I have the opportunity to get my hands on some eastern red cedar. Not much, maybe a few small logs. I know the aroma limits its uses in some ways, and helps it in others. Is it worth milling and then drying this for future use?
The same applies to a large box elder (maple), cottonwood, sycamore trees.
Just trying to save a few trees and learning a lot doing it. Thanks for the input.
Replies
You have to decide whether it's worth it for you. Since you can go to a lumber dealer and buy eastern redcedar (aka aromatic cedar), it would seem to be worth it in some absolute sense. Boxelder is a decent wood, too. Cottonwood is probably not worth it, as it is not a very workable wood (soft and stringy). On the other hand, you can buy aspen, which is similar. Sycamore, especially quartersawn, is definitely worth it.
-Steve
My boxelder experience is limited to one chunk...7 feet long....15 inches wide....and 2 3/4 inches thick. I was really taken by the red veining in the white wood. I turned 6 large bowls and 8 smaller ones.....I used the bits and pieces for toothpick holders and make up pencil holders. There wasn't much left of it when I was through. If you have a chance to obtain woods that you've never worked with before.....don't end up saying "I coulda, shoulda woulda". Good luck.
Thanks to all for the feedback. I contacted a local fellow that I knew had turned some elm in the past. He was eager to get out there. It looks like we will cut some of the sycamore and elm if they don't burn it all before we get back there. I've also befriended the fellow with the dozer and the property in hopes of buying a bit more time.
The condition of the sycamore doesn't look like it would produce good boards even if quartersawn. Rather, it might be to costly to try at this point and time.
The turner is not interested in the box elder, but hopefully I can get him to cut some that I can haul off for future experimentation.
Also watched a large black locust drop today, will try and get some of that as well.
I'm enjoying this, so thanks to all for the helpful feedback.
Large sycamore trees are very often hollow inside (same goes for beech). But there is usually still some usable wood, especially higher up the trunk.
-Steve
bft
its a lot of work for less usable wood than you might think , but good expericence if you have the time. and a bandsaw. Box elder can have beautiful red streaks in it, so I'd definitely try that first. Consider getting into turning if you want to rescue wood.
I love turning Box Elder. Though it is a bit softer than red maple and will dent easily, But the red and pink marbling can be stunning. Turned Sycamore can be dramatic with the little flecks. Junk the cottonwood it doesn't even like to burn unless it's a monstrous hot fire.
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
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