Shopsmith Forums

Over the last week I've accumulated some wood. (see pictures) Some good, some questionable... I think. I'll go ahead and say that I know little to nothing about wood, what's usable for what and what should be thrown in the fire.

I'm pretty much illiterate when it comes to reading wood, what type it is, knowing anything about the grains, or even telling sometimes if it's real or not! I'm curious of a few things:

1. The hunks of wood, I'm told it's Elm, would it be worth trying to turn them into any sort of bowls?

A quick google search indicated that Elm is highly capable of bending, bowing, twisting and turning, and can be a PITA. The guy said they should be really dry by now, but I haven't a clue. Aside from that, given the pictures are these in good enough shape, or are all the little splits going to go all the way through and ruin any chances of turning it successfully.

2. What's the best method to approach veneers?

Regarding the armiore, I haven't decided if I'm going to fix it up and keep/sell it, or break it down and use the wood for projects. But the decorative areas are veneers and I'm not sure what do do if I have to remove those. I assume it'll be backed with glue.

3. Stain...?

I assume the only option here is to use a jointer/planer to remove the stained surface if I really just want to use the wood for something else. Worth it? Or should I just plan to use the same type/stained wood for the same project(s) and leave the surface be.

I figure I could use the chunks of wood in the buckets for support pieces and jigs. I've got a few in mind already.

I've got a LOT to learn I know, and I'll be doing my research for sure. It'll be nice to know what types of woods I'm working with in some of these random piles.

Some good, lotsa less so.

NEVER use a 'jointer/planer' to remove finish!(unless sharpening knives is a fetish with thee)!

Others can answer the other questions.

The cabinet is precious, maybe an antique, I would do nothing with it, as far as changing the finish or wood, if it needs some repairs do it, but dont alter it.

ERLover wrote:The cabinet is precious, maybe an antique, I would do nothing with it, as far as changing the finish or wood, if it needs some repairs do it, but dont alter it.

While I totally agree, my local Habitat Restore has several similar cabinets for sale almost everyday for peanuts. I don't understand it, beautiful pieces that just need a little TLC.

ChrisNeilan wrote:

ERLover wrote:The cabinet is precious, maybe an antique, I would do nothing with it, as far as changing the finish or wood, if it needs some repairs do it, but dont alter it.

While I totally agree, my local Habitat Restore has several similar cabinets for sale almost everyday for peanuts. I don't understand it, beautiful pieces that just need a little TLC.

Out of 'style'.

@JPG>Out of 'style'.
Classic

Some thing looks good almost please tell me that which type of wood did you use ?/

I have no idea what any of this wood is. The only exceptions are a few of the pieces from home depot with 'birch' on them, and the previously mentioned sections that are supposedly Elm.