Shopsmith Forums

I have a chunk of flowering pear wood, about 3 inch diameter by 18 inch long. It is not seasoned yet. I notice some checking on the two cut ends. Question 1: how should I store this wood? Qestion 2: Can I turn this pear into a wood mallet head? (like for use in a kitchen)

Gary

You could make a pair of salt and pepper mills out of it. As far as seasoning it you have to slow down the water loss so it happens very slowly to avoid checking. There are commercial products like anchor seal or you can slather a layer of titebond glue on it which works pretty well. The other method is a plastic bag with a few small holes in it to retard the drying.
Paul

I am new to woodworking, that is why I decided to register an account here! I really want to learn this art!

trevorpresler wrote:I am new to woodworking, that is why I decided to register an account here! I really want to learn this art!

Welcome to the forum. The art I am not sure of but you can certainly learn to "Make Sawdust" and a few other things here. If you are new to your equipment - start there. Learn safety above all else and learn to care for your equipment. To be happy in your shop, you need to know how to care for, align and lubricate your equipment (and tools).

To answer questions regarding all of the above is what most all of us are here for. We have ALL been where you are not.

First I had surgery today so posting my personal dribble may be in left field , but the` meds are wearing off and what the heck so here goes

pear wood is like most fruit woods it is soft , maybe not the best wood for a active mallet you plan on abusing , that said will make very nice ornamental pieces , especially ring boxes .

drying can be done very slowly in a microwave oven ,,,,,but it has to be done slowly over a period of a day or so or ,,,,it will splinter when you work it .

I tried with a piece of walnut one time, it takes a day or so and should cool down before you run it again ,, maybe a minute at a time a hr or so apart.

however that said nothing replaces mother nature , I am drying a log of osage orange , I split it and drying it in 1/4' logs split with a blade 5 ft long in the attic so far it is looking good and seems to be drying evenly ,if your piece is big enough around to split it and still do what you want I would recommend it and checking it every couple months for moisture content, if not de bark it seal the ends and hope it doesnt split down the side


Good luck