Replies

1. 
   jackplane | May 12, 2004 04:42pm | #1

   Just a note: it will continue to rot unless you apply an insecticide or bleach, something to preserve it so it'll be there. Best of luck.

1. 
   forestgirl | May 12, 2004 08:21pm | #2

   IMO, treating with bleach is not necessary (and certainly not an insecticide).  As long as the log isn't laying in a very wet environment, and doesn't stay down too long, it'll be fine for whomever takes advantage of Tzvi's offer.  I've been collecting some spalted maple from a couple of neighbor's trees.  The first tree I cut had been down for at least 3 years, in a very wet area.  The second tree was huge (close to 3 feet D. at the base) and very rotten at the core, but the spalted outside is solid.

   The small stack of spalted wood I'm drying does fine as long as the humidity level is below 65% or so, and it's stickered for air circulation.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   fdampier5 | May 12, 2004 09:26pm | #3

   Be very carefull about working with spalted wood,

     Everytime I've tried I get really sick.. flu like syptoms that clearup as soon as I get all the mold spores away from me..

       I've mentioned it to several others and they agree they tend to get sick from working with spalted wood..  maybe not as nasty toss your cookies as I do but they do tend to feel lousy..

     

2. 
   jackplane | May 12, 2004 10:19pm | #4

   I meant to say fungicide, but couldn't think of that word at that time, which is why bleach will work. But you have more experience than me in dealing with spalted lumber, so I will defer to you.

     I always thought it best to treat it to avoid further decay, but then I live in an area with very high humidity for almost half the year.

1. 
   forestgirl | May 13, 2004 06:28pm | #6

   Ahhhhhh, fungicide.  gotcha.  I'm certainly far from an expert, but from what I've read and that little experience, it's mainly a matter of getting the wood cut and stacked in the right environment.  The spalting can't continue at any noticeable rate.  Even when the log's intact and on the ground the spalting goes at a relatively slow rate.

   The concerns expressed about irritation from working the wood are well-founded.  It's really important to use excellent breathing protection, and in addition I wear long sleeves and over-pants that I can take off before I come back in the house.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

2. 
   OneofmanyBobs | May 13, 2004 01:03pm | #5

   Watch that it isn't elm.  I get a couple every year that got hit with Dutch Elm disease.  Looks a lot like soft maple and often highly spalted.  Dead trees are contagious to healthy live ones.