Anyone need a pen blank ?

[JohnU]

Well it finally happened. The old elm tree that's been dropping limbs, beating up my house, finally had to come down. My wife's grandpa planted it in 1953 when be build the house, so she wasn't happy to see it go. I'll miss the shade in the front yard. Guess now I have no excuses for residing the house. Unfortunately I also had two decent size walnut trees cut down in the back yard that were leaning over the house. So, when I finish clearing the front yard I get to start the back. Lol. Not exactly how I was hoping to spend my vacation but cleaning it all myself saved me a lot of money and a close friend is getting all the firewood he will need this winter. I just hope he shows up before all the work is done. Lol

 

[JohnU]

Here's the back... At least it will get me out of mowing grass for a week, and yea... The old pine is looking pretty bad too. She may wait until next year.

 

[Ed McDonnell]

Aren't there any local turning clubs that would jump at the chance to help you clear away that wood? When a tree goes down in my area, the turners swarm like a school of piranha and in no time at all there's nothing left.

Ed

 

[JohnU]

Unfortunately none that I know of. I made pretty good progress today in 8 hours. At least now I can see the house. Lol. Would have been better if the chainsaw worked. Lumberjack I am not! The poor tree pruners got a work out!

 

[Bill in Buena Park]

:frown: Too far for me to drive. I'd have a closet full of bowl blanks if that were in my yard :wink:

 

[JohnU]

I told the wife I would save a few so I can try something for her and her sisters. I've never made a bowl before but im up for trying. For now I'll dip a few in anchorseal when I get the saw working, and set them aside for a raining distant day.

 

[D.Oliver]

Don't wait too long. Personally I much prefer to turn walnut green. I always have problems with engrain tearout on walnut, especially when it's dry. Of course I'm not going to rule out that I might be more responsible for that than the wood is......

Elm on the other hand is a wood that has a lot a movement as it dries. If you like the warped bowl look, turn it green and let it do it's thing. If you don't like that look, better let it dry for a while.

 

[JohnU]

Thanks for the advise! I'm thinking something small like a candy dish. Lol. It will prob be dry by the time I get to it.

 

[mark james]

If you put 20-30 bowl blanks away (or even 12" limbs) with anchor seal and forgot them for 3-4 years, you will have a wonderful time in the future.

4 years ago a Black walnut tree fell and I waited 6 months before taking the scraps... 4" - 9" diameter, 12" lengths, about 36 small logs. Last fall I started cutting the smallest... Beautiful grain. But another 1-2 years will be best! Patience... Or (I don't care to try) drying in your microwave or oven .

A pallet out back with a tarp... Maybe some spalting... Your wife will really be happy!!!!!!

Have FUN!
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[donstephan]

American, I think rock, and perhaps one other elm have wavy bands of cells in late season growth that make wonderful patterns when turned for bowls. I would expect they would make some interesting, one of a kind wooden pen bodies as well.

 

[stonepecker]

Oh how I wish I was there. Personally, I would cut the black walnut in 2 foot length and paint the ends. Stack them like Mark said and wait 3-5 years.

Have fun John.

 

[stonepecker]

Oh how I wish I was there. Personally, I would cut the black walnut in 2 foot length and paint the ends. Stack them like Mark said and wait 3-5 years.

Have fun John.

 

[edicehouse]

If you put 20-30 bowl blanks away (or even 12" limbs) with anchor seal and forgot them for 3-4 years, you will have a wonderful time in the future.

4 years ago a Black walnut tree fell and I waited 6 months before taking the scraps... 4" - 9" diameter, 12" lengths, about 36 small logs. Last fall I started cutting the smallest... Beautiful grain. But another 1-2 years will be best! Patience... Or (I don't care to try) drying in your microwave or oven .

A pallet out back with a tarp... Maybe some spalting... Your wife will really be happy!!!!!!

Have FUN!
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Would something like this help out?
https://youtu.be/tE7MTir_y0s

 

[sbwertz]

Here in AZ I have had considerable success putting green wood in my gas grill, closing the lid, and letting it sit in the sun....pretty close to kiln dried!

 

[low_48]

Here in AZ I have had considerable success putting green wood in my gas grill, closing the lid, and letting it sit in the sun....pretty close to kiln dried!

I've had real good success putting crab apple in my smoker, setting it to 240, and adding a pork loin!

You have made good progress John! Too bad you picked a hot week to take the vacation.

 

[triw51]

Here in AZ I have had considerable success putting green wood in my gas grill, closing the lid, and letting it sit in the sun....pretty close to kiln dried!

I've had real good success putting crab apple in my smoker, setting it to 240, and adding a pork loin!

You have made good progress John! Too bad you picked a hot week to take the vacation.

I had to laugh when I read this post.

 

[Jim Smith]

Unless your friend has a hydraulic splitter for that Elm, he may not be your friend after he tries to spilt it by hand. Elm is one of those woods that almost has a rubbery feel to it and the strips of wood seem to hold hands when you try to split it with a splitting maul. Splitting that much Elm by hand will wear him out!

Jim Smith

 

[JohnU]

Yea, He has a hydraulic splitter. Thankfully that's his job! Lol.

I have it heck Rich! And it was great visiting with you Tuesday!

I think I set an all time record for Gatorade and water consumption over the past two days.
Here's all that's left in the front now. Pretty much got it down to just the big stuff. The guy taking it can finish that up while I work on the back. Lol

 

[low_48]

I bet it'll be one of the few times you'll be really happy to go back to work! I enjoyed the visit as well. Not in a hurry, but excited to see what you come up with!