I took out a dead plum tree, thinking I’d cut it up for firewood. But for grins, I decided to rip a piece of it on the table saw and see what it’s like. It’s kinda interesting. It seems to be a hard wood, the Unisaw made a very nice smooth surface. The surface feels slippery, as if it had a kind of natural wax to it.
Has anybody ever built anything using plum wood? I doubt it’s used very much because the trees are so small and gnarly that it would be difficult to get large enough pieces.
— J.S.
Replies
Try posting over at Knots. Sounds interesting, how big was the trunk (diameter)?
I'd guess about 4-5 inches diameter by maybe 4-5 ft. long.
-- J.S.
It's a lovely material for turning. Beautiful reddish-brown tones to the heartwood.
I'd say you're right, most fruit wood is too gnarled and twisted to be much good for woodworking. Except for cherry - not that uncommon in furniture. Those trees can grow to a fair height if allowed to. But most commercially tended orchard trees are pretty wizened things because they are pruned to improve yield and limit height (easier picking).
But it sure does burn well! There are a lot of orchards around here that have been replanting to grapes or cherries, so it's not hard to find someone each spring who is yanking out a few acres of apples. I try to let it sit for at least 18 months before burning it. The ash content is higher than softwoods, but it burns hot and slow. I always have some fir, larch and pine for getting things going, but the best all night log is a big ol hunka apple.
Wally
Plum wood.
Thats what you get after you stand your walls.
Mr T
I can't afford to be affordable anymore