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Can you make spalted wood?
Under ideal conditions, you can make spalted wood in a couple of months, though results will vary depending on fungal and wood species and the climate in your area. My best results came from using wood with a moisture content of 30 to 50 per cent.
Is spalted wood rare?
Though rare and difficult to find, spalted maple, with its eye catching black wavy streaks, is in high demand, according to hardwood and veneer suppliers interviewed by Woodshop News. “Spalted wood is traditionally something that’s been found by woodworkers, rather than produced.
Where does spalted wood come from?
Spalting is any form of wood coloration caused by fungi. Although primarily found in dead trees, spalting can also occur in living trees under stress. Although spalting can cause weight loss and strength loss in the wood, the unique coloration and patterns of spalted wood are sought by woodworkers.
How do you preserve spalted wood?
In some cases, you can stabilize the wood if it’s not too far gone with thin CA (cyanoacrylate) glue as shown at left or shellac. Once you bring the wood inside for use, dry it out slowly. Storing it in a 3-mil trash bag contains the moisture. Sealing the ends with Anchorseal or Pentacryl will help prevent checking.
Is spalted wood safe?
Studies have shown that spalted wood is actually no more dangerous to woodworkers or those who have the wood in their homes than any other wood pieces. There have been cases of people having allergic reactions to the inactive fungus spores contained within spalted wood.
What causes curl in wood?
Curl is compression grain perpendicularly crossing the face of a board producing alternate stripes of hard and soft board fiber. This phenomenon creates a chatoyantcy in the board varying in strength depending on the degree of compression leaving the viewer with the illusion of a three-dimensional surface.
How do you dry spalted wood?
With spalted wood, the bag doesn’t even need to be cinched tight. Just place the wet wood in the bag, wrap the opening around the bottom, and wait a month. Every week, take the wood out, flip the bag inside out, and place the wood back in.
What causes Birdseye in wood?
Comments: Called birdseye maple (sometimes written out as bird’s eye) because the tiny knots in the grain resemble small bird’s eyes. The figure is reportedly caused by unfavorable growing conditions for the tree. Being tiny knots, the birdseye figure is most noticeable and pronounced on flatsawn pieces of lumber.
How to make a DIY wood spalting recipe?
DIY Wood Spalting Recipe. 1 Select lighter woods for spalting. Lighter woods like maple, sycamore, pine, and birch typically work great for spalting. 2 Keep the humidity high. To help keep the humidity high, I place the wood in a plastic bag or plastic storage bin. 3 Add additional ingredients to promote spalting (e.g., Beer).
What is spalted wood and when is it safe to use?
Spalted wood is any wood that has begun to decay or rot as a result of a specific range of airborne fungus. It is created when white rot fungus begins growing within a piece of wood or log.
How long does it take for spalted wood to dry?
The spalting process usually takes several weeks. Begin checking after six weeks. If you like the coloration, remove the wood from your bag or container. If not, allow the wood to spalt for another two weeks and then check again. Allow the wood to air-dry before using.
What can I use to speed up the spalting process?
Ingredients that contain nitrogen, organics, and sugar will help speed up the spalting process. This can include horse manure, fertilizer, and leaves. I have had especially good luck using two cans of beer. One can of beer you pour on the wood. The other can your drink!