Black Walnut, what to do

tucker1931 · #1 03-30-2008, 05:48 AM

Well gang, I got a surprise yesterday. We went out for the day and when I got home there was a cord of basswood sitting in my drive (I expected it) my neighbor is a woodsman and said he was clearing bush and would be cutting it so I said I'd give hime $50.00 for a cord. It's 3 inch to 10 inch diameter and all 18 inches long, plus several branches about 2 to 3 inches and 6 feet long, all well and good. NOW, here's the kicker, there are also 6 black walnut slabs between 4 and 6 inches thick and all about 18 to 20 inches in diameter, question, what the heck do I do with all that beautiful (green) walnut?
Cliff

squbrigg · #2 03-30-2008, 07:11 AM

Seal the ends and stack it to dry! You'll have some great carving ahead of you!!! You are without a doubt, the envy of the message board!!!

Congratulations on the wood, that is a very valuable load.

Bob

stickman · #3 03-30-2008, 08:12 AM

I agree seal the ends and leave it to dry somewhere out of the way.
nice neighbore.

tucker1931 · #4 03-30-2008, 08:25 AM

Hey Bob, how the heck would I seal that walnut, remember they are 18 or 20 inches wide, that'll take a hell of a lot of sealer, I was thinkin maybe just split it into small pieces and then use it for the little 5 or 6 inch caricatures that I like to carve. Any thoughts?
Cliff

North Wind · #5 03-30-2008, 10:58 AM

Hi Cliff, I would split one to play with now and seal the rest. You can use paint or get sealer for logs(people that mill lumber use it,go to forestry forum) or anything that will keep it from drying to fast.If you are just going to use it for small figures than let it split cuase it don`t matter than. Thats just my 2 cents and it might not even be worth that. vince

squbrigg · #6 03-30-2008, 09:39 PM

Well son, since it's that wide, I'd still seal it and not cut it up into smaller billits until you have a better idea of what you might want to carve it into. You can always cut it up, but never put it back together into that wonderful size naturally.

Remember, getting wood that size is very difficult, and to me, it would be a shame to cut it up until you know. But that's just my opinion. I have a piece of 22" wide X 4' long Mahogany that I'm awaiting inspiration on, and no way would I cut a sliver off until I am decided. You just need to seal the ends, so the wood dryes evenly and checking is kept to a minimum. A can of end sealer is a very worth while investment for wood that size.

Of course you can always send it to me and I'll take care of it for you. LOL I'd love to get my hands on Black Walnut that size!!!

Bob
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Ashbys · #7 03-31-2008, 09:46 AM

Cliff,

Just take a can of spray paint and paint the ends. It will seal it. Then move it to a dry space. When it is dry it will be 70 - 80 percent lighter. But if you want to carve some of it wet , you will be amazed how well it carves, then soak it in anti-freeze to seal it , it will keep the checking down. Anti freeze is polypropylene- gycol , it has been used for years to reduce the stress cracks in chainsaw carvings.

If you use it protect your self, it is a poison , and can cause de-fatting of the skin wear rubber gloves until it dries. But it will protect the wood, and unless it is being used for food items , bowl , spoons , cutting boards , it will not cause any major problems.

Garry

tucker1931 · #8 03-31-2008, 12:31 PM

Hey Gary, thanks buddy, I think that's what I'll try.
Cliff

Ashbys · #9 03-31-2008, 03:36 PM

No Problem Cliff,

It started me thinking about if there was another option, and well there is , they make a anti - freeze for campers, which is considered food safe. It is sold as non toxic you can get it at farm and family centers. it should work as well. since your basically using it as a water substitute. It is a gycol as well

Garry