Mike Lillyman

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

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