Wood ID?

[Flute Maker]

I found this piece already cut lying on a narrow road behind my house. It is pretty straight not perfect but usable . It is a little over 5’ long and 3 1/2” in diameter.. What wood type? I’m sure the wood is rather plain.

 

[pop-pop]

I’d guess beech.

 

[John Jimenez]

Looks like Holly tree to me. Whatchu gonna make with it?

 

[Flute Maker]

I am a flutemaker. It’s big enough to make 2 or 3 flutes at least depending on the key.

 

[John Jimenez]

I figured based on your handle but didn’t want to assume. Can you use green wood to make flutes? Send some WIP pics please!

 

[Flute Maker]

I figured based on your handle but didn’t want to assume. Can you use green wood to make flutes? Send some WIP pics please!

Using green wood is more work. This piece is large than I usually do. But I would cut a piece a little longer than needed then after prepping work for lathe I would bore the size hole needed through the flute blank. Then mount between centers, and turn it getting it to general shape removing excess wood but leave it a little oversized. Then Iusually coat the blank like you would any bowl turned using green wood….and do anything else you do on a green wood turned bowl…Maybe put in a bag
of chips or wrap in brown paper bag….anything so it doesn’t dry too quickly …..Definitely more work … Then sit it aside …I wait until moisture is down to maybe 12% but usually by the time I get to it it is even lower. Sometimes one will warp a little but if you have left it a little oversize it will still work…..Now that wood is dry the flute work can start….I don’t have any WIP pics….(You have to love making flutes to do this…can be a consumer of time lol)

 

[SabertoothBunny]

Based on bark and light color of wood I would guess holly

 

[Flute Maker]

I googled holly bark as some of you mentioned and ya were 100% right. Thanks!

 

[Jobone]

Does Holly have good acoustic properties?

 

[Flute Maker]

Does Holly have good acoustic properties?

I’ve never used holly before but I would think it would be good…It was free so I’ll see in a few months!