I’ve never worked with Black Locust before.
I’d like to build a picket fence to keep the kids and dog in check. The plan is to shoot it together with RH stainless ring shank nails.
I’ve always heard that you have to work locust green (ie you can’t drive a nail into it once it seasons). I don’t doubt that this is true, but I’m not sure how much time I have to work with it.
If I get it from the local mill within a week of it being cut, how long do I have until I start cursing at it? a week, a month, 3 months?
Does the fact that I’ll be shooting nails instead of pounding them, buy me any extra work time?
Any thoughts/experiences welcome
Thanks!
Erik
Replies
how long do I have until I start cursing at it? a week, a month, 3 months?
23 minutes.
Did you try posting this in Knots yet? It seems to me that when these types of questions don't get answered here, some Knots regulars have useful information.
I know this doesn't relate to nailing, but I want to say that I have seen locust flooring locally. It was installed about 150 years ago and had no apparent movement type problems which would be my concern based on sawing and drying some of it here for firewood.
Edited 5/31/2003 5:47:29 PM ET by Cleveland_Ed
Stray,
I use locust for fence post and drive nails and staples into it for years. Gunnin' nails should not be a problem. It ain't purpleheart.
Keep it wet if you are concerned.
KK
unless you dry it properly, its going to split, check, warp, and bow.