Does curly wood "sing"????

[bearfretworks]

I "scored" on some nice, curly wood - maple, walnut, mahogany. I can't help but notice that it is NOISY when cut. I mean it just screeches, especially with the grain, sometimes so loud that I turn the saw off `til the ringing in my ears goes away. Anyone else notice their wood "singing" or should I call a priest for an exorcism???????

[SharonW0111]

lol lol lol --- I am laughing so hard i cant spell... but seriously may I sugest you hiring a band and take that group on the road .. you'd make a fortune.just one question.. what type songs do they sing?- I like something with a good rythum i can dance to as i saw ... lol---just kidding --but I have had wood that screamed and you may want to try a larger blade size and see if that helps. sorry for the joking around but I am weird anyway..
Sharon

[bearfretworks]

Go on the road????? I'm afraid to open the garage door as all the neighborhood cats are attracted to the wails.........

Seriously, thanks for the response, and I expected humor. Was curious if anyone knows "why"...... most of the "screaming" wood seems to be types used for instuments....

[Neal Moore]

I believe there is a thread here somewhere I read a while back, by John I think, that explains why the curly or striped patterns show up in the wood. It is caused by the tree being continously flexed and stressed by the wind. Perhaps, much like a human muscle, it becomes "work hardened" over time from the twisting and flexing tightening the grain. When harvested and dried it would become even tighter and harder resulting in the "screaming" you describe when cutting. Be advised this is a guess, and I am no wood expert, so if I'm way out in the broccli on this one just consider the source. <GRIN>!!

[Woodbutcher68]

I've heard "singing sawblades", but never singing wood.

[SharonW0111]

it may be that the saw blades are tickling the wood and it is sining with laughter -- just another stupid thought... But I have had some of my wood "sing for a bit when I had it in a strain so maybe it is like neal said and the strain that is from the tree itself.. never the less I think the patterns on curly woods are so beautiful anyway..
Maybe if you lubercate the blades it might stopp it some. I think sloans sells it but I m not sur Never had a topic give me so much pleasure with answers -- lol

Sharon

[PiALaModem]

Originally Posted by Woodbutcher68

I've heard "singing sawblades", but never singing wood.

As a maker of musical instruments, I'm always on the lookout for singing wood, though not the kind of singing this thread is talking about!

Now, logically, the pitch of the screeching should be related to the speed of the oscillation of the blade. Have you tried slowing and speeding up the cutting speed to play a tune with the different pitches you get?

[bearfretworks]

Neal - "Way out in the broccoli"??? Thats a new one on me. Whether true or not, you typed it with confidence so I'll buy it! Changes in wood density does makes sense.

Sharon - I've tried the lube as well as going up and down in blade size - no difference.

Steve - Tried changing speeds and the darn stuff starts playing a blasted bluegrass tune.............

Thanks for the input folks, serious and otherwise!

[Gill]

I'm curious - what were you trying to make with your 'singing wood' ? I've got visions of you cutting it into a disc, then putting it on a record turntable and seeing if it'll play something recognisable - 'Norwegian Wood', perhaps.



Gill

[bearfretworks]

Hi Gill.

I made the mountain rams in my gallery with the maple, some more gymnastics trophies similar to those in my gallery with maple and mohog, and a large floral pattern with the mohog.

Happy belated birthday by the way..........