Value of Spalted Beech

[OldWood]

A beech tree fell near me and I got permission from the farmer to saw it up for logs. I've now found that the main timber is spalted. The trunk is 24 to 30 in diameter. Is it this timber of any value or should I just go ahead and process it for logs ?

Rob

 

[Kane]

Could be used for knife handles - check out British Blades for opinions :- http://www.britishblades.com/

 

[Mike.C]

IMHO spalted Beech is a lovely timber. If you have got the means to plank it, then I certainly would.
If you can get a few wide boards out of it, I am sure you will have no problem selling them (i would be interested), that is if you do not want them yourself.

Cheers

Mike

 

[PowerTool]

Lovely stuff for turning - well worth keeping/planking/selling/giving to me

Andrew

 

[brianhabby]

Hi there

Sorry to show my ignorance but I've seen the term spalted before when referring to beech - what does it mean?

regards

Brian

 

[DomValente]

Something like this

Dom

 

[PowerTool]

Hi Brian - spalting is a discolouration of timber,caused by fungal infestation in damp conditions,something like this

Here's a spalted beech platter I made recently

to give you some idea of how it differs from plain beech.I've also had spalted sycamore,elm,and silver birch.

Andrew

P.S. - the picture Dom posted was one of mine as well :lol:

 

[ByronBlack]

even if your sold the log as turning blanks, I reckon you'd make a fair wedge of lolly.

 

[Bodrighy]

This may give you some idea of the value. Check out the shops in particular

Pete

 

[brianhabby]

Well Rob

It seems the consensus on here is to use it or sell it on, as it clearly has value.

And thanks guys for the lesson on spalted beech, now I understand this I can see why such wood is popular with turners.

regards

Brian