So one my co-workers from NC gave me some boards from his family farm that is over 200 years old. A couple of the boards still have some square nails in them. Not sure what kind it is because some of the paint and weathering; one still have some of the saw marks on it. He is a really good woodworker, but I am wanting to make him something with some of the wood. The only thing I can think is a keepsake box. What do y’all think? Or any other ideas? He is a great guy who I have known for a couple of years.

 

Thanks…

Could be southern yellow pine but strictly a wild guess. The keepsake box sounds great.

I've made picture frames from old wood then inserted a picture that had meaning to the one receiving the frame.

Lee: good idea…thanks

 

AlB: I would say probably I can’t wait to get some free time to run it through the planer and see.

17 minutes ago, KevTN said:

Lee: good idea…thanks

 

AlB: I would say probably I can’t wait to get some free time to run it through the planer and see.

The planer will destroy that beautiful weathered finish 

Depending on the type of wood, size, and stability, you might look at making a wood body hand plane in either Euro/US or Japanese style with the appropriate iron type.  If he is a woodworker he will appreciate a new tool and every time he uses it, it will have a special meaning for him.

Depending upon the amount of stock you have and along the same lines as Al B or Lew I might suggest a shadow box.  Either an open model, or one with a glass front.

So, how much stock do you have to work with and what sort of interests does your friend have?

A keepsake box would be nice. But, Lew's and Cal's ideas sound like winners, too. 

I had some  really ancient pine boards  riftsawn,  tight grain, sawmill rough surfaces.  I used 'em for shelving in the shop.

Another idea for old wood-

 

Several years ago I got lucky enough to obtain a couple of timbers from the "Old Jail" here in town. The Historical Society had the original 1818 copula rebuilt and a friend talked them into allowing us to use some of the original beams to make pens that would be sold in the sites gift shop.

 

We used an original beam for the pens and some other items.

 

The carpenters' marks were saved for later use-

 

One of the pens-

 

 

 

A gavel and stand was gifted to the Borough Council Chambers-

 

The carpenters' mark was placed in a recess-

 

 

Two pens and boxes gifted to dignitaries that were instrumental in the restoration project-

 

 

Great ideas. Won't find those kinda timbers around here.

That's some great stuff right there Lew!

WOW! That is indeed some great stuff, Lew. 

@Gene Howe  and @Cal  Thanks!!!

You guys are awesome with your suggestions. One day I would like to get a lathe and learn to turn. Lew those are outstanding works of art. 
 

He gave me 3 boards. Without doing actual measurements 2 of them appear 6 ft 9 inch wide and 1/2 inch thick and the other is 4 ft long 7 inch 3/4 inch. 
 

Lew you mentioned not to put them through the planer. How would I clean up the boards? Sanding?
 

Work has been crazy busy. I will try to post some pictures of the boards as soon as I can. 
 

Thanks for everyone’s input.

4 hours ago, KevTN said:

Lew you mentioned not to put them through the planer. How would I clean up the boards? Sanding?

Looking forward to seeing the pictures. I made some picture frames from one of those beams. The person wanted the original surface. I used a wire brush to remove some of the loose surface dirt. Then lightly sprayed with flat lacquer.

 

If you are making more "refined" projects, then planning/sanding will probably be required. Those boards will probably be old growth southern yellow pine. Aging will have given them a beautiful yellow color.

 

A teaching partner of mine owns a historical home from before the civil war era. While doing restoration he found a cache of original boards in the attic. He gave them to me so in return I made him a cradle. Finished with clear water based poly. Walnut accents.

 

 

I'm sure what ever type of project you decide to build, it will be beautiful.

 

Lew, that is some awesome woodworking.  Thanks for the pictures.  

2 minutes ago, FlGatorwood said:

Lew, that is some awesome woodworking.  Thanks for the pictures.  

Thank you!

Lew that crib belongs in a museum!

 

Here are the boards front and back. There is some trimming to do but that’s ok.