They took the Sycamore down.. What to save from the firewood pile?

[sschering]

The owners took down the big sycamore that has been pelting the house with branches.

I saved off one big slice of the trunk to cut 6" turning blocks from.

This wood is wet and heavy!

What other pieces would you save?
I don't have much time. The owner has already told the neighbor they can take what they want for firewood.


How many pen blanks do you think that has in it?

Lots of logs to choose from

Album of interesting pieces.

 

[D.Oliver]

Try to nab some crotchwood. It usually has some interesting grain.

 

[D.Oliver]

Be sure and seal the wood you get, so that it doesn't check too badly. You can use anchorseal, wax, or even paint.

 

[BJohn]

I'am with Derek get some crotchwood. But I am the worse to ask that question of. I would keep it all!

 

[sschering]

There are a few interesting crotch pieces.. some with spalting starting..

The tree service is coming back today to grind the stump.
If they don't grind it down there is a big burl on the roots I plan to go after.

My wife already said NO to keeping more than a few pieces.

How long do I have before it starts to dry and check?

 

[TellicoTurning]

My wife already said NO to keeping more than a few pieces.

Hide it from her... what she doesn't know won't hurt you. :biggrin:

 

[BJohn]

I guess it will start checking in a couple day's.

GET THE BURL !

 

[sschering]

My wife already said NO to keeping more than a few pieces.

Hide it from her... what she doesn't know won't hurt you. :biggrin:

hehe. Yes because 3' wide 300lb slabs of wood are so easy to hide

 

[GaryMGg]

Someone missed a great opportunity.
QS Sycamore makes gorgeous lumber for building furniture. :frown:

 

[nativewooder]

Green wood starts losing moisture as soon as it is cut. It needs to be coated immediately, and it will still start checking because that's the way Mother Nature wants it to be!

 

[Charlie_W]

Bowl blanks, pepper mill blanks, handles, bottle stopper, pens!..... Oh yes, platters. cups, dishes, etc, etc .........cuff links, earrings, finials....... Other than that, I guess it is just all fire wood!
Is there a woodturning club in the area? I am sure others would like some.

 

[Edgar]

Quartersawn sycamore does make beautiful furniture lumber, but the main reason it is usually QS is because the wood is highly unstable. If you are not able to quarter-saw the pieces that you collect for your blanks, be sure to cut them way oversize because they will likely warp as they dry.

 

[stonepecker]

I wish I was closer. Beautiful wood.

I would save as much as I could and tell the wife that it is free. Better then haveing to go and get it later. Paint the exposed grain and cover it with a tarp. Keep it out of the sun as much as possible. The tarp should be open on the ends until there is snow. Then cover it completely. After a year or so, then start cutting blanks. You will have a great time.

 

[randyrls]

Contact your local AAW Woodturners club. Any of the woodturners will be more than happy to take it off your hands.

 

[Sylvanite]

Sycamore has tremendous ray fleck. Any piece you save will probably make a very attractive turning.

 

[BJohn]

Second thought, TAKE HER OUT FOR DINNER AT HER FAVORITE PLACE, FLOWER S CANDY or that new sewing machine she wants. WHAT EVER IT TAKES.

 

[sschering]

I picked out a 3 way crotch piece this morning while the dog did his thing.

Would it be a good idea to quarter the big 3' pieces before putting them away to dry?

I found a 2-3" thick slice off a knot they sawed off so I cut it up into 1" blanks.
I'm not sure they will dry right or not but it's a peak inside.

Maybe I'll load up the big 10" vac chamber and see how good my vacuum pump is. I can get a good rolling boil on a quart jar of room temp water inside that rig.

 

[stonepecker]

I don't know if I could let the rest be hauled away.........THAT is some really nice wood. If you can.......get some more. That won't go to waste.