Thermally Modified Ash

[formariz 11,987]

I had read about this years back from a luthier that likes to use it for his violins because of its lightness and acoustic properties. I however never used it nor had a single piece of it in my hands. It is a process of drying wood in this case ash that essentially alters the cellular composition of wood. It makes it lighter , more stable, more rot resistant than pressure treated wood and drastically changes its color. Wood dried this way is actually warranted for 25 years when used in decks. It’s expensive being only slightly less expensive than composite materials of the same application. No chemicals are used in process so it’s perfectly safe to use as opposed to many exotic species used in decks which have highly toxic and allergenic dust. 
  As I said I never had a single piece in my hand. That  was up to the day of the Wheel horse Show where Kevin @Pullstart gave me a truck load of it. Compared to regular Ash it works much better. It planes and looks like Walnut. I like it so much that I am going to attempt to get one of my ash planks in stock dried that way for a yoke. The color is simply outstanding. 

  On a last but important note. I am always thankful for the day I joined this place. Nothing but good things and experiences have come of it. So much learned, so many opportunities, so many friends made, so much received that I have done nothing to deserve . What an outstanding group of people.Thank you all.

 

thermally modified ash on left and air dried ash on right

both in their natural state with no stain or finish.

[oliver2-44 9,756]

Thanks Cas?,  I’ve never heard of it either. I to learn something here all the time. 

[wallfish 17,000]

Interesting. We've been considering re-doing our deck but I never realized there was a natural product with that kind of longevity. I'm not so thrilled with the composite stuff. It looks like plastic to me. The imperfections of a natural product is what makes it looks RIGHT. (or at least to me it does) Thanks for sharing!

 

And you're right, this place is great as we all get to enjoy some social media without the crazy BS involved. This is the only place on the innerweb that doesn't get the blood pressure to a boiling point.

And yes, you deserve it. Sharing is what this place is all about whether it be tractor parts, information or friendship. It's Karma my friend.

[Pullstart 62,902]

I’m so glad that you’ll be able to use it Cas!  I’m glad I found the pick ticket grabbing some firewood for the weekend 

[Pullstart 62,902]

For what it’s worth, the reduced moisture content makes a great camp fire!

 

 

 

 

As a bonus, the ash wood splits beautifully.

 

 

 

[formariz 11,987]

On 7/23/2023 at 11:08 AM, Pullstart said:

For what it’s worth, the reduced moisture content makes a great camp fire!

 

 

 

 

As a bonus, the ash wood splits beautifully.

 

 

 

 Out of curiosity decided to do a few experiments. I tested with a moisture meter that penetrates to the center of material where it would be the wettest. All wood tested has been indoors in air conditioned shop, at 53% relative humidity.

 The thermally modified ash has a pretty consistent moisture of 7% regardless of piece. The air dried ash I have indoors for the last 15 to 18 years is consistently at 12%. A piece of very exclusive pre-finished ash flooring sealed on ALL surfaces is at 10% . All kiln dried wood I have( and I have a serious stock of dozens of species) is at 10%.

  It’s explains also why it splits easily. It is a pleasure to work with. It tools very differently than regular ash wether kiln or air dried. 
 

Ash flooring pre finished and sealed all around10%

 

 

 

Thermally modified ash 7%


Air dried ash indoors for 15 years, 12%

[stevasaurus 22,743]

As a mater of fact, they were talking about just that dried wood during a "This Old House" last Saturday.  It was Black Walnut they were using for a 12' dining room table.  It was beautiful.  

Edited July 24, 2023 by stevasaurus

[formariz 11,987]

Grandson said thank you Kevin @Pullstart. He is already using the ash. Made a hoe handle.

 

[Pullstart 62,902]

Oh is that ever beautiful!  There’s some inspiration, I have plenty of loose handled tools!

[Pullstart 62,902]

I’m sure he followed these steps Cas?