Whitebeam

[MattRoberts]

Hi all, I recently had to take down a Whitebeam in my garden, and have saved a few of the meatier logs. I thought it might be nice to mill them up and make something from them.

Any advice, or is it just a case of ripping them and stickering? Or is it a lost cause, and I should donate them to a Turner?

Thanks

 

[Phil Pascoe]

According to Gabriel Hemery in The New Silva, the only tree in that genus with valuable timber is the wild service tree, and the information on whitebeam wood is only that it used to be used for cogs in gear wheels. So I wouldn't raise your hopes too much, there.

 

[AndyT]

Just because it's not a commercially exploited timber, doesn't mean the wood is no good.
If you have the time and space, why not give it a try?

One book I found it in (Trees, Woods and Man by Edlin) says it's a "good turnery wood, once coppiced for stakes and fuel."

Phil's reference to its use for cog teeth suggests a strong, tight grained timber, like a fruitwood.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Andy - have you got The New Sylva? I've not heard you ever mention it. It is one excellent reference book - if you haven't got it, get it! It gives up to date information as well as information that was in the original Sylva by John Evelyn, which was the very first book published by the Royal Society in 1664. It's well worth the £33 or thereabouts that you can get it for. Your reference library deserves it. You know it makes sense!

 

[AndyT]

Phil - you're right, it's one I ought to find bookshelf space for. I'll put it on my Christmas list.

 

[MattRoberts]

Thanks guys - like you say, can't hurt to give it a go

 

[AndyT]

Checking in another of Edlin's books, it's described as ideal for making spoons - so if you want to try some carving with the minimum of "timber-miles" that would be another option, while it's still green.
Very much on-trend in some circles too.