Replies

1. 
   DavidxDoud | Aug 20, 2002 06:20am | #1

   hey - cottowoods ok for some things - rather white in color, very little grain to show, reasonably strong for its weight, lots of shrinkage as it dries - I've used it for containment wood in 15 bushel apple boxes (hardwood frame) - also did the upstairs floor associated with our 1840's log cabin renovation out of cottonwood - no splinters,  very nice feel - of course it's rather soft for a floor application,  but in this low traffic area works well - I've seen it used as sheathing on houses, and the oldest part of the frame part of our house had it for siding (admittedly our house was built by poor people - 1860's) - it's decay resistance is low,  and becomes weak quickly if exposed to moisture - - can't think of any application in regards to furniture - shelves/secondary wood for cabinets,  maybe - it's somewhat like yellow poplar -

   peach orchard huh,  here's what I did this afternoon - variety 'Harmony'

   
2. 
   gpwest | Aug 20, 2002 08:00am | #2

   Cutawd;

       Last winter my neighbor had a small cottonwood removed from his front yard because the roots invaded his residential electrical connection at the steeet and shut off his power.  I obtained several 2 to 3 ft sections and have been turning bowls from them on my lathe.  The wood is very soft, its easy to turn (especially when wet) and has surprisingly nice figure. One drawback: it's the worst smelling wood I ever worked with.  GP

3. 
   UncleDunc | Aug 20, 2002 04:45pm | #3

   My plan, in case a really big cottonwood should ever fall into my lap, is to cut a 4' x 4' x 8' section out of the trunk and advertise it in the newspaper as firewood, full cord, un-split, delivered to your driveway, for $22.

1. 
   cutawooda | Aug 20, 2002 07:37pm | #4

   I gotcha,,,Still want more opinions though.

1. 
   TomT226 | Aug 21, 2002 02:01pm | #5

   Before I started using Baltic Birch for drawers, I used mucho 1/2" cottonwood for drawer sides and backs. Used to buy the ready miilled 3 1/2 & 5" stuff and it worked real good.

1. 
   cutawooda | Aug 22, 2002 03:58am | #7

   so I assume that the wood is pretty stable if you used it for drawer sides

4. 
   JAllen9301 | Aug 21, 2002 10:30pm | #6

   Cottonwood trees are plentiful in our area ( Central CA). A friend of mine who teaches high school woodshop uses it for his class projects. Says it is inexpensive and a great wood to learn on.