Overflow, Part VIII

Posted on by Chris Wong

You know that I, Chris Wong, make woodwork with much flair at Flair Woodworks.  However, you may not know that I also make fine woodworking tools at Time Warp Tool Works (read more about my role at Time Warp Tool Works).

It is a well-known fact that quartersawn material (where growth rings run vertically along the end grain) is very stable and for that reason it is used extensively for Time Warp Tool Works projects, including Moulding Planes and Ash Bench Dogs.  When selecting stock for bench dogs, I always notice that some ash doesn’t look as exquisite as other ash.  The best ash is tight- and fine-grained and quartersawn.  Ash with curvy, figured grain or that is flatsawn (where growth rings run horizontally along the end grain) is not as desirable when long-term stability is a primary concern.

Fine and Purdy Flatsawn Ash

Up for grabs are a total of 14 pieces of kiln-dried, flatsawn ash, each 7/8″ square and 8′ long.  (I can cut them shorter if you prefer smaller pieces of ash for mailing; what you do with the ash once you get your hands on it is up to you!)  Each piece of ash is perfect (free of defects) and needs love and attention that I cannot provide.  I am giving it all away as one package so that I don’t end up with a stick of my ash.

If you would like for this lovely ash to be all yours, please leave a comment below indicating your interest before April 2.  I will then draw the name of a lucky ash-grabber at random.  Even if you don’t get this trunk-load of ash, remember that there is MUCH MORE that I want to give away.

I am also giving away FLATSAWN CHERRY, 1-1/2” X 1-1/2” IN VARIOUS LENGTHS in Overflow, Part VIII.5.

And if you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to my blog so you can be notified as soon as I post something new!  And please tell your friends about my Overflow program.

25 thoughts on “Overflow, Part VIII”

  1. Chris, on small square blanks like that, when they are flat sawn, you can simply turn the blank 90* and it is suddenly quarter sawn! :D :D

      1. In all seriousness, is there a difference once you get to something 1-2″ square? Taking a chunk from further outside the tree (say, flatsawn 8″) and chunking the middle of it up which has straight-grain lines on that 1-2″ of the end?

        1. Hi Michael,

          There would be no difference if you were rip out the center of a wide flatsawn board. The edges would be closer to riftsawn and the center would be either flatsawn or quartersawn. Actually, what you are essentially doing is cutting of the edge of a quartersawn board, which would run from the edge of the tree towards the pith.

          Chris

          1. There is no difference at all. The terms “flat sawn” and “quarter sawn” only refer to how the tree is cut in relation to the growth rings. When you have a small square blank of the tree, unless it is cut from the pith or very near to it, or at a 45* angle to the rings, you will always have one side with rings running parallel to the cut (flat sawn), and one side running perpindicular (quarter sawn). So take your pick on whether to use one side or the other. :)
            RS

  2. Pingback: OVERFLOW: Free Ash and Cherry - talkFestool

  3. Yes, PLEASE. Include me in the drawing. I wasn’t a winner in the Mega Millions Lottery (I now understand that you must purchase a ticket to be eligible). :-) Perhaps this will be the next best thing…
    Regards,
    Ron

  4. Hmmm, I’ve never been called an “ash grabber” before, …or “cherry picker” for that matter, what the heck, I’m interested;>)
    thanks,
    CE

  5. Although I sometimes think it would be nice to have access to a lot of pieces of ash. I’m really content and happy to stick with my one piece of very nice ash. Great giveaway. I’m sure some young woodworker will snatch that right up!

  6. I would have a use for that ash, I can see the end product already. Draw my name…..lol
    Cheers

    1. Thanks for the comment. I’m sure that you checked out the link at the bottom of the post for cherry. If not, make sure that you do!

      Chris

  11. Chris,
    You’ve got some nice tight ash there, if you don’t mind my saying. I would love to be included in the drawing and would love a chance at making that cherry pop…with some fine finish, that is.
    Jack

    1. Hi Jack,

      Ha ha… thanks for reading and for the comment. There will be no ash or cherry given away today. Stay tuned because there will be more to come! And trust me – the wood will be larger and more spectacular!

      Chris

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