How-To
Sweetgum: Neglected Wood with an Elusive Identity
This Dixie star is a master of disguise
Jon Arno extols the virtues of sweetgum, which he calls a chameleon in terms of density, texture, appearance, and working characteristics. He explains its long history of use in the U.S. and abroad as a cabinet wood. It takes stain well and has excellent working characteristics, but it does have drawbacks: poor resistance to decay and lack of stability. Arno takes you inside a tree trunk to see more.
From Fine Woodworking #142
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
AnchorSeal Log and Lumber End-Grain Sealer
Good for both sealing the end grain of freshly cut logs and boards, this wax prevents end-grain checking and saves material
Ridgid R4331 Planer
Priced nearly $300 less than the DeWalt 735X, the Ridgid R4331 is an excellent value. Its three-knife cutterhead left wonderfully clean surfaces on plainsawn white oak and white pine. It did not perform nearly as well on curly maple as the 735X.
DeWalt 735X Planer
At high speed, the planer works fast and leaves a smooth surface. But the slower, finish speed produces an almost glass-smooth surface. Knife changes are easy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.
Download FREE PDF
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in