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Getting Free Elm (Read 1,006 times)
 
Larry Charlot
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Getting Free Elm
Nov 13th, 2005 at 10:29pm
 
I have just been offered free Elm been told there is 10 or more pieces of Large green rounds just cut. I will pick them up tomorrow morning, isn't Elm pretty soft and not alot of grain?  What about Dye, have not used any before, any ideas or sugestions.

Larry
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Chris Wright
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Re: Getting Free Elm
Reply #1 - Nov 13th, 2005 at 10:50pm
 
Some can have nice straight grain that works well for texturing.  Color doesn't really work well on non-figured woods unless you do a pattern like my collage forms.  If the grain is heavy like ash, color can add some interest too.  For elm I would suggest texture or pyrography.
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Curt Fuller
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Re: Getting Free Elm
Reply #2 - Nov 14th, 2005 at 4:14pm
 
The only elm I've ever seen is the chinese or siberian elm that grows around here in Utah. It's a nuisance tree that sheds million of little round seed in the spring. But I've turned some and it pretty wood, hard, and has quite a bit of figure. Here's a bowl from chinese elm...
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Rick in Lincoln
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Re: Getting Free Elm
Reply #3 - Nov 14th, 2005 at 5:10pm
 
Here'a hollow form from Chinese elm:

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It was dry when I worked it, but wasn't that bad, although it was a bit tough on the tools.

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Larry Charlot
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Yakima, Washington, Washington, USA
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Re: Getting Free Elm
Reply #4 - Nov 14th, 2005 at 7:46pm
 
Thanks for the info, and nice pics.  I think I will do alittle of both.

Larry
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Chris Wright
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Re: Getting Free Elm
Reply #5 - Nov 14th, 2005 at 8:50pm
 
American Elm looks like maple in color and has a blander grain pattern.  It's a bit more prone to tear out but sands nicely to a high sheen.  One thing to note, it smells like crap when turned dry.  Kind of the same smell as turning bone or antler.
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Larry Charlot
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Re: Getting Free Elm
Reply #6 - Nov 14th, 2005 at 10:40pm
 
Ok then major advantage to turn green, wife says I smell already and don't need more issues. Grin
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Don McIvor
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Re: Getting Free Elm
Reply #7 - Nov 15th, 2005 at 8:42am
 
I've turned a couple species of elm and both were pretty similar in character. It's actually fairly hard wood, I'd say about on par with oak or ash. The pieces I've turned have excellent grain pattern, and the wood does take a good polish. Elm does have large, open pores in the summer rings, much like oak or ash. Also, elm readily takes up silica and so it can be hard on your tools--just means frequent trips to the grinder to keep a sharp edge.

I've scorched elm, which I think looks good in contrast to the grain and color of the wood. I've also seen many successful pieces textured with wire brushes, etc. But I would stay away from dyes; I'd think you'd want to start with a lighter wood that accepts dye more evenly than elm.

Don
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