Replies

1. 
   bones | Aug 19, 2008 09:23pm | #1

   Sorry I can't assist on this but I love cherry as well.  Personally, I like the lines and small pockets.  I think they make character to the piece.  Good luck on the hunt. 

   Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
   If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it.
   And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
   
2. 
   swedishwoodworker | Aug 19, 2008 10:02pm | #2

   I place a premium on the gum lines as a design element.  I've had excellent success using Tried & True Varnish Oil on cherry panels with extensive gum lines. 

3. 
   hdgis1 | Aug 20, 2008 04:46am | #3

   Not a whole lot you can do about the gum lines. Not sure where you are located but these things pop up more and more in cherry as you get away from the Alleghenies. Best thing to do when ordering is to specify that you want it completely clear. Although some do choose to incorporate in their work, it has not traditionally been seen as an acceptable element of furniture. To each his own though.

   Chris

   P.S. - If you wish to try Tried and True, I would recommend you read everything you can about the stuff before you use it. People either love it or hate it! As for me, wouldn't mess with the stuff. For a good polymerized oil, I go with Lee Valley's house brand.

1. 
   Nollie | Aug 20, 2008 07:36am | #4

   Thanks for the advice you guys. Unfortunately we do not have Tried and True . We have a poly wax product called Woodoc ,but this product darkens cherry so much that the beauty of cherry disappears.

   What i gather is that you folks don't have a problem with the raised spots were the gum spots are. When i page  Fine Woodworking i get green with envy to see the large choice you folks have when it comes to finishing and tools.

   Thanks again

4. 
   Talma | Aug 20, 2008 07:33pm | #5

   The gum is easy to get rid of. Just dampen a clean white cloth, and use a house hold iron on it. I do this often and it works great. for heavy areas you'll have to do this alot.

   But just remeber you are removing part of the material so there will be a small void left, which may affect the look of your finish.

   I'm pretty lucky I live in cherry country. So I can usually buy cherry without the gum.

   Oh and did I mention it's going for about $.60 a bf at the mills right now. The mills are really hurting!

1. 
   RonInOttawa | Aug 20, 2008 08:18pm | #6

   Where are you located? The best price I've found around Ottawa (Ontario) is around $4 bf. If you're in NY or PA I might consider borrowing a truck and heading down that way!Ron

1. 
   Talma | Aug 21, 2008 02:56pm | #12

   Just contact sawyers and mill. these are the guys that cut the trees, so it's about the closest you can go from the woods to your shop. So no paying the middle men.

   But rember that's the price of the wood, you still have to dry it and transport it. And generally you have to buy at 1000 bf at a time. Which is usually no problem just split it with friends. And the wood will be in there #1 common pile. Which I've found just means the boards are narrower than 8".

   For wider thicker stuff you'll have to pay more. I bought a whole flich of 22" wide cherry boards a few years ago and paid $2.00 a bf! but it's really nice stuff so I splurged.

   But around here I have to pay more for anything that isn't soft maple, cherry, or red oak. I often see clear pine going for more than oak and other softwoods.

1. 
   Woodmaster1776 | Aug 21, 2008 06:12pm | #14

   "But around here I have to pay more for anything that isn't soft maple, cherry, or red oak."Looked on your profile but nothing entered. Where is "around here?", since I'm always on the lookout for bargains on wood purchases.Bob

1. 
   Talma | Aug 21, 2008 07:07pm | #15

   I live in Rochester NY. But I buy wood mostly in the southern tier of NY where my parents live. Less populated and more trees.

2. 
   Woodmaster1776 | Aug 21, 2008 08:01pm | #16

   Thanks, Talma. A bit too far to make it a comfortable drive even at those terrific prices. But I'll take your advice and scout out sawyers and mills closer to home and see what can be had at better prices with current market conditions. Thanks for the info.Bob

2. 
   mapleman | Aug 20, 2008 08:28pm | #7

   I'm with Ron in Ottowa! The cabinet shop I do some freelance work at just ordered a big load of wood from a mill in Pennsylvania - over 10,000 b/f of some assorted woods. Everything was priced really good except the cherry - still at about $4 a b/f. We can get cherry for $4 b/f down here in Southern  Mississippi.

   Lee

3. 
   Nollie | Aug 21, 2008 08:27am | #9

   Thanks for the advice. I will try it next time that i have the problem.

   We pay between $5.40 to $8.60 a bf - depends from wich importer we buy. White oak is around $3.30 a bf. I have converted the price to bf becuase we buy in cubic meters.

   Regards

5. 
   BruceS | Aug 20, 2008 10:06pm | #8

   Gum lines ?  Are we talking about the lovely dark maroon streaks or actual gooey gum? Like the gum that comes out of a cherry tree wound?

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   Nollie | Aug 21, 2008 08:31am | #10

   That is the gum that i am talking about. It leaves a little ridge on the finish. Thought this was a little out of line . Seems to me that it is quite accepted. 

6. 
   philip | Aug 21, 2008 12:57pm | #11

   Nollie, if you are getting that Cherry via Baillie Lumber and PG Timbers then you should be able to specify grade and other requirements.

   Philip Marcou
1. 
   Nollie | Aug 21, 2008 03:39pm | #13

   Thanks Philip i will try that. Your  Rugby team is realy messing up lately

1. 
   philip | Aug 24, 2008 05:06am | #17

   Nah, I've no idea what those turkeys do.... I can watch the Boks or the French teams now and again.
   Motor cycle GP is my ticket- very clever guys , those.Philip Marcou

1. 
   Nollie | Aug 24, 2008 11:15am | #18

   We are getting thrashed in the Ti-Nations.  Very painful !