Hi folks,
In my limited experience, I’ve noticed that when I buy thicker stock (12/4, 16/4), I get nice rich dark red boards. When I buy thinner stock (4/4, 5/4), there is much more variation in the color, and it tends to be much lighter.
Is there any scientific reason for this? Are bigger trees used for bigger stock? Is there something about the drying process that thicker stock would have more color? Has anyone else noticed this?
Thanks,
-Eric
Replies
I use cherry a lot ( hence the name ) and I have used thin and thick ..........I sometimes use 6" thick beams to resaw from. I have seen no difference in color based on thickness. I have seen some variations in color and grain patterns from one board to another though. I just assumed that the variation came from where the wood grew.... Once I put an oil finish on the piece the variations in color seem to be not so pronounced.
You will see a difference in color if the wood is air dried vs kiln dried tho........ walnut does the same thing
I use a lot of cherry, too. Mostly air dried, but some commercial kiln dried. Thickness does not affect color as far as I've seen. Of course, different boards can vary dramatically in tone and figure. Some cherry boards are pale pink and nearly odorless when cut while others are dark pink and make the shop smell like a candy factory when cut. Not sure of the reason for the differences--probably where it was grown. I use a lot of walnut, too. Again, mostly air dried. The colors and aroma vary with this species as well, but do not seem to be related to thickness.
One supplier I use for cherry has both Indiana-grown and Pennsylvania-growth lumber. The Indiana is noticeably darker, but the Penn has more of a reddish tint. Is it possible your thick and thin stock is from two different growing areas?
the thicker stuff has sat around lnger esp if air dried which it pretty well has to be, therefor has been exposed to the elements longer and is darker
ron
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