continue spalting process.
toyotaman
Member
Mine are cut into 24-30" lengths and while fresh and green I place them in the woods. I have alot of Oak trees around and rake back the leaves and place the log on the ground and cover with leaves. I will check the in about 8-10 weeks and see if there is a fungus has begun growing in the log. The more fungus the better. Give it about 3-4 more weeks and check it. I usually cut about an inch off one end and see the progress. If its not where I want it I will replace the piece I cut off and recover with leaves. Wait a little longer and don't wait too long or it will go too far and will not be any good. Spalting wood is not hard as long as you keep an eye on it.
toyotaman
Member
The spalting process slows dramatically in the colder months. Spalting usually occurs in warm weather (above 70 F).
The Penguin
Member
the method I quoted above is a very brief summary of what is presented by Dr. Sarah Robinson from the University of Oregon (I think) - and I forgot to mention that it must be wood with the bark left ON because the bark will contain the fungal spores that will spalt the wood. It works well in the garage.
leaving it in the yard covered in leaves is great too...unless you have a wife like mine that is already complaining about you taking up the entire garage, space on the driveway, and "you better keep all that damn mess out of the backyard" :biggrin:
kovalcik
Member
Thnaks for the sharing the different methods. Looks like I will have to wait until spring. My garage is not warm enough.
SDB777
Member
I find it easy to spalt timber here in Arkansas....just find a dead tree laying in the woods. Poof, spalted!!
Nice score on the blanks! You going to stabilize them now?
Scott (piles of timber laying around the garage...never seen that before....hehehehe!) B
Nice score on the blanks! You going to stabilize them now?
Scott (piles of timber laying around the garage...never seen that before....hehehehe!) B
OZturner
Member
Thanks to all who provided details of their methods.
Greatly appreciated.
Brian.
Greatly appreciated.
Brian.
Pitoon
Member
i wonder if using river or pond water, would it accerlate the spalting process?
Pitoon
Pitoon