Morning all:
I am considering purchasing a fair amount of numbers 1 and 2 common walnut from Hearne hardwoods. I have never used common before. I have read all of the grading information. So the question is, how good or bad is that grade? Are the boards relatively straight or all over the place? Are they full of knots or is it the kind of thing one can work around? I don’t mind sapwood- even like it for the grain. I don’t need long, uninterrupted areas of clear wood for my projects. Any guidance would be appreciated. PMM
Replies
That is what Sam Maloof uses, hard to argue with his results.
"That is what Sam Maloof uses, hard to argue with his results."Sam (generally) uses Claro walnut, a species native to the west and northwest (IIRC).Hearnes is located in eastern Pennsylvannia, and anything they call "common" is likely to be locally harvested. Which makes me think that is is from black walnut trees.Politics is the antithesis of problem solving.
Yes, he does use some Claro, but a large portion of his stock comes from Indiana. He states a preference for black walnut.
Walnut can be rather knotty and gnarly. It's just the nature of the tree. Knots are hard on planes, planers and bits, and the surrounding grain can go in all directions. Clear walnut can be a joy to work with but the knotty stuff isn't that much fun. Common grades won't have much clear that is free from irregular grain. Ripping wider stock often results in crooked pieces. Paying for better grades will save labor, unless you get lucky.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
PMM
Get a smooth plane with a high cutting angle, at least 50 degrees or higher, and go at it. The pin knots and swirl grain of walnut are what make it so attractive, IMO. Tom
I work with self sawn logs, and 60% of the lumber is exactly what you described. I've never purchased from Hearnes, but have heard through the grapevine that they are reputable, and sell quality. You should certainly ask if the lumber is straight, but I'd assume it was.
Wood with character is all I work with, and love it. Your woodworking skills will improve by learning to deal with the areas of grain change, and walnut in any grade is still easier to work than most super-hard exotics from far off lands.
Go for it.
Jeff
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