Free chestnut cutoffs

creasman

Jim
Staff member
Corporate Member
I have some reclaimed chestnut lumber that I've had for years and finally got around to removing the nails. These are 2" x 6" that were originally rafters. All the sheeting was nailed with 16d nails -- probably when the wood was still green. Fast forward a hundred years and the tanic acid in the chestnut has rusted the nails to the point where most could not be pulled out without breaking. It's almost as if they were welded to the wood.

After pulling out what I could I turned to using an old chisel to excavate around the nail so I could use vise grips. This got a few more. However, some were so bad I resorted to simply using using an old blade on my circular saw and removing about 1-1/2" from the width. Two blades later, and a lot of cut nails, the job is done!

My first thought was to give the cutoffs to my neighbor for his fire pit. Then I thought someone here might have a use for these. They still have the nails, but these can be driven out from the back with a punch now that I've cut them. The strips are about 1-1/2" x 2" and roughly 3' long. If anyone would like these they can PM me. I live south of Raleigh, sort of between Cary and Holly Springs. I will also have some chestnut for sale later this year, once I dig it out and decide a fair price.

IMG_2778.JPG


If you've never worked with chestnut before it has properties similar to oak, though not as dense, and is easier to work. It's very open grained and planes to a smooth finish. These cutoffs have both worm holes as well as the stain from the iron nails reacting to the acid. Not for use on any sort of fine furniture, but perhaps interesting on a small, rustic project.

To get a better idea of how the wood looks I've included a couple more photos. The first is a box I made for my Stanley 45 out of chestnut, finished with Danish Oil. The second is a chestnut board that's been planed. The cabinet behind it is made of oak so you can see the similarities in grain, texture and color.

IMG_2780.JPG
IMG_2781.JPG


The trees used to make up almost a quarter of all trees in the eastern forests. They were a mainstay, growing fast, tall and producing an abundance of nuts. Their range stretched from Alabama to Maine. The wood is extremely rot resistant. Unfortunately, they succumb to a blight that was introduced in the late 1800's from Asia that kills the tree fairly quickly. In a matter of decades they were all but extinct throughout their natural range. Their loss is one of the greatest tragedies to ever happen to the Appalachian forests. Fortunately, some serious efforts are being made to restore the species through transgenic engineering. You can find out more at the American Chestnut Foundation's website. There is currently a request before the USDA to introduce the genetically modified trees into the forests. The modification allows the transgenic trees to tolerate the blight that has killed the wild trees. They do this through the introduction of a gene from ordinary bread wheat that detoxifies the oxalic acid produced by the fungus.
 

Dee2

Board of Directors, Vice President
Gene
Staff member
Corporate Member
Wonder how that chestnut might look as a segmented bowl? I'm willing to try. Planning to be up that way next month, I think.
 

creasman

Jim
Staff member
Corporate Member
Wonder how that chestnut might look as a segmented bowl?

You're welcome to give it a shot. Keep in mind this has worm holes as well as the nail holes. It may not be the most stable wood for that sort of thing, but then I don't have experience turning bowls.
 

Dee2

Board of Directors, Vice President
Gene
Staff member
Corporate Member
Worm holes are cool. Nails are not cool.
 

bowman

Board of Directors, Webmaster
Neal
Staff member
Corporate Member
for segmenting, you may be able to cut around the nail holes...
 

Dee2

Board of Directors, Vice President
Gene
Staff member
Corporate Member
Neal, my thoughts also. Hope the nails are straight.
 

joegyoung

New User
Joe
I have a small mount left over from a rebuild of a cabinet set. I would really like to have some more and can drive down and pick up what ever you don't want. Can seem to PM you as I am a new member
Joe Young
 

creasman

Jim
Staff member
Corporate Member
@Dee2, The nails are anywhere from 1" to 6" apart. If you are going to cut it for segments then it should work. Here's a picture that might give you a better idea. There are about a dozen pieces. The three shown are typical.

IMG_2782.JPG
 

creasman

Jim
Staff member
Corporate Member
that's a lot of nail holes..

Yes, I know first hand. They built this house to stay together, using 16d nails to attach 1" sheeting. Here's a picture of the first carbide blade after 2-3 boards. Toast.

IMG_2776.JPG
 

Dee2

Board of Directors, Vice President
Gene
Staff member
Corporate Member
With that nail density it might work better in the fire pit. Thanks. I'm out.
 

creasman

Jim
Staff member
Corporate Member
I have a small mount left over from a rebuild of a cabinet set. I would really like to have some more and can drive down and pick up what ever you don't want.

Joe, this small amount would not be worth the drive from Asheville. I will have some to sell later this year if you're still interested then.
 

Premier Sponsor

Our Sponsors

LATEST FOR SALE LISTINGS

Top