AMERICAN BLACK CHERRY
# 153910
The log that "tells the Story of the Tree"
The selection we are presenting for April’s item of the month is not for the unimaginative or “cookie cutter” style craftsman. We are providing here the raw materials for what, in the right hands, could be come a unique show piece that actually tells the “story” of the tree. This is a special collection of American Black Cherry that has even more going for it than its impressive width.
When this was still a fairly young tree, someone saw fit to drive a couple of large nails into its surface. Who knows, maybe it was a farmer securing his fence row, or perhaps some boys attaching a tread to climb up into their tree house. Counting back on the growth rings, we have determined that those nails were pounded in some 50 years – a half a century – ago, give or take a bit. Regardless of their purpose, the nails became a part of the tree as it continued to grow and mature right around them. The metal deposits from those nails stretched out into the classic stain occasionally seen when metal and wood merge together.…and the tree kept on growing. To make it all the more interesting, those two persistent nails are still there and can be seen and felt in the center of the stain on flitch #3. Think of the focal point they could be; remove them for finishing the wood, then re-insert them for character and conversation.
An additional feature adding to the uniqueness of this collection is the crack on flitch #2. Some might call it a defect; some might call it a treasure. A bit of creative carpentry, perhaps a “butterfly” insert, could actually draw attention to this unique crack hinting at a little more about the history of the tree. Was it the stress of a wind storm? Was it the work of insects? Something challenged the growth of this tree, yet it still kept on. Luckily it was harvested when the time was right, before the impact of the crack turned the tree to rot, destroying this beautiful wood and its functional potential.
Flitch #12 is perfectly clear and free of defects. Table legs waiting to be created? Flitch # 1 contains a few cracks which have been compensated for with a width reduction, yet it still contains lots of fine wood which could become legs or perhaps stringers. Consider also the generous 2 1/2 inch thickness of all these flitches which provides plenty of material for the creation of a solid, sturdy masterpiece, all made out of the same special tree.
Fltch 3 |
Flitch 2 |
Total Board Feet 143.7 - all pieces are 10/4 thickness
| Piece Number |
Length |
Width |
Thickness |
bf |
1 |
8' |
14.5 |
2.5" |
23.9 |
2 |
8' |
24.5 |
2.5" |
40.8 |
3 |
7'8 |
27.75 |
2.5" |
44.3 |
12 |
8'4 |
21 |
2.5" |
34.6 |
Flitch 3 and 2 |
Metal Stain - close up |
Flitch 12 |
So, imagine flitch 2 and 3 used together as a table top, or even individually as benches or coffee tables. Sit back, prop your feet up on this piece of natural history, let your mind wander. Ponder over the day, long ago, when someone lifted their hammer, took aim, and merged the two materials, metal and wood to make the start of your special project. Time marches on.
for more information on this special selection
email us at hwp@horizonwood.com or call 814-772-1651.
ITEM OF THE MONTH ARCHIVES:
