Almost prunning time

[jrc]

Here in Vermont as soon as the weather breaks they will start pruning. If your thinking of using this kind of wood like apple, lilac and other bushes here is what I have done for the last 4 years. Cut branches 2" in diameter, a little more or less is ok. Cut them 18" to 24" long and let them set about 2 weeks, they will lose some of there moisture and not stick to the band saw blade so much. Cut them in half and half again so there quartered. Stack them and let dry for at least 2 months. You do not need to coat the ends, they will check very little and not very deep and do not stack them in direct sun, this will dry them to fast. After 2 months cut your blanks but a little long. If I'm cutting lilac blanks I cut a few hundred at a time and let them finish drying in a laundry basket. It could take another month or 2 to finish drying. To test to see if there dry enough to use drill 1 or 2 blanks and let them set for a few days and test to see if the tube goes in easy. If it is tight the blanks is still shrinking, let them dry longer.

 

[wudnhed]

Thanks Jim, great tips. We will be pruning soon and I ak Ray to try your recipe.

 

[kirkfranks]

Jim,
Thanks for this info as I had been thinking about trying more "found wood."
If you are quartering a 2" branch does that still leave enough for larger kits? It would be almost 1x1 on the flat sides but the how much on the rounded side?

 

[jrc]

Cut some a little larger for the bigger blanks. Most branches that size have lighter colored sapwood and darker heartwood and people do like two tone wood. Drill it where you have both colors.

 

[thewishman]

Gorgeous pen, Jim!

Chris