Replies

1. 
   Knotscott | Jun 24, 2007 09:19pm | #1

   I've used red elm for a pair of night stands...not sure how similar they are. Red elm has gorgous grain patterns IMO...it has a contrast that's similar to oak, but it flows more like ash, then it has a unique "ghost" or "secondary" grain that looks like feathers between the primary grain. Very cool wood to look at.

   It's not the easiest stuff to work with but it's not aweful either. It's prone to movement after milling, so my advice is to let it acclimate, mill it oversized, and let it acclimate for a couple more days before doing final dimensioning....that seemed to work out ok for me. It fuzzes alot more than most woods even with top shelf cutters that are very sharp. I like the look well enough that I'll definitely be using it again.

   
2. 
   jimmy | Jun 24, 2007 09:29pm | #2

   Wait for Frenchy's reply....

3. 
   BoardmanWI | Jun 24, 2007 10:34pm | #3

   Knotscott is exactly right in his comments.  It can definitely do the Pringle routine after planing.  But it does finish beautifully - easy to get a nice gloss look.

   My experience is that it's not used more because it's not commonly available.  I always keep my eye out for it locally.  In my opinion it's one of those woods that really benefits from air drying to retain as much color as possible.

1. 
   Ron01960 | Jun 25, 2007 06:11am | #4

   Thanks, that's just what I was looking for.

    

   Frenchy always says shellac.

4. 
   chscholz | Jun 25, 2007 05:06pm | #5

   Ron,

   Yu mu (Northern elm wood) was the favorite wood species used for softwood furniture during the classical Ming and early Qing dynasty in China. Some of the very best joinery can be found in elm furniture. Often used as basis for lacquered furniture, that was far more expensive than hardwood furniture (kind of the reverse of today's prices). No idea how Northern elm (yu mu) compares to American elm though.

   Chris

5. 
   frenchy | Jun 26, 2007 03:43pm | #6

   Ron,

      With elm I suggest gasolene. (not shellac)  pour on liberally, strike match, and step back.. ;-)

      Elm has no feature which I find offsets it's negatives.. Others have mentioned the trendency to fuzz. I think they are being kind.. there aren't enough blue words in the profanity dictonary for me to properly express my opinion of elm.

   In addition Elm has the unique ability to decay in the desert. (I'm only slightly exagerating)  plus it will warp and twist like a drunken hootchie cootchie dancer.

    Yes it might have an interesting contrast between early and late wood and the grain certainly can't be considered boring, the same way a psycotic isn't considered boring..

    On the other hand as stately trees on a boulevard they do have their place.  (let the city deal with the trash they spread when they go sending off their seeds).

    Hopefully I've been helpful   ;-)

1. 
   Knotscott | Jun 26, 2007 06:26pm | #7

   LOL Frenchy! Leaded or unleaded? ;-)

   Edited 6/26/2007 11:27 am ET by Knotscott

1. 
   frenchy | Jun 26, 2007 11:44pm | #8

   Knotscott,

     Well considering the real threat of elm,, that is near fatal sliver infections, nothing is too horrible for elm!   Go ahead and give it lead poisoning as well!

    I'm not kidding (well, a little bit  ;-)   Elm has developed it's self defence mechanism to a really high level. If you start working with it,, heck even thinking about working with it is sufficient reason for a sliver to attack you. I mean in the most painful way possible.. You know Chinese bamboo slivers under your finger nails torture?  Well it was developed as a humane  alternative to elm slivers..    What's worse all elm will cause infection, festering, and probable eventual amputation of the offending appendage..

    Fearing additional retribution most wood worker minus the normal number of appendages, blame it on errant sawblades etc.. Now you know, it's a direct result of working with elm..

    Forewarned is,, well you know!    ;-)

    

1. 
   jimmy | Jun 27, 2007 12:34am | #9

   Told ya'll to wait for Frenchy...

1. 
   frenchy | Jun 27, 2007 12:38am | #10

   Jimmy,

    I donno know, yah think I'm becoming too predictable ?  ;-)

2. 
   Ron01960 | Jun 27, 2007 01:26am | #11

   yah think I'm becoming too predictable ?No, Only the shellac part.
   Thanks for the warning I hate to loose a limb to a splinter.
   Is living in Elmwood a good thing or not. Now you really have me convinced to try it! Ron