Thanks Thanks:  3
Likes Likes:  1
Needs Pictures Needs Pictures:  0
Picture(s) thanks Picture(s) thanks:  0
Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. 10th March 2017, 07:31 PM #1
    Dave Reed
    Dave Reed is offline Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Bassendean
    Age
    70
    Posts
    173

    Default Black Heart Sassafras - Help!!

    Picked up some wax covered turning blanks of Black Heart recently in Tassie and cut them into round on the bandsaw today, exposed wood felt damp so I tested the moisture content and it measured 35 - 40 %. All the other timber in the workshop (benches, timber on the rack etc) comes in at around 13 - 14 %. I'm not sure how accurate the moisture gauge is but this is obviously a significant difference. I also picked up some black heart Sassafras from a different supplier and this has a MC of 15 % so fairly close to the shed level.
    Should I
    1. Strip the wax off and wait for the blanks to dry to the shed MC before working them
    2. Turn them roughly now and then leave until they dry and then finish them off
    3. Chuck them in the bin and write a nasty letter to the supplier.
    4. Make sure I carry a Moisture Gauge next time I buy timber

    If I do dry them are there any tips to get the best results.
    I also have some square blocks of Black Heart Sassafras that are covered in wax (60 x 60 x 300 mm) from the same supplier
    Appreciate any advice
    Cheers
    Dave
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  2. 10th March 2017 07:31 PM # ADS
    Google Adsense Advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Age
    2010
    Posts
    Many





     
  3. 10th March 2017, 08:20 PM #2
    Pat's Avatar
    Pat
    Pat is online now Good Wood Ruined!
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Towradgi
    Posts
    4,839

    Default

    Dave, some turning blanks are sold "wet" and you can elect to allow to dry naturally, ie put away for a few years or turn wet and dry either forced (Microwave) or naturally. Asking the supplier attime of purchase is a good idea. Some will advertise their stock as "ready to turn" and price also gives a clue.

    Personally, I would put them in storage for a few years. If you are going to throw them, throw them my way
    Pat
    Work is a necessary evil to be avoided. Mark Twain
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  4. 10th March 2017, 08:42 PM #3
    dai sensei's Avatar
    dai sensei
    dai sensei is offline Wandering in search of timber
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Nerang Queensland
    Age
    66
    Posts
    10,766

    Default

    BHS is not a timber you want to leave wet covered in wax. I would rough turn them now otherwise the spalting will continue rotting the timber inside the wax that will then need stabilising. If you don't want to rough turn, scrap the wax off the faces leaving it only on the end grain.
    Neil
    ____________________________________________
    Every day presents an opportunity to learn something new
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  5. 10th March 2017, 09:25 PM #4
    Dave Reed
    Dave Reed is offline Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Bassendean
    Age
    70
    Posts
    173

    Default

    Thanks Neil, will rough turn them now and put them away for a while. Any recommendations for the 60 x 60 x 300 mm blocks?
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  6. 10th March 2017, 09:34 PM #5
    Dave Reed
    Dave Reed is offline Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Bassendean
    Age
    70
    Posts
    173

    Default

    Thanks Pat
    Tongue in cheek about throwing them in the bin, feature in the timber is just too good. Disappointing though when you buy timber by weight and a % is just moisture. All the timber I bought from that supplier had a similarly high moisture content and was sold by weight ($12 /kg)
    Looks like I've got some BHS to use in 2020
    Cheers
    Dave
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  7. 11th March 2017, 01:36 PM #6
    TasSculptor
    TasSculptor is offline SENIOR MEMBER
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Tasmania
    Posts
    575

    Default

    Sassafras can be prone to cracking. Wrap unsealed blocks in a sheet of newspaper. It dries fairly quickly.
    Regards. Jason.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Similar Threads

  1. Price of Black heart sassafras.
    By Fletchy in forum TIMBER
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 5th November 2009, 08:10 AM
  2. Black Heart Sassafras
    By Ron Booth in forum WOODWORK - GENERAL
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 28th September 2009, 03:48 PM
  3. Tassie Black Heart Sassafras
    By Penpal in forum WOODTURNING - PEN TURNING
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 1st September 2009, 08:50 AM
  4. Black Heart Sassafras or Sassafras
    By Bobish in forum TIMBER
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 12th February 2005, 09:38 AM
  5. Black Heart Sassafras
    By Bobish in forum TIMBER
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 10th February 2005, 10:10 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Forum Rules