Replies

1. 
   RW | Dec 01, 2002 12:08am | #1

   You probably saved enough dough to be able to afford pitching the worst of it anyways. I've had the same thing happen with logs I've air dried, and after I get done cussing about it, I remind myself that I have about thirty cents a board foot invested in things and I just make cuts to avoid the areas I don't like. Beetle holes are just like knots. Scrap heap fodder. The downsides of ungraded lumber. If we could just teach trees that they all have to grow to be 100% FAS, (and taste awful to insects) then we'd be in business!

1. 
   Ebenezer99 | Dec 23, 2002 01:08am | #5

   Thanks for the note. I will see how this all comes out!

   Rich

2. 
   Glendo | Dec 01, 2002 04:21am | #2

   Go for a more antiqued look!   ;~)

   Glendo.

1. 
   Ebenezer99 | Dec 23, 2002 01:10am | #6

   I just might make this new cherry table look old!

   Thanks for the note on my cherry.

   Rich

3. 
   crt2cu2 | Dec 01, 2002 07:47pm | #3

   Rich,

   I have a ready solution for your cherry & worm dilemma.  Simply send all the boards to me so I can make my favorite sculptural bowls on my lathe !! <g>

   Seriously though. The critters are unlikely to be found in the heartwood and even if a few are still lurking, the bugs will probably run (crawl?) quickly away once you begin to machine the cherry.  However, to be absolutely certain maybe it would be a good idea to consult a pest control company.

   sawick

1. 
   Ebenezer99 | Dec 23, 2002 01:11am | #7

   I thought there would be some inovative ideas on how to solve my cherry problem!  But my daughter has her sites set on a new table for her dorm room, and this will find its way there.

   Thanks for the note.

   Rich

4. 
   Ebenezer99 | Dec 23, 2002 01:07am | #4

   Thanks for the note on my cherry. I will see how it ocmes out!

   Rich

5. 
   hedgehogtw | Dec 24, 2002 07:53pm | #8

   Jon, and All, have had the same problem, does freezing the wood ( for a longer time) get rid of the buggers, I currently have mesquite that was milled in 82 and its has gone through several winters (down to -10) and there are still signs of chewing, I keep it separately from my main stock, my other idea was to take it over to a kiln outfit that uses a microwave kiln and seeing if they would run just a few boards for a quick burst, would that do any good?

   Happy Christmas, and may Peace, Health and Prosperity surround you in the New Year, Trevor

1. 
   jonsherryl | Dec 24, 2002 08:57pm | #9

   Trevor, freezing isn't a reliable method of sterilization. Heat is much better. The FPL recommends two hours at 180 degrees F to knock out bettle infestation in 1" stock. The relative humidity has to be controlled to prevent damaging the wood at temperatures this high...but a good kiln operator should know how to handle it. There are also chemical treatments that work, but IMO, they alter the character of the wood and can interfere with subsequent finishes.

   It's also possible to gas the little buggers with cabon monoxide. Museum curators use this technique on valuable antiques, but I've never tried it.