Hello All, it seems my first post got lost somewhere so I’ll try again. I’m making a solid yew bookcase, approx 52″ high by 30″ wide with European yew. Some of the planks have white-wood streaking in them. Some of this streaking is in visible positions although I tried to hide it as much as possible. Should I try and dye these white-wood bits and do I run the risk of the whole piece looking blotchy since the grain is very tight and changes direction all over the place?
If I do dye it, what sort of dye to use – water based or oil based?
I’m planning on finishing with shellac and wax. Thnaks in advance for any advice. rgds.
Replies
Hi Poly ,
I've never used European Yew , but have used Yew Wood from the Pacific NW and part of the beauty of the wood is the swirling colors and grains . I'm sure that's the reason most folks use the stuff for . So why dye it ?
regards dusty
Dusty's right, Just Shellac and wax just as you planed. I've never seen any yew veneer with out tight knots and various colors throughout.A friend just last week dropped off two 3-4"x18" English yew trunks (taxus baccata). It was planted in 1942, Its a shrub form. Great for oysters, tool handles. Reds to maroon, to purples, browns into light beige, all on one small board. Its hard, dense wood. much under used for small tools around the shop. Years ago, I saw a tool chest with handles and pulls, all the home made tools were professional quality, made from the same shrub. very nice. If anyones interested, the so-called trunk grows below ground, I sold two a couple of years ago. They were a week out of the ground and a neighbor who works with a man who turns, coaxed them away from me. I saw one bowl, it was very impressive mix of colors.
Post a photo anytime.Ron
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