Box elder

[will8989]

Bruce picked this up for me at the show last week. Money well spent.

[Misouri Wayne]

WOW! Please show us what you do with it.

[cwmagee]

I would find myself challanged to make something to show off the real beauty of the wood.

[KarlB]

That is a beautiful piece! That cost a pretty penny I would say.

I think I would put a clear sealer on it, put it on a stand and place it in a corner of the room just to look at it!

Karl

[will8989]

$70. 1 inch thick. I plan on making lots of money off that. It’ll be about 2 weeks before I start on it.

[Bill Wilson]

I've only ever seen box elder in pictures. Stunning colorization. I wonder if it holds up when finishes are applied and/or exposure to UV light.

[will8989]

Depends. When I make items for display I tell people to keep out of direct sunlight even if it has a uv finish. I made a Christmas sign by Sue Mey several years ago for my sister in law and it is as red as the day I made it. Ornaments are also red. But they are packed away for 10 months. I use box elder in my Sealife puzzles and I’ve been told they are still red even though displayed and have only been dipped in mineral oil. It is a tricky wood to work with because of the bug holes. Before cutting, I take a blade and stick in the hole for direction and depth. They mostly go on angles and are only 1/8” deep. No problem. But there ones that are about 1” and come through the other side. Bug holes add character in my opinion. Most items I make for display I back with 1/8” plywood before drilling and cutting for strength. Box elder is my favorite after cherry. If you enlarge the picture of the wood you will see the bug holes and cracks. No problem. The train was a special request from one of my best customers to make it “out of that red funky wood you use.” Nailed it. That was from my last batch of box elder. More than you ever wanted or needed to know?