I purchased our Christmas tree the other day and where the guys were cutting off the stumps, there were some pieces of trees from 5 to 8 inches long sitting on a pallet.  I asked the employees what was going to happen to those cut offs.  He said that they would be trashed.  "No", I said.  He asked why.  I told him that I am going to make a couple of steam engines for little boys that I know.  By the time I got home, I wondered how many woodworkers could make Yule logs, candle stick holders or whatever else from these cut offs.  It's great free wood, folks.  Where ever they sell and trim the tree to suit the needs and desires of the customers, there may be sizable pieces to make something useful.  I am thinking of doing this next year, if my health holds out.  Just an idea for all you ladies and gentlemen.  

Good post thanks for sharing.

@FlGatorwood, good post. I added tags for you. Tags help others find your information.

Thanks Gator for the tips. Glad you're back.

Thank you, Gene.  I have no idea what tags do or how they work, but thank you.  If it helps others find free valuable wood, the better.  Please keep it out of the landfills.  I'll try to find a picture of a steamy I built from a Douglas Fir.  He was only one and his daddy was very sick.  It was an absolute joy.  I will try to find and post the picture.

 

Thank you, Dave.  Yes, it's been a while.  Life is full of interruptions.  I'll be back as often as I can.  

 

Thanks to all others who have replied.  See, I am so old I can't remember the 30 seconds it takes to type this up.  I look forward to seeing your projects from Christmas tree salvage.  It turns easily and is smooth, so much better than pine.  

 

Obviously, I don't know how to insert pictures.  LOL

Edited December 13, 20187 yr by FlGatorwood

The picture is fine on this end. The engine is exquisite. Douglas fir is nice working. 

Thank you, Gene.

41 minutes ago, Gene Howe said:

The picture is fine on this end. The engine is exquisite. Douglas fir is nice working. 

I agree with Gene... nice work! But DOUGLAS FIR? Around here most of the Christmas trees are Scotch pine, balsam, or spruce. Not much good for anything but suet feeders! Drill as many holes in it as you can, fill 'em with suet, and hang them out for the birds to pick at.

John

On 12/12/2018 at 11:44 PM, FlGatorwood said:

I don't know how to insert pictures.  LOL

and there it is taking shape