Category Archives: Wood

Carl’s Kiln Dried Wood Process

Photo: Kiln Dried Wood Process (wood_process_11)

Here is the blank cutting process that I use to get the most out of hardwood kiln dried boards for woodturning.

I am documenting this process for my students. This is how I determine the price I charge students for kiln dried blanks. Continue reading Carl’s Kiln Dried Wood Process

Woodworker II Table Saw Blade

Photo: Woodworker II Table Saw Blade 1

When I am not turning green wood from raw logs; I turn mostly kiln dried Maple or Cherry wood. I purchase 10′ to 12′ long x 2″ x 11″ rough stock.

If you cut up a lot of dry Maple or Cherry wood on your table saw then you should get a “Forrest Woodworker II” saw blade. I have one and I love it. It goes thru 2″ or 3″ thick maple like a hot knife thru butter. No burn marks, etc. This blade really lives up to all the positive press.
Continue reading Woodworker II Table Saw Blade

Hard Versus Soft Maple – The Wood Database

The Wood Database - Differences Between Hard Maple and Soft Maple
The Wood Database – Differences Between Hard Maple and Soft Maple

It seems like people always put the word “Hard” before the word “Maple”. So when people tell me they have a nice “Hard Maple” log, I think it is really probably “Soft Maple”.  Because that is what I find when I cut into the log.

Real Hard Maple needs to be species Acer Saccharum. Which is commonly known as Hard, Rock or Sugar Maple. Soft Maple is Silver, Red, Striped, Bigleaf Maple or Box Elder.
Continue reading Hard Versus Soft Maple – The Wood Database