Lumber Production Lumber is the product of the sawmill and ordinarily is not manufactured further than by sawing. It is produced in varying sizes, the usual approximate dimensions being about 3/4″-4″(2–10 cm) in thickness, about 3″ (8 cm) and greater in width, and about 6′-20′ (2–6 meters) in length. The conversion of logs to lumber involves breakingContinue reading “Lumber Production”
Category Archives: Tips
Halloween, Jack-O-Lanterns & Wood Spirits
This month (October) is my annual Halloween Special issue where I’ll be telling some Halloween and Wood Spirit stories. Long-time subscribers may have seen a couple of these but I’m posting them again for the benefit of all the new subscribers who just joined this year. However, I’m sure you will all find something newContinue reading “Halloween, Jack-O-Lanterns & Wood Spirits”
Wood Properties of Birch
A birch is a thin-leaved deciduous hardwood tree of the genus Betula in the family Betulaceae, which also includes alders, hazels, and hornbeams. It is closely related to the beech-oak family Fagaceae. Birch species are generally small to medium-sized trees or shrubs, mostly of northern temperate and boreal climates. The simple leaves are alternate, singly or doubly serrate, feather-veined, petiolate and stipulate. They often appear in pairs, but these pairs are really borne on spur-like,Continue reading “Wood Properties of Birch”
Wood Knots
As a tree grows, lower branches often die, and their bases may become overgrown and enclosed by subsequent layers of trunk wood, forming a type of imperfection known as a knot. The dead branch may not be attached to the trunk wood except at its base, and can drop out after the tree has beenContinue reading “Wood Knots”
Six Reasons Why New Carvers Quit
Six Reasons Why New Carvers Quit 1. Using dull tools Working with dull tools is one of the most common mistakes new wood carvers make. Using a dull carving tool can not only be frustrating, but it can also be dangerous. Dull tools require more pressure to be applied to them, which can causeContinue reading “Six Reasons Why New Carvers Quit”
Band Saw Safety and Repairs
Band Saw Safety Twelve tips to help make working with your band saw safer 1. Make all adjustments while the saw is at rest. Set the saw guide so that it is about 1/4″ above the work. 2. People who might be watching the work should not be allowed to stand at the right ofContinue reading “Band Saw Safety and Repairs”
Five Best Oil Finishes
Five Best Oil Finishes Oil finishes are commonly used on wood furniture and kitchen utensils. Generally speaking, oil finishes are eco-friendly, food-safe, and non-toxic. They’re also easy to repair and produce a more textured grain pattern than many alternatives. They tend to be considered a more traditional finish, as oils have been used as woodContinue reading “Five Best Oil Finishes”
How-To Book of Christmas Carving
How-To Book of Christmas Carving By The Editors Of Woodcarving Illustrated A Book Review “How-To Book of Christmas Carving” is undoubtedly one of the best books on the subject that I have ever seen. This 144-page full-color paperback book, released in the summer of 2023, is published by Fox Chapel Publishing, the publisher of theContinue reading “How-To Book of Christmas Carving”
Halloween, Jack-O-Lanterns & Wood Spirits
Due to technical difficulties experienced yesterday, Wood Chip Chatter is being published a day late. I apologize for any inconvenience. This month (October) is my annual Halloween Special issue where I’ll be telling some Halloween and Wood Spirit stories. Long-time subscribers may have seen a couple of these but I’m posting them again for theContinue reading “Halloween, Jack-O-Lanterns & Wood Spirits”
Wood Properties of Black Walnut
WALNUT, BLACK Juglans nigra (Juglans – the classical Latin name for walnut, meaning Jupiter’s nut; nigra – black) Black walnut has long been considered one of the most desirable woods of this country, not only because of the beautiful wood of various figures that the tree produces, but also for the food value in theContinue reading “Wood Properties of Black Walnut”
Wood Chip Chatter 