Met a FF member

[Engineer]

Had an opportunity to go visit 4x4American aka Doug (D-U-G?) at his mill site outside Fort Ann, NY.  Doug runs a Woodmizer LT40 Super, and has a nice little operation with his mill, a mill shed, support equipment and room for plenty of logs and lumber.  I found out he was sawing some big beech logs and I love QS beech, so I bought some.  We had a nice hour-long conversation that probably could have stretched out a lot longer if we both didn't have things to do.  It's always great to meet fellow 'Forumites'.  I'm sure we'll cross paths again. 

[petefrom bearswamp]

Yes always good to meet other FF members.
I have family over near Ft Ann,
If I ever get over there Ill try to look him up

[hersnsh#590]

Engineeer:  What is it about QS beech that you like?  Flecks or rays?

I have a couple on the ground in the sugar woods, I might try QS'ing them if there's something special about them.

Thanks
Dale

[YellowHammer]

I met 4x4 at the Project last year, he's a good, honest, hardworking guy.  Just don't tell him I said that, or he will get the big head :D

[Mooseherder]

And he has a pretty good sense of humor for a young buck.

[Ga Mtn Man]

I wish I had half 4x4's energy. 

[Engineer]

Engineeer:  What is it about QS beech that you like?  Flecks or rays?

There's a lot to like about beech.  It has the rays/flecks as you describe - not on the order of white oak, but enough to notice.  It has a very pretty pinkish-brown color to it when coated with a clear finish, and it complements many other woods if mixed together - I like using it as a lighter accent wood to cherry (or vice-versa) - I have some beech shelving and trim in my kitchen to complement the cherry cabinet face frames.  Conversely, it also blends well with maple.  It's pretty easy to work with both hand and power tools.  I really like it for kitchen ware - cutting boards, butcher blocks, even utensils, as it has no discernible odor or taste.  I have some large beech logs still in the woods, cut last summer.  If I can get to them before they rot, I'm going to cut and seal some bowl blanks for a bunch of large and small salad bowls.  It's an underutilized and underappreciated species.  Rumor has it that it is difficult to dry properly and that it is unstable.  I won't deny it, but I've had the chance to work with some pretty nice beech lumber so far.