What to make from tree

nancy237 · #1 03/09/12, 11:50 PM

I am selling some farm property that has a persimmon tree on it. For a keepsake from the property I would like to use some of the wood to have a few things made. I don't know how to take care of the wood once we cut the tree down. Its only about 20 ft tall so I think the things that could be made would be limited.

Please share any ideas about how to take care of the tree once its down, how to find someone to make something from it & what I could make.

I have thought about coasters, small bowls, a walking cane. I would love to give my Grandson something because he loved to work on the land with his grandpa and misses him.

cmtigger · #2 03/10/12, 12:00 AM

Do the new owners know that the tree will be gone? I bought my house because of the fruit trees in the yard, and I would have been upset if one had been cut down before it closed.

vicker · #3 03/10/12, 12:00 AM

Persimmon is the North American variety of ebony. It is a very light colored wood, and the densest N A hardwood. It is very hard. When you saw it, the heart will have a very thin (1/4") core that is black. That is not a defect, it the way it is. When you work it, you might want to wear a mask, as the dust can be a problem to some people. You should be able to polish it to a high sheen. They used to use it for making golf clubs (drivers) and for shuttles in the textile industry. I have a couple hundred BFT of it,and think it would make a great counter top.

vicker · #4 03/10/12, 12:05 AM

Also:
Once it cures it is a light brownish gray that I think is quite pretty. If you saw it into small pieces, it might make nice ornamental pieces or jewelry. Personally, I would go with a rubbed finish. I hate poly coat. It looks so plastic, and with a rubbed finish you really get the character. I would bet that it would polish nicely with a buffing wheel.

Buzz Killington · #5 03/10/12, 12:21 AM

Paint the ends so it dries more evenly if you're saving big chunks. Keeps it from splitting at the ends. Do it as soon as you can after it's been cut down.

nancy237 · #6 03/10/12, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmtigger

Do the new owners know that the tree will be gone? I bought my house because of the fruit trees in the yard, and I would have been upset if one had been cut down before it closed.

It has not been sold or contracted yet..
I agree once under contract I shouldn't remove a tree.