Hi Folks, I’m 99% sure this is spalt in a small branch (dead fall) I found on a walk. I think it may be some sort of Birch from the looks of the bark but my question is, is there anything I can do to prevent the spread other then kiln drying? I don’t have access to a kiln.
Would a couple hours in a typical gas oven do the trick?
I just want to use the pieces for lift lid box pulls or something similar and intend to seal the ends so they dry properly.
Thanks for any help you can provide.
I apologise for the lousy photo.
Brian
Replies
Yes, that is an example of spalting. All you have to do to prevent the fungus infestation from progressing is dry the wood out.
-Steve
So just a matter of sealing the cut ends and air drying? Great!
Thx, Brian
I have heard of people using a micro wave to dry small pieces .
You could experiment on low settings, I know it can be done .
The spalt slows as it becomes dryer to my knowledge .
dusty
Thx Dusty, I actually tried the MW technique once on some Mulberry and almost burned it. A technique that probably works well if done correctly and watched well. It doesn't take long to reach ingition temps tho !!!
Brian
Brian, long ago and far away, we had a very revered member named Jon Arno, who knew virtually all the ins and outs of various woods and processes related to such. I have kept bookmarks from his posts, this one being on spalting. I have a bit more info from an email he sent me, but it may be hard to dig up.
Hi Jamie, I remember Jon well in fact he helped with an identification question I had a few years ago. Is he no longer on board here?
Thx for the link kiddo.
Hey did I tell you that I sent a photo of President Carter working in his shop off to Atlanta (Carter center) in the hope of getting it signed and returned? Well I got it back signed! I am making a nice walnut frame for it and it will be displayed proudly in the shop. A good man.
Later,
Brian
Jon Arno died a few years ago.
-Steve
Sorry to hear. Has it been that long? Wow, time does fly. Thought I had traded Emails with him just 2 or so years ago. Big shoes to fill. I have certainly been out of the loop for a while.
Thx, Brian
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled