The author of this content was fortunate enough to get permission from the city forester to haul away sections of a prime American Black Walnut tree after it was cut down for removal. Despite it being almost two years since the tree was taken out, the author wanted to test a small section of the wood to see if it had stabilized.
The author prefers to use reclaimed wood for their projects whenever possible, rather than ordering it from the lumberyard. Most of the wood used is from cut-offs from a local woodshop and the occasional felled tree, all of which would otherwise end up in the landfill.
Reclaimed wood refers to wood that has been salvaged from its original use and repurposed for something else. This method of using wood has gained popularity in recent years as society becomes more environmentally conscious. Using reclaimed wood instead of newly harvested wood can help reduce deforestation and limit waste.
Reclaimed wood can come from a variety of sources, including old barns, factories, and homes. The quality of the wood can vary widely depending on the source, age and previous use of the wood. Some reclaimers focus on recovering wood from unique sources, like old wine barrels, while others focus on reclaiming wood from more traditional sources like 19th-century factories.
When using reclaimed wood for a project, it is important to properly prepare the wood to make sure it is safe to use. Reclaimed wood can often contain nails, screws, and other hidden metal objects that could cause damage to tools and pose a safety hazard. The wood should also be checked for mold and insects before being used, as these could potentially spread to other parts of the project or cause health problems.
Despite the extra work that may be required when using reclaimed wood, many woodworkers find the benefits to be worth it. Each piece of reclaimed wood has its own unique history and character, often featuring color variations and unique grain patterns that can make for a stunning finished product. Additionally, using reclaimed wood can be a more cost-effective option compared to buying new wood from a lumberyard.
The popularity of reclaimed wood has led to the creation of numerous businesses specializing in the collection and sale of reclaimed wood. These businesses often have a network of sources to draw from, allowing them to offer a wide variety of wood types, sizes, and appearances. They may also offer services like kiln-drying and milling to prepare the wood for use in projects.
In conclusion, using reclaimed wood for woodworking projects has multiple benefits, from reducing waste and deforestation to providing a unique source of wood with character and history. While there are challenges to using reclaimed wood, with proper preparation, the end result can be a beautiful and environmentally sustainable piece of art.
Posted by jmcraftworks on 2007-12-21 21:15:15
