Hey everyone! I'm new to woodworking and I've recently come across a bunch of silver maple logs after some storms knocked down a lot of trees in my area. I plan to make riven-cut boards once I get my froe, but I've noticed that a lot of the logs have more sapwood than heartwood. I've also gotten a black oak log with a similar issue. Is it okay to use sapwood? I've heard mixed opinions, with some folks suggesting I should avoid it due to its softness. How much softer is sapwood compared to heartwood, and what potential downsides are there? I'm worried that the wood I have might not be good quality. If I find the same problem in harder woods like osage orange, hickory, or ash, should I avoid using those for tool handles or other projects?
1 Answer
You should definitely check the condition of your logs. If some were dead before they fell, the sapwood might have bugs, which can be a real bummer. But if they’re alive, then you should be fine. If most of your logs are 60-80% sapwood, though, I'd say you're mostly looking at firewood. Just make sure you're getting decent stuff!
Yeah, that's true! If you have some decent heartwood left, you might still get usable pieces. Just be cautious about the condition!