Anathias / Tree of Heaven, CUTTING

Ironwood · May 20, 2005, 03:50:22 PM

Just curious as to folks experience cutting this type of tree. Many years ago I found some beautiful curly green wood at the lumber yard. It had open grain like ash and the color of fresh sawn locust. I found out later that it was "Tree of Heaven".

Reid

Larry · May 20, 2005, 04:18:19 PM

All I know is Tree of Heaven STINKS when ya cut it. Most of time it doesn't get big enough to get much usable wood.

I've seen a variety of ash that sounds like what you saw. Can't remember the name but it is not common.

Dan_Shade · May 20, 2005, 05:08:05 PM

I'll have to check this, there's no shortage of it back at my parent's place.

Ironwood · May 20, 2005, 05:48:46 PM

The tree I am getting is 10' and is 24-30". Definately Anathias. It gets big in rare cases here in Pa. The trunk has a cross hatch look and may contain some cool ribbon or curl, at least I am hopeful. The bark indicates something interesting for sure.

REID

Ron Wenrich · May 20, 2005, 06:39:21 PM

A lot of guys think alanthus is sumac. I've cut some a few logs. Very soft and I thought it to be bland looking. The problem is that it grows so fast and the growth rings are very far apart. That leaves very little grain pattern. I've seen trees to 24".

Pawlonia also looks similar to alanthus as to bark pattern. Alanthus is more of a silver bark and pawlonia is darker.

Ironwood · May 20, 2005, 09:31:05 PM

Larry,

Thanks for the info on a rare Ash. When I first saw the "mystery wood" a while back I would have sworn it to be ash, but the color was bizzare. It took several years before I saw a piece of the same kind of wood. A very well known rustic builder, Barry Gregson had a piece at the Adirondack Museum. I was so glad to see it. He thought it to be Anathias, it could be that he was wrong (were not biologists after all). I will solve the puzzle soon, as this tree will be sawn in the next week or so. Given the obvious growth characteristics of the anahthias it may not have my "mystery wood" after all. Well, it will answer the $100 question after all, not including my time(literally) that's what the log will cost me.

I think you may be right, RARE ASH. Let me know if anyone has info!!!!!!! :-\

Part_Timer · May 21, 2005, 10:48:36 PM

I bought some Black Ash a few years ago and made a hope chest out of it. It had a green tint to it. I can post a pic if you want me to. Be aware though I'm color blind but the wife says it's green.

Ironwood · May 22, 2005, 12:21:23 AM

Part-timer,

A picture would be great. I am feeling as though this a wild goose chase with the anathias, I hate to spend the money but I'de really like to know. Hopefully someone else can learn something as well.

Sorry to hear of the color blindness. When our three year old (now)was born you worry of so many things.He has had some issues but thankfully all were treatable, One of my concerns was sight and color blindness. I hope all else is well with you.

REID

Part_Timer · May 22, 2005, 08:59:14 PM

Reid

Are you going to be at the shoot out on Saturday? If so how about I just bring a piece of it with me. Laying hands on it is better than a picture.
The color blindness is no big issue to me. I can see blue and green and black and red. At least I think I see them :D I've been an industrial electrician for 15 years now and have only had one instance where it caused a problem. 25 twisted pair phone lines. Yah like anyone can tell all those colors apart
When I went into the military they give you those stupid dot tests. The ones where you have to tell them what number you see. Well I missed 11 of 14. Come to find out they don't care what color you see if you are infantry.

Tom

Ironwood · May 22, 2005, 09:20:58 PM

Part timer,

Absolutely will be there! I would love to see the piece. I'll dig my sample up as well. I am trying to think if there are any other cool things to bring for "show and tell"

Well, let's just say I know what you mean about the military. I thank God for the experience but it is a "MACHINE". My son issues, while not in anyway limiting him, will prevent him from military service. I am from a family of extensive single enlistment males. I am slightly sad, but also relieved that he will not be a veteran. Mixed emotions I guess. And yeah, if you can sort out the phone line colors you are "A- OK". I count many blessings everyday and frequently are associated with what I see.

Reid