pdp1@EARTHLINK.NET on mon 24 sep 07
Hi Daniel,
For Tools which are made entirely of Wood, and, which are to be used in Clay
forming or detailing or Sculpting of damp Clay...
The whole matter resolves on Woods whose Winter Growth rings are not
substantially differing in hardness from their Summer Growth rings, lest one
end up with a sort of 'Comb' from the abrasive character of the Clay
differentially wearing away the Wood.
Certain Species are more likely to have the desired charactristics, but,
this too can depend on the conditions under which they grew.
Varieties of Pear, Apple, probably Plum...would be good candidates in
theory.
Boxwood and Ebony typically...Lignum Vitae, also...if less likely to occur
in one's yard.
Cherry, probably, if the Tree grew in a more arid clime...( Cherry would not
be found to rot unless it is laying on the ground or in contact wirh soil
Bacteria )
Some Birches, or Yellow Birch, various Elms maybe...if likewise...
Phil
l v
----- Original Message -----
From: "Daniel Sommerfeld"
> The recent discussion on Pear wood has me wondering what woods work well
> and what to avoid? I have some assumptions, but I'd love to see a list.
>
> On my property a tree service illegally cut out two mature walnuts. A
> shame, but I am left with lots of wood - most of which will contribute to
> next year's anagama firing, though I am saving some choice pieces for
> future projects.
>
> I also have a variety of honey locust which doesn't appear to ever rot. I
> am told it makes wonderful fence posts, but it's like a weed on my
> property
>
> We also have hickory, maple, and cherry. I'd assume cherry should be
> avoided as it rots so quickly.
>
> Is there a list?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Dan Sommerfeld
>
> www.byhand.us
Daniel Sommerfeld on mon 24 sep 07
The recent discussion on Pear wood has me wondering what woods work well
and what to avoid? I have some assumptions, but I'd love to see a list.
On my property a tree service illegally cut out two mature walnuts. A
shame, but I am left with lots of wood - most of which will contribute to
next year's anagama firing, though I am saving some choice pieces for
future projects.
I also have a variety of honey locust which doesn't appear to ever rot. I
am told it makes wonderful fence posts, but it's like a weed on my property
We also have hickory, maple, and cherry. I'd assume cherry should be
avoided as it rots so quickly.
Is there a list?
Thanks,
Dan Sommerfeld
www.byhand.us
Ric Swenson on tue 25 sep 07
Hard, Oily woods work best for ribs and potters' tools, IMHO. They take th=
e abuse of going in and out of water without fear of cracking or chequeing.=
(checking?)
=20
My favorite is teak wood, but Koa wood from Hawaii is excellent too. I hav=
e some Black Walnut ribs that have stood the test of time too.
=20
another 2 cents
=20
Ric
=20
=20
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Lee Love on tue 25 sep 07
On 9/24/07, Daniel Sommerfeld wrote:
> We also have hickory, maple, and cherry. I'd assume cherry should be
> avoided as it rots so quickly.
>
In Japan, moutain cherry is the prefered wood for tools.
My first tools were made from USA cherry wood I bought at a
cabinet makers shop.
They are 17 years old and in very good shape.
--
Lee in Minneapolis, Minnesota USA
"We are not afraid to entrust the American people with unpleasant
facts, foreign ideas, alien philosophies, and competitive values. For
a nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and
falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people."
--JFK
http://mashikopots.blogspot.com/
"For a democracy of excellence, the goal is not to reduce things to a
common denominator but to raise things to a shared worth."
--Paolo Soleri
Phil Davenport on tue 25 sep 07
Try mesquite wood--it is a pretty hard wood and any scraps can be used
in the BBQ.
Phil Davenport
Garland, TX
Daniel Sommerfeld on tue 25 sep 07
> In Japan, moutain cherry is the prefered wood for tools.
>
> My first tools were made from USA cherry wood I bought at a
>cabinet makers shop.
> They are 17 years old and in very good shape.
That's interesting... I obviously have a misconception based on what I
see happening in nature.
Thanks for setting me straight,
Dan S.
www.byhand.us
Marcia Selsor on wed 26 sep 07
I have two beautiful "french finger" tools made of Rosewood that I
have had since 1966. I broke a 1/4" of the tip off one decades ago
but sanded it back to a functional shape. They are elegant.
Marcia Selsor
http://marciaselsor.com
Chris trabka on thu 1 nov 07
When thinking of the tools to use on clay, I would consider the clay.
Porcelain is quite different than Sculpture Raku. Tools that work in one
may not work in the other. Two wood tools I use all the time, a knife -
bamboo, an oval rib - mahogany.
Chris
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