Red Beech

[Den Socling]

this post is directed to the people in New Zealand.

I know little of your country and it's forest. For a year or so, I've been looking at drying Red Beech. I've tried some and found out that it was DanG hard to dry. But doable in a vac kiln.

I've been communicating with a couple people in New Zealand. In fact, they visited last year. they say that there is a lot of Red Beech and nobody cuts it because nobody can dry it.

Do you cut and mill Red Beech? If so, what's it used for?

I don't understand the cutting rights mentioned. Is NZ covered with our equivalent of State Forest? Can a company get the legal authority to cut a particular species?

I'd like to hear anything you have to say about Red Beech (or me messin' around in your woods  :D )

[Ianab]

Hi Den
 Sorry I cant help you much with the Red Beech, I live in one of the areas it doesn't grow in. I'll try and explain some of red tape we have to work with though. Basically you need a permit to cut down practically any native tree in NZ   , even if it's your own!!
I guess this isn't a totally bad thing, as there is *DanG little of it left.
Whats tied up in National Parks and State forests is basically locked away completely. There are significant areas still in private ownership and this is where the cutting rights thing comes in. To legally cut even private owned native trees you need to set up a management plan for the forest and apply for a permit to harvest a certain amount every 10 years, (up to about 10% of the total timber) However if you can wade thru the paperwork it is possible.
Your question has prompted me to have a look in my reference books though. This is what one says:
Red Beech - Difficult to dry but once dry is the most stable timber in NZ. High ground durability. Strong, even-textured wood with good machining , finishing , turning and bending properties.
Uses - Makes good interior joinery timber and attractive furniture and panelling.

Does kinda make one wonder if there is a business oportunity here somplace though...... :P

[Den Socling]

Ianab,
Thanks for the reply. There is a lot of red tape involved, for sure. So, a cutting permit, after a management plan has been approved, allows you to cut some of your trees on your land. jeez! 10% every 10 years? super jeez!!
When I got my first shipment of "green" Red Beech, I thought it was very bland. After it's dried, it turns red and redder. Strange patterns come out in the grain. It's really pretty. I worked a few pieces that I dried. It cuts, sands and takes screws well.
yeah there should be a business opportunity here.  ;D
Den