Replies

1. 
   jonsherryl | Dec 22, 2002 05:45pm | #1

   Heartnut is a member of the walnut genus; Juglans, native to the Orient. The wood is exceptionally nice in that it is softer and lighter in color than our native black walnut...sort of mid way between English walnut and our butternut in terms of density and color. The botanical name of the variety of heartnut (AKA; Japanese walnut) that is usually planted here for nut production is Juglans ailantifolia v. cordiformia.

   The best reference I've found on the commercial nut trees is a book called: Nut Tree Culture in North America, edited by Richard A. Jaynes. I have a copy of the 1979 edition, published by the Northern Nut Growers Association (NNGA). I don't know if it's still in print, but it's a great reference on the subject, if you can find a copy.

2. 
   Shepherd1800 | Dec 23, 2002 03:16am | #2

   Nutwoods like fruitwoods don't season well in the round.  It is better to half and quarter them to prevent nasty splitting as it dries out.  Sealing the ends is alright but allow for a bit of end checking. You can also work the stuff green, thinning the stock allowing it to season more readily. 

   If it is orchard stock you have a chance of getting some nice grafted stock, if you get an opportunity to get a tree, the scions can be quite interesting.  Orchards periodically replace older trees with more productive younger sprouts.

   Pruning of the trees (called pollarding in England) can cause the wood to develop some amazing twisted grain and unique coloring.  Good Luck.

   Stephen Shepherd

   http://www.ilovewood.com

3. 
   hedgehogtw | Dec 24, 2002 07:44pm | #3

   Thank you for your replies

   Jon, I am hunting for research material and references, trying to build up my library, which at present mainly consists of books on techniques. I have Hoadley's books, any other recommendation for N.A. woods and trees. I live in the Okanagan Valley centered on Kelowna, B.C. but travel to the Kootenays and Wet Coast.

   Stephen, I was planning on making canes and sticks but I hadn't thought of working it green ( only for turning). If I thin it down with the drawknife and then dip the ends in wax and let it season for year, does that sound about right? I once "found" a large Walnut root that was scion wood and it was incredible.

   I am getting the wood from a nut farm that was started before the turn of the century and has been in production ( in the same family) since then. Recently developers tried to purchase the land (10 acres) and there was such a outcry from the local and not so local residents, that the local district stepped in and has saved it as a park. Now it is up to a volunteer group to harvest the nuts etc. and try to make as much as we can towards the purchase price, so I am hoping to produce canes, turnings, sell wood to whomever and possibly even put on some classes in the summer so we can use all of the resources. Any other ideas would be gratefully received.

   Happy Christmas to one and all,and  may  Peace, Health and Prosperity surround you all in the New Year.

   so long from the Okanagan, Trevor

1. 
   jonsherryl | Dec 24, 2002 08:33pm | #4

   Trevor, Bruce Hoadley's books are excellent for learning about the properties of wood and how to identify them.

   As for tree identification, I think the best text is: Trees of North America, by Thomas S. Elias. Again, I'm not sure if it is still in print, but it's an outstanding reference, if you can find a copy.

2. 
   Shepherd1800 | Dec 25, 2002 02:50pm | #5

   Some smaller pieces for canes and walking sticks will probably dry easily, but the preparation of working them down with a drawknife and sealing the ends is a good idea.  Good Luck

   Stephen Shepherd

   http://www.ilovewood.com