Basswood

AlArchie · #1 10-29-2007, 11:40 AM

I was browsing through one of my references today and found some interesting information that might be useful to pass along. There has been discussion in the past on the benefits of "northern" vs "southern" basswood and several theories have been proposed on the reasons; ie growing season length, temperature differences, length of dayligh hours etc.

Well, the audubon guide shows three separate species within this "basswood" family (tiliaceae).

1. American Basswood (tiliaceae americana) with a range pretty well limited to the northeastern 1/4 of the country.

2.Carolina Basswood (tiliaceae carlonia) ranging from eastern Texas, Arkansas, and across the lower gulf states and up the east coast as far as W. Virginia.

3.White Basswood (tilia heterophyla) ranging from norther Mississippe and Georgia north through souther Illinois, Indianna, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

As many times as I've gone through this reference source, I don't know why I haven't noticed this before.

Al

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #2 10-29-2007, 01:29 PM

So I wonder if the Carolina Basswood is the "southern" basswood we find is not much good? if so, wonder how the White Basswood is? interesting!

AlArchie · #3 10-29-2007, 02:57 PM

Hafta ask those folks down south, Dave! Not much of that carolinias or white basswood growing around here. It would be interesting to get a good sample of each for comparrison, wouldn't it?

Al

Nancy_G · #4 10-29-2007, 04:02 PM

I did not know that !!
I knew basswood grew all over Missouri but I sure never looked for it and assumed it was the exact "same" but not good for carving because of the weather.
I have 10 acres I've always assumed were solid oaks, hickories, dogwood and a few other things .... when hunting season is over, I'll look.

I've always had carving basswood shipped in from Heinecke in Wisc. LOL LOL - when I lived in North Dakota, I had wood shipped in from Wisc.

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #5 10-29-2007, 06:39 PM

Geez Nancy...the grass always greener on the other side of the fence? lol

Eddy Smiles · #6 10-29-2007, 09:34 PM

While in Tellico Plains, TN I stopped off at the local lumber yard where I purchased 20-board feet of 4/4 bass wood for the amazing price of $8.00. The 1x12 piece is very dark, almost the color of cherry and the other, 1x10, is very light, like you would expect basswood to be. From what Al has said I'm wondering if I have two different species of basswood????

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #7 10-30-2007, 10:28 AM

I have had some basswood that has an outer, darker color wood, I believe its from the outside edge of the tree but not sure....it looks a lot like butternut! In fact, I have a piece laying next to my cutoff saw right now.

bbeery · #8 10-30-2007, 12:04 PM

I can bring you some southern basswood next year, Al. Got a big limb laying out in the shed right now. Will try to find out which Tilia it is.

Bob_in_TN · #9 10-30-2007, 08:04 PM

Al, Keep an eye on your mailbox,southern basswood headed your way in the morning. I also included a small block of buckeye, didn't know if you had carved it or not.

AlArchie · #10 10-30-2007, 08:33 PM

Wow, I didn't post this as a solicitaton, but I'll take the stuff! Thanks, and I'll have to get busy carving again. Just got a new wood burner so I have to try that out on a cane for a neighbor, and I still have several "Toy Projects" for my grandaughter.

Last month while visiting our son and his family, he was diagnosed with cancer...surgery has gone well and he is well on his way to full recovery, but that did really put me off the carving/woodworking agenda. We also got a new puppy which seems to eat up an inordinate amount of time. Hunting season is rapidly approaching and I spent the day at camp helping my hunting partner, get the camp leveled and put new foundation blocks down.

I guess this is just my way of saying I haven't been in the mood to carve much lately, but things are a lookin' up.

Al