catalpa stump

[Richard Underwood]

I have a Catalpa stump that is still standing aprox.20" at butt and 18" at top. It is about 10 ft tall. there is still some life in it because it has had some limbs come out of the top foot or two. What I would like to know is what to do with it when i cut it. I am thinking about splitting it long ways into useable thickness with a chain saw and then cut into about 18" long pieces. What do you members think.
Richard U

[Butch_Speer]

Richard,
Never tried cutting my own. I know that it will shrink as it dries. If you want 4 in. slabs, better cut them somewhat thicker. Catalpa is good carving wood. Nice grain.

[big dave]

i would paint the ends and let dry for a while before i cut it up in sections

[TommyPhillips]

I am working with a chunk of catalpa right now, and I am not really thrilled. Maybe it is because the last project I finished was elm, but the catalpa seems too soft and grainy to take fine detail. It's pretty enough, though, and you can probably do some stylized work with it.