Boxelder is the third corner of the Soft Maple Triangle. The lightest and, sadly, the weakest of the Maples, however, it does have some excellent and endearing characteristics. I’m always a little wary of common names for different wood species. It creates confusion, so if you come across Manitoba Maple. Ash-leaved Maple. or Boxelder Maple …
My experience with Hackberry started badly when I mistook it for Ash. I was frustrated by the poor quality of finish I was obtaining despite my enthusiastic and youthful sanding attempts. Hackberry does have a close resemblance to Ash, but anatomically it is closer to Elm. Not only does Hackberry bear a strong resemblance to …
There was a box in the corner of the classroom filled with blanks for turning or carving, and I should have known by the look on the instructor’s face that I had chosen a challenging wood. In short, the persimmon wood uses are described as suitable for carving, and it does allow for fine detail …
Persimmon Wood Uses: What to Do With This Hardwood Read More »
There are three types of Magnolia that provide timber for woodworkers. They all share common characteristics that make generalizations of Magnolia wood uses possible. The most appreciated quality of the three Magnolia timbers is the straight grain which makes it easy to use with both hand and power tools. The three species are: Magnolia acuminata …
Some woods lend themselves to individualistic expression, and Juniper will never make it to the Ikea Store. I love it. Just when you think you have got it down, it becomes a Cedar. Juniperus communis is the common Juniper, and Juniperus virginiana is the Eastern Red Cedar. As some sort of compensation, the Eastern Red …
Wood has a luster about it. All at once, it is traditional and modern, sophisticated and earthy. Transformed from rough boards into pieces of delicate beauty, wooden furniture has a timeless appeal. Perhaps it is the uniqueness within the grain pattern that adds interest to every furniture piece. Skilled craftsmen seek out the beauty of …
My first introduction to Firewood was on a farm where Elm trees, dead and alive, were almost everywhere. I couldn’t work out why nobody was harvesting them for Firewood. My youthful enthusiasm and energy met their match as I tried to split the Elm logs. Today, forty years on, I still remember the quizzical looks …
Oak has the reputation of being excellent firewood, perhaps the best Firewood. So, what makes a superb Firewood? Here we will go through the qualities that make Oak stand out as my most preferred Firewood. About ten percent of the Oak species in the world are present in the USA. They are divided into two …
A winter’s night next to a cozy fire, content in the glow and warmth of well-seasoned logs sounds like heaven to me. Here we will compare the different woods that will bring warmth and comfort to your winter nights. Bottom line upfront I do the firewood story the traditional way. Before the wood warms the …
Furniture fashion trends come and go, but the beauty and elegance of dark wood furniture have remained the icon of sophisticated furniture design. I’d like to share with you my selection of the best dark woods for furniture that I have used over the years for making beautiful furniture. Bottom Line Up Front There are …
