Alright guys, I was just on the phone with Two Tired. He and I fuss and discuss lots of things related to wood but this time he stumped me. He went to asking questions about Willow. He has a tree of decent size and isnt sure how its gonna handle from felling on through to milling. Can anyone chime in and offer a few pointers. What to look for? What to be careful of? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
It's soft, usually not much of a log to it, just a big fat short trunk usually with at least one crotch in it.
Only real use is for carving, and similar uses to poplar, but the tree doesn't have good form like poplar does.
Black willow or weeping willow?
I would think that if it has any size to it it may have wind shake the ones Ive seen around here are that way.
Willow can have some beautiful grain and color. Depends on the soil and water conditions where it grew. Saws nicely, cut it extra thick, it will twist and bow while drying. We have a family member who has a large den with a willow ceiling. V grove random width. One of the most beautiful pieces of woodwork I have ever seen. First time I saw it, I thought it was teak.
Awe Piney, You've nearly got me talked into going and tailing Bills mill. ;D
I have no idea what kind it is, it is 24" dbh, 60' or so tall and no limbs till 40'. I have never felled one before and was wondering how it would act, split, break, or do any crazy things at all.
Sorry to say but felling might be the easiest part, just wait for hurricane Isaac to pass thru.
If it is that big, it has to be black willow. Wasn't it used to make caskets?
I sawed Black Willow last week which will be used for wall paneling. As Piney stated, it makes very beautiful and unusual lumber. I sawed several thousand bf for a customer this past Spring, and got a call Wednesday to come back to saw some more. It too will all be used as wall paneling.
Weeping willows can also get quite large.
Very light in weight. Was used at on time to make prostetics. Looks somewhat like walnut. Easy to saw. Works nice for turning. Spalts nicely if you don't let it go too far. Sometimes called the wood that never dies, cause it never quits moving.
There will be pics, yes ?/
IF... I get in on it yes. Bill and I were discussing pics yesterday. I'm feeling a "Great Willow Project" coming on. Will have to got though those tutorials that Jeff has referred to so many times. I haven't loaded any pics since the FF remodel.
Quote from: Buck on August 25, 2012, 01:34:22 PM
"Great Willow Project"
Does it come with a cookout ??? :D.
Quote from: Buck on August 25, 2012, 01:34:22 PM
IF... I get in on it yes. Bill and I were discussing pics yesterday. I'm feeling a "Great Willow Project" coming on. Will have to got though those tutorials that Jeff has referred to so many times. I haven't loaded any pics since the FF remodel.
It's a little easier now.
Quote from: WDH on August 25, 2012, 08:41:50 PM
Quote from: Buck on August 25, 2012, 01:34:22 PM
"Great Willow Project"
Does it come with a cookout ??? :D.
Oh, another one that's too far away! Well, I'm expecting to get to the Sycamore one, but don't think I can go for that one (unless buying a sawmill at the same time).
weeping willow up here is a very whitish to slight slight yellow
band tends to try to follow the grain
warps easily
one piece will plane nice and look good
next piece will fuzz right up