Two years ago I was able to harvest approx 1200 BF of Big Leaf Maple. This wood grows in the NW and is also known as Broadleaf Maple, Oregon Maple. After I had it milled, I stored it outside and let it dry naturally. When I first stacked/stickered it the wood had a horrible smell – like cat or dog manure. The smell has gradually disappeared. However as I work with the wood the smell persists. Recently I made a couple of night stands using the wood (after I had stored it in my unheated garage – no real condition change from the outside shed – and the wood still smells. I finished the latest project with tung oil and put varathane on the top to protect from stains. My wife asked me to deal with the ongoing smell so I put a sealer on the inside of the drawers cabinet etc and the smell still is a problem.
Does anyone know what is happening and remedies?
Replies
I think what you have is commonly referred to as "Stink Maple" or in your case "Big Stink Maple". Very rare and not commonly a priced species. Can be made into very beautiful furniture but seems to have a very short life span in most homes.
I'm sorry,,,,, I have no idea what you got hold of.
Good luck,
What did you use for a sealer? I know that shellac will usually seal in odors. Do I understand correctly that you put varathane on the top only and the sides of the piece has only tung oil?
I really doubt that tung oul would seal in the smell and I have no idea about varathane.
Malcolm
http://www.shellacshack.com
Thanks for your info. I am planning to use Shellac on all surfaces to try and eliminate the smell. I thought the Varathane and wood sealer would have helped but it made little difference. I think the problem is worst near the butt of the trees I had milled near the heartwood.
Thanks again
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