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A neighbor was getting ready to take a walnut limb to the local yard waist. I got it from him and am not sure what to do with it. It is about 3' long with a 'y' on the heavy end. I has some splitting occurring. They killed the tree last year and took it down this spring. I can take a chain saw to it to get it where it can be worked with the band saw. Heavy end is about 12" across one way and 7" the other way and the small end is 6" in diameter.

So I am wondering if this sounds like a waist of time or/and what I should do to get it dried from here on out.

I am thinking I will cut the piece into a hunk with the crotch and the rest left for possible turning project(s). With my recent success with a band saw box that hunk's fate is probably determined, but re-sawing the crotch wood might be more useful. I am open to ideas here.

Congratulations on the Walnut find. I have a love hate relationship with walnut. I love the appearance of a nicely finished walnut projects. Several years ago I purchased a three foot long 3" thick black walnut cut off. I realized when preparing it for turning some bowls that it appeared to be crotch wood. The first bowl was a total disaster. It quite literally flew apart while hollowing out the center. In saying flew apart there wasn't enough left to re-purpose for another project. I was in a funk over that for a solid week. The second attempt netted a beautiful and well finished bowl that was finished and given to my son for Christmas. I wasn't thrilled with the bottom of inside of bowl and after he opened the box asked that he allow me to do a bit more sanding and refinish the bowl. He wrapped his huge long arms around it and firmly said NO! This bowl is going home with me and you must agree to leave it as is. He loves showing it off. The third bowl I have had on my lathe for over 10 weeks. Long story short, it has broken five different times. I could never sell or give it away. I took it off the lathe yesterday and asked my wife if I should trash it. She studied it and said no this will be one of those family curiosity heirlooms. It is a gorgeous piece of crotch wood that over time will receive some fine sanding and a nice finish. Both sides of the top of bowl have broken off, the top edge has chipped off and two cracks have been repaired in the sides. No one here will ever see a picture of it but I somehow cannot make myself trash it.

My suggestion is don't even think of turning crotch walnut unless you are a far more accomplished turner than I am.

For now I have a church relief sale coming up next month and a couple of gifts that need to be turned. Then I desire making another saw handle cane for a good friend. Happy creating with your Walnut. Jim

Often limb wood has too much tension and starts twisting when milling. Wood from the main trunk of the tree is best for woodworking.

cincinnati wrote:Often limb wood has too much tension and starts twisting when milling. Wood from the main trunk of the tree is best for woodworking.

That is what I've been told as well. I've never tried it for any projects but since it is free and the most you will be out is your time why not give it a try.

As for me, I have a few small limb pieces I've saved to try but so far it just hasn't happen. So if you do get into it and want to share please do so.

Ed

cincinnati wrote:Often limb wood has too much tension and starts twisting when milling. Wood from the main trunk of the tree is best for woodworking.

Sounds like Maybe I should be thinking band saw box(es).

Do I need to let it dry or figure it will all move together so what's to worry? Also, is the guidance on using Wood from main trunk general or walnut specific?

fjimp wrote:Congratulations on the Walnut find. I have a love hate relationship with walnut. I love the appearance of a nicely finished walnut projects. Several years ago I purchased a three foot long 3" thick black walnut cut off. I realized when preparing it for turning some bowls that it appeared to be crotch wood. The first bowl was a total disaster. It quite literally flew apart while hollowing out the center. In saying flew apart there wasn't enough left to re-purpose for another project. I was in a funk over that for a solid week. The second attempt netted a beautiful and well finished bowl that was finished and given to my son for Christmas. I wasn't thrilled with the bottom of inside of bowl and after he opened the box asked that he allow me to do a bit more sanding and refinish the bowl. He wrapped his huge long arms around it and firmly said NO! This bowl is going home with me and you must agree to leave it as is. He loves showing it off. The third bowl I have had on my lathe for over 10 weeks. Long story short, it has broken five different times. I could never sell or give it away. I took it off the lathe yesterday and asked my wife if I should trash it. She studied it and said no this will be one of those family curiosity heirlooms. It is a gorgeous piece of crotch wood that over time will receive some fine sanding and a nice finish. Both sides of the top of bowl have broken off, the top edge has chipped off and two cracks have been repaired in the sides. No one here will ever see a picture of it but I somehow cannot make myself trash it.

My suggestion is don't even think of turning crotch walnut unless you are a far more accomplished turner than I am.

For now I have a church relief sale coming up next month and a couple of gifts that need to be turned. Then I desire making another saw handle cane for a good friend. Happy creating with your Walnut. Jim

Sorry to hear that it is so problematic. 53 years ago I made a coffee table from walnut. It was very pretty and held together for several years and I still have the wood from that and will probably build something from it. I was thinking of turning with it, but not so sure now:) I am sure when I start using that wood I will have a better feel for walnut and what to expect. I do have an unjustified love affair with walnut I'm afraid.

Limb wood is stressed for all species. Notice the asymmetry of the growth rings. They are close on the limb top, and wider at the limb bottom.(gravity at work;))

Old DRY walnut can be a challenge to turn.

I made a pen out of a black walnut limb from my brother's property, and have more blanks waiting. It is beautiful wood.

[quote="JPG40504"]Limb wood is stressed for all species. Notice the asymmetry of the growth rings. They are close on the limb top, and wider at the limb bottom.(gravity at work]
I was afraid that was what I was hearing. Had not thought of gravity being the reason.

I've used some small walnut branch re-saws for decoration, like this. That branch fell off a dear tree near my house, and I hated to see it just go to trash....

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