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Thread: Zelkova Serrata
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6th June 2010, 01:48 PM #1
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Zelkova Serrata
Hi all,
I am trying to locate some trees ' Zelkova Serrata ' and preferably sawn trunk sections measuring around 600 to 700mm diameter. I want to hollow this out to make a Japanese 'Nagado' size Taiko Drum. This is the traditional way that the Nagado size drums were made in Japan and the Zelkova Serrata was used due to its various qualities. I live in Hobart, Tasmania and would appreciate any contacts from anyone who can assist me if they know of some trees that need to be cut down or have been and are available for me to pick up. Please send me an email at [email protected] if you can help. Thanks in inticipation, Carl
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14th June 2010, 08:49 PM #2
Hack with a chainsaw!!!
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good luck with that!!! you could try getting hold of something like some sassafras or maybe something like king billy pine or even blackwood. sure it would be nice to do it exactly like the old japanese masters but some of our woods would work just as well using the same techniques!!! my 2 bobs worth
I am told that sharpening handsaws is a dying art.... this must mean I am an artisan.
Get your handsaws sharpened properly to the highest possible standard, the only way they should be done, BY HAND, BY ME!!!
I only accept perfection in any saw I sharpen.
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14th June 2010, 09:47 PM #3
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Zelkova Serrata
Thanks for your reply Travis.
I have been making enquiries about Zelkova and last resort is now to put an advert in local newspaper. I am satisfied that using other timber like Blackwood or even Huon Pine could still work.
I would be a bit concerned about the splitting of the log once hollowed out as I half hollowed out a log to act as a pot plant holder and after a while it split.
Should the log I select be totally dry before trying to hollow it out?
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15th June 2010, 10:40 PM #4
Hack with a chainsaw!!!
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even wood that apears dry will often split once new end grain is exposed and needs to be sealed soon after working. there are lots of options for this such as linseed oil, animal fat, or many other options. Some timbers are less prone to this problem (blackwood is a bad one for splitting) and although not a hard and fast rule, generally the denser timbers will split less and normally the timber cut from straighter trees has less ingrown tension to cause splitting.
I am told that sharpening handsaws is a dying art.... this must mean I am an artisan.
Get your handsaws sharpened properly to the highest possible standard, the only way they should be done, BY HAND, BY ME!!! I only accept perfection in any saw I sharpen.
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15th June 2010, 11:32 PM #5
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You can buy seedlings from Flemming's nursery, so its not beyond the realm of possibility that there would be some in gardens around the place. Fleming's Nurseries - Top 10 Cultivar Details
You'd have to be lucky to find one though I reckon.
It appears to be called "Japanese elm" as well. 
I reckon if you hollow a log when it is green it will have a pretty good chance of drying without splitting. 
Its the heart wood that shrinks differently that causes the splitting. You might have ti settle for a different wood though. 
anne-maria.
Tea Lady
(White with none)
Follow my little workshop/gallery on facebook. things of clay and wood.
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18th June 2010, 09:56 PM #6
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Zelkova is a nice tree, but you will be very lucky to find some for your needs I am affraid.
I am a horticulturist in Melb, and although it is being planted more commonly, I can think of about 6 mature trees i have seen over the last 20 odd years.
It is in the Ulmaceae family - elm trees, and has been recommended as being a good replacement for elms as it is resistant to Dutch elm disease.
Maybe japanese elm could be a subsitute? You still dont find many around, but you may be in with a chance. Problem is the branches rarely get very thick.
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