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He asked if I wanted some wood...

J

James Smith

Joined
Jun 13, 2008
Messages
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Location
Richmond Virginia
One of the fellows at work on my team mentioned he knew I was into “woodworking†and asked if I wanted some wood. He provided the attached link that clearly defines the meaning of “Drinking from a fire hoseâ€.😱

http://picasaweb.google.com/jld1975/TreePictures

He said the city workers were going to begin removing the tree 9/2 because of the damage it is doing to the sidewalks and potential power issues. He is going to give me some measurements but said 4 people had trouble getting their arms around this. It is an oak tree (not sure what type) located near Richmond Virginia, and I can’t guess how old it might be.

He has asked me if I would like the workers to set anything aside for me during the process. The crotch areas are massive so I’m thinking that should be my answer in addition to any burls. Your advice is highly welcomed. I told him I would make a set of commemorative bowls for his family, and I want to make sure I do it proud.

He also mentioned the city was only going to pay half of his removal cost which was in the thousands. He didn’t mention wanting assistance to help pay for his half of the removal, but if you have advice I could share that might help I’m sure it would be welcomed. I’ve asked him to check with local sawmills as a possibility to cut his costs.

Thanks,
James
 
Can always grab a few turners from the local club and take the tree down for him.
 
leaf

James can you take a picture of a leaf??????/
 
Can't tell much from what you've shown us....

In addition to the most important photo of the leaf shape, photos of the ends of the branches, any fruiting structures, and a close-up of the bark would make it a lot easier for us to try to put a name on this tree for you. We can't even see what kind of branching it has (opposite or alternate), and what the bud and leaf characters are at the ends of the small branches.

Right now it is a 'generic green blob' of some kind of hardwood.

More data please!

Rob Wallace
 
James, you have some good ideas on where to get wood. I would also consider wood near the butt/stump. I came across a situation a few years back where someone was concerned about a large maple falling on their house after one of the other trees in their yard came down. The first branch coming off the trunk I could barely get my arms around. This was the wood I was going to get until I looked at the stump. They had left it about 4 feet high. I asked them if they were going to grind it out and they told me that first they would take 2 slices one in the middle and one at the ground. It is some of the curliest maple wood I've ever seen. Unfortuneately I didn't have time to get more so the rest went to the dump - ahhhhhhhhh what a shame.
 
I'm on vacation with family visiting (and the lathe is spinning)😀. When I left for vacation I told everyone I was falling off the grid to focus on my family, so I'd rather not call in to ask this week. I've sent an email to the owner and will post additional info when possible. The owner told me it was oak, but could be wrong.

Doesn't oak have a llot of trouble checking?
 
Looks like it might be an oak. Leaves, where I can get more than a fuzzy look seem plausible for a white oak. True test is whether or not it makes acorns, of course.

The spread will have placed a lot of stress on the trunk, so there will be some wild wood available there. We get our stuff from the woods, where it has to get those branches off and out of the way to get up to the light. Makes great lumber, but plain turnings.

Oak does have a problem with checking, because it has those big rays. Makes it a cinch to split as firewood, though it dries slowly, but it's a built-in plane of weakness looking for a reason to open when drying. On the up side, it's usually got enough tannin in it to keep it from mildewing if you bring it down real slow. I've found the best way to work it is on the slim side. Stuff over about 10" up to the 400mm the 3000 will do gets about 3/4 " wall thickness, and a pretty good slope to the bottom. If the wood is as gnarly as it should be, you may lose some pieces which can't be made circular again because of weird warps, but I think it's a wash as far as what you might lose at 1" plus in thickness.
 
my advice ($.02)

don't take the tree down yourself (too much liability)
take from as low to the ground as they will cut it to the forks, or as much from the bottom up as you can haul.
cut into chunks as long as the diameter, or to size for use
cut and seal as quickly as you can, on site is better
turn as much as you can and give away as much as you can
anything you can't turn quickly to air dry, leave out of the sun.
make at least one bowl for the homeowner , one for the city guy and one for the guy who hooked you up with it. Let them know it will take a year of so because of the drying process.
 
Picture request

I've attached a picture of the leaves as requested. I found a tree identification web site and believe this to be a willow oak if case anyone is interested.

Take care,
James
 

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    Oak leaves.JPG
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I found a tree identification web site and believe this to be a willow oak
Click to expand...

i believe you are correct, thanks for the follow up 😀
 
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