Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: osage outlaw on February 02, 2017, 05:13:36 pm

Title: spalted maple?
Post by: osage outlaw on February 02, 2017, 05:13:36 pm

Today at work I started to remove some large chunks of wood off of a mulch BioBed that we just replaced.  They looked bad on top of the mulch and we have a tour coming through tomorrow.  I grabbed the biggest piece and tossed it in the golf cart.  That's when I noticed it was spalted.  The chunk is 14"-16" across and about the same in length.  I cut both ends off to get a better look.  I don't know what type of tree its from.  Maybe Maple??   I think its solid enough for knife handles.  I'm not sure if it would work for turning on a lathe. 

If I was to cut this into knife scale blanks what would be the best way to make the cuts to get the best looking pieces?

(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/Outlawstaves/20170202_160841_zpsugk0vopm.jpg) (http://s666.photobucket.com/user/Outlawstaves/media/20170202_160841_zpsugk0vopm.jpg.html)

(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/Outlawstaves/20170202_160918_zpswjso9wtl.jpg) (http://s666.photobucket.com/user/Outlawstaves/media/20170202_160918_zpswjso9wtl.jpg.html)

Title: Re: spalted maple?
Post by: ---GUTSHOT---> on February 02, 2017, 06:18:52 pm

I'm no help to you but I think it would make some purty handles.

Title: Re: spalted maple?
Post by: bubby on February 02, 2017, 06:38:57 pm

Clint it is usually crosscut

Title: Re: spalted maple?
Post by: EdwardS on February 02, 2017, 07:16:47 pm

I crosscut mine.

Title: Re: spalted maple?
Post by: aaron on February 02, 2017, 08:49:47 pm

beware- spalted wood can cause respritory problems if you inhale the dust- wear a good mask and cut outdoors

Title: Re: spalted maple?
Post by: selfbow joe on February 02, 2017, 09:07:35 pm

That looks like it would make some nice knife handles

Title: Re: spalted maple?
Post by: osage outlaw on February 02, 2017, 09:15:27 pm

Thanks for that tip Aaron.  I didn't know that. 

When I got home tonight I hit it with some spray lacquer and it brought the colors out.  I definitely see some knife scales in there. 


(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/Outlawstaves/20170202_200442_zps9axy77kh.jpg) (http://s666.photobucket.com/user/Outlawstaves/media/20170202_200442_zps9axy77kh.jpg.html)

(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/Outlawstaves/20170202_200318_zpscrkhywkl.jpg) (http://s666.photobucket.com/user/Outlawstaves/media/20170202_200318_zpscrkhywkl.jpg.html)

Title: Re: spalted maple?
Post by: paulsemp on February 02, 2017, 09:28:26 pm

Mine was from a silver maple. Was very soft and know it wouldn't hold up to a lathe. Makes some cool handle build ups.  Minwax make a wood hardener that helps if you have that problem.

Title: Re: spalted maple?
Post by: osage outlaw on February 02, 2017, 09:29:44 pm

That's cool looking Paul.  I hadn't thought about handle lams.

Title: Re: spalted maple?
Post by: Outbackbob48 on February 02, 2017, 10:33:14 pm

Clint, if to soft and crumbly try some wood stabilizer on your scales. Bob

Title: Re: spalted maple?
Post by: chamookman on February 03, 2017, 03:06:18 am

Good save OO - nice stuff ! Bob

Title: Re: spalted maple?
Post by: Pappy on February 03, 2017, 04:21:30 am

Yep, save ever piece I see when we are cutting wood, slice it up and put it away to dry. Very nice stuff you got there Clint. :)
 Pappy

Title: Re: spalted maple?
Post by: osage outlaw on February 03, 2017, 08:14:53 am

I'm going to try this method of stabilizing the wood.  Seems pretty simple.

https://ww w.youtube.com/watch?v=P9H-ab57UIg

Title: Re: spalted maple?
Post by: JEB on February 03, 2017, 08:57:46 am

As mentioned wear a respirator  as I believe the  spalting  is mold. Nasty stuff.

Title: Re: spalted maple?
Post by: tattoo dave on February 03, 2017, 10:17:10 pm

Great looking piece of wood. Nice find. Lots of knife scales in there!

Tattoo Dave

Title: Re: spalted maple?
Post by: Balsatech on February 04, 2017, 08:23:01 pm

Clint if you get it to scale size thin c a glue might work for you also. I know it works for balsawood great.

Title: Re: spalted maple?
Post by: Orrum on February 05, 2017, 07:23:38 pm

I would quarter saw it for handles.

Title: Re: spalted maple?
Post by: Stoker on February 06, 2017, 05:41:53 pm

That kinda looks like the spalled birch I got south of Grande Prairie Ab. when I was moose hunting. Good fire wood burns a little quick. Feel some guilt.. Bunch made it home ;)
Thanks Leroy

Title: Re: spalted maple?
Post by: osage outlaw on February 06, 2017, 05:58:45 pm

That's some awful purty firewood