Sawing a Caltalpa Log

Catalpa on the sawmill. I don't get many of these logs so this is a rare log for me.

[@MsdMakingSawDust]

Looks like done nice looking stuff. Ain’t never milled none of that stuff. Good job there Sir. Thanks for sharing

[@southernadirondackoutdoors]

Interesting looking wood!

[@mcsawmill]

I have to find a big one, it would make awesome slabs, especially a Y log.

[@brenthagen3049]

I have some Curly catalpa bowls which are great except for the pepper smell!

[@lesterg46sawwood]

I have seen those long bean hanging but didn't know what it was sure good looking

[@mcsawmill]

Say catalpa 4 times you'll never forget it lol...

[@bradfordhollaway6399]

Catalpa worms are popular for fishing! Use the wood for outdoor furniture. It is very rot resistant.

[@mcsawmill]

I don't think I've ever seen the worms.

[@andysmith8544]

Interesting, would love to see some finished.

[@mcsawmill]

It'll be a while before this log is dry but I've seen some good woodworking vids on KZbin with catalpa.

[@50AcresofAcers]

Hey George, I'm not far from you, just over the county line. New to milling I have 4 hours on my ez boardwalk 40. Would love to saw some catalpa. A few years ago I live edged a small branch from one in my yard with a chainsaw. Made a small bench. I think the wood is nicer than walnut

[@mcsawmill]

My email is in the channel info, I still have the other log if you want to help saw it

[@50AcresofAcers]

​@@mcsawmill I don't see an email address

[@mcsawmill]

@@50AcresofAcers you probably have to use a computer to see it [e-mail]

[@petepeterson4540]

I know of a 98" tree but you know these tree's when that big get hallow in the center like cedar. Kansas City, Kansas

[@mcsawmill]

98"! Must be an awesome sight! I would never cut that down.

[@erikleorga]

Northern catalpa - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalpa_speciosa and southern catalpa - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalpa_bignonioides . Short lived, normally grows in the south but can grow virtually anywhere in the US and extensively planted outside of its native range.

[@mcsawmill]

Pretty sure it was northern

[@SwampSawyer]

I think we get some of that down here but not much. Haven’t milled any yet. What will you do with it?

[@mcsawmill]

When dry it's heavy solid wood, you know the table from sons of anarchy, it would be perfect for that kind of carving.

[@oldcharlie5533]

I haven't turned that catalpa yet..let us know how that is to turn.

[@mcsawmill]

From what I've been told it turns ok, like cherry.

[@deniscarter6613]

Is that a member of the pine tree family George

[@mcsawmill]

It doesn't smell like it lol... No it's a hardwood.

[@BissellMapleFarm]

I spent a lot of time building forts in Catalpa trees. I was just talking to my dad about this episode. He said, "What does Catalpa look like?" I said, "I'll get you a couple boards when they are dry."

[@mcsawmill]

If you take more wood to the kiln I'll give you a couple to dry for him.

[@robertboyd8209]

what's a turning blank?

[@mcsawmill]

It's a block of wood you can put on a lathe and machine it into a bowl or vase or whatever.

[@brucewelty7684]

We are gong to visit a local sawyer soon. Florida does not have the variety that you Yankees can muster.

[@mcsawmill]

I want to saw a coconut palm so bad... It's such cool looking wood!

[@pezofdoom7090]

@@mcsawmill I recently learned that bananas do not grow on trees. THey grow on something called a Musa.....wonder if you can mill a musa

[@brucewelty7684]

@@mcsawmill I have read that many Palms contain a lot of silicon grains and are hell on tools

[@mcsawmill]

@@pezofdoom7090 buy one and grow it!

[@mcsawmill]

@@brucewelty7684 it's a weird wood. When dry it's heavier than pin oak and stronger too, I think pin oak is about 6000 lbs crush strength and palm is like 9000