Replies

1. 
   DonStephan | Jul 04, 2010 05:25pm | #1

   A great place for initial research might be the two books by Bruce Hoadley, Understanding Wood and Identifying Wood.  Once I experimented a bit with some American elm.  I found the grain very attractive, but if memory serves the wood showed more seasonal movement than say cherry/oak/maple.  Can't remember exactly why but I finally tossed the boards.

2. 
   md2453 | Jul 13, 2010 04:54pm | #2

   Cottonwood and elm

   mng:

   Cottonwood is a great secondary wood and elm is very cool to laminate.  The grain is very stong visually so care must be taken with your design but it's nice to work with not as hard as ash but similar.

   Say hey to Michigan for me!  This mountain girl started out there in the Grand Rapids area.

   Go buy some wood and have at it.

   Madison

3. 
   mothermuxer | Jul 15, 2010 05:12pm | #3

   I've got a few guitar bodies built from Cottonwood.  I'd say it's on par with poplar, but it smells like cat pee when it's wet.

4. 
   PhillipB | Aug 04, 2010 06:16pm | #4

   I've used a LOT of elm and like it quite a bit.  I harvested a whole tree in fact.  It does, however, give off a very 'organic' smell when cut, but that is not anything to worry about.  You must keep an eye on the grain and it can be figured very nicely for bookending and such.  When dry it is very light but suprisingly strong.  Ideal for boxes and drawer construction.

   James Krenov wrote in one of his wonderful books that it makes very effective chair stock which quickly developes a pleasing patina through usage.

   There are many trees being felled in my area and elm is one of those that can be had for nothing but a little hard labor.

   Best of luck.

   Phillip