Forum topic by Fiddy | posted 05-09-2019 10:47 PM | 798 views | 0 times favorited | 7 replies | ![]() |
![]() |
05-09-2019 10:47 PM |
Unfortunately I identified last year that I am losing elm trees and this year I’ve identified just how many and it’s rather upsetting. It’s what I believe is called Dutch Elm Disease and it’s another pesky insect causing all this damage. My question is has anyone worked with Elm, is it a decent wood to work with? Haven’t yet even googled it as I’m sure there’s something out there. Thought I’d start here to see what everyone’s thoughts were. If it is good, I have a ton of potential lumber so I’m hoping I can put this wood to good use. |
7 replies so far
#1 posted 05-09-2019 10:49 PM |
Yes, it is a very decent hardwood, traditionally used for chair seats. -- Bondo Gaposis |
#2 posted 05-09-2019 11:17 PM |
Did some reading on it just now. Any feedback on flat sawn vs. quartersawn? |
#3 posted 05-09-2019 11:32 PM |
Flat sawn is too “squirrely” for me. Quarter sawn looks almost like snake skin to me. It’s fine in small doses. If you want to see some nice examples, there are some Amish furniture companies out there using it. Trailway makes some pretty nice dining room. I don’t think there on line though. Daniels Amish uses it I think. They are on line. Personally I wouldn’t be all that thrilled, but that’s just preference. |
#4 posted 05-10-2019 03:04 AM |
The elm furniture I have seen in Amish stores looks great. Nice color. I have orders to friends to save me any decent logs they get. Not sure on quarter compared to flat sawn. |
#5 posted 05-10-2019 03:31 AM |
Going by memory, elm has interlocked grain and resists splitting very well so it works well in chairs, mallets, wheels, anything that takes abuse. -- Rick M, http://thewoodknack.blogspot.com/ |
#6 posted 05-10-2019 11:24 AM |
+1 – bondo Lots of elm showing up at the sawyer due to the dutch elm disease. I have used it occasionally and it works fairly well and finishes nicely as well. He also mentioned there will be a lot more ash resulting from the emerald ash borer. -- Earl "I'm a pessamist - generally that increases the chance that things will turn out better than expected" |
#7 posted 05-10-2019 11:26 AM |
The spiral grain in elm makes drying flatsawn lumber a challenge. Flatsawn elm tends to warp and twist, and the lossof quality in drying can be significant. Quartersawn is much more stable and easier to dry flatter. If I saw it, I tend to saw it a mite thick so that I can deal with the warp and twist. -- Danny Located in Perry, GA. Forester. Wood-Mizer LT40HD35 Sawmill. Nyle L53 Dehumidification Kiln. hamsleyhardwood.com |
Have your say...
You must be signed in to reply.
|
Forum | Topics |
---|---|
Woodworking Skill Share
|
13194 |
Woodturning
|
2811 |
Woodcarving
|
568 |
Scrollsawing
|
416 |
Joinery
|
1891 |
Finishing
|
6338 |
Designing Woodworking Projects
|
7903 |
Power Tools, Hardware and Accessories
|
32740 |
CNC Woodworking
|
329 |
Hand Tools
|
6450 |
Jigs & Fixtures
|
1803 |
Wood & Lumber
|
7275 |
Safety in the Woodworking Shop
|
1631 |
Focus on the Workspace
|
2630 |
Sweating for Bucks Through Woodworking
|
1272 |
Woodworking Trade & Swap
|
5412 |
LumberJocks.com Site Feedback
|
2396 |
Coffee Lounge
|
9654 |