I am in WA state and I keep seeing a tree  here that has an orange like bark to it. I asked about it and it is called a Madrone tree. It is one of this states native trees and I am told that it is EXTREMELY hard.

 Any woodworking info on this tree? I am going to try to get a small piece to take home and turn down and would like to hear from any one who is framiliar with it.

 

Thanks

 

Ron

Man Ron, I have heard of it only in name, beyond that I have no experience with it at all. I remember a Fine Woodworker issue awhile back, they have a wonderful section in there featured artists area of the mag where reader send in pics of their work, and remember seeing a Krenov inspired piece built with madrone that was absolutely beautiful.

Here is a Madrone Jewelry Box I found on the web

Good luck,

Hows the trip!

Here is a link to Keith Stevens site, Woodworkers Source, on Madrone. You are right that it is a dense wood from the Pacific Northwest. I have heard it mentioned but haven't seen it here in the south.

http://www.woodworkerssource.com/online_show_wood.php?wood=Arbutus%20menziesii

Hi Ron,

I have turned it a bit, but it was kiln dried and in fact it is very hard and moist wood, but sharp tools take care of the hardness.

I googled madrone wood and came up with this. owic.oregonstate.edu/species/madrone.php

Keith Stephens was mentioned above and you can sure rely on any info you get from him. One of his stores is only about 4-5 miles west of me and I have been dealing with him for about 20-25 years business. Very knowledgeable and wood smart fella.

Leo in AZ.

I haven't ever seen any of it up close but I have seen a few pictures of some Madrone Burl that was turned. Really looked good.

Get a nice piece if you are going to get.

I am headed home soom and still am looking for a piece of Madrone. No luck yet. I don't have very much room, as the suv is loaded with other things. I hope to locate some soon. I have been looking at neighbors firewood, they burn a lot of wood and Madrone is a favorite burning wood here. I'll let you know how things "turn" out if I get some.

John Moody said:

I haven't ever seen any of it up close but I have seen a few pictures of some Madrone Burl that was turned. Really looked good.

Get a nice piece if you are going to get.

Ron, you know there are a couple of essentials that can't be left out of the SUV. One is golf clubs, they go everywhere I go. We can always get clothes when we get there.

Any good wood that can be picked up and loaded has to get a special place also.

Now outside those, well and LOML others things can be moved or removed...