Was talking to a guy waiting for his buddy pruning the street trees for the city. Wanted an oak branch for a guy at work that wanted to grow mushrooms on it (and I thought I was a little different). They were trimming the dead wood of the trees and would not be cutting anything big enough for a few mushrooms at a time. Talked some more and then it dawned on me, sometimes these guys take down some fair size trees. Wonder if they come across any big enough to do a guitar?
The biggest stuff we have around here is some cottonwood, Dutch elm, and Manitoba Maple (Box-elder). Asked if they come across anything big enough if they could giving me a call. He said they get a lot of woodworkers asking them about wood but he will keep me in mind. Ran in the house to get a paper and pen, grabbed the walnut guitar I made to show him I really am nuts but was serious about getting some wood. Wrote my name and number, just happened we had the same first name. How could he say no?
Didn't think much of it but this evening I look out my window and there is this piece of a tree sitting at the side of the house. OK it was not on the door step, would have seen it there. Think it might have been there a couple of days as the ends did not seem that wet. Not big enough for a guitar, maybe a uke? Stripped the bark off and quartered it.
So now what? Other than painting the ends what else should I do? Split it once more or cut it into rough boards or just leave it as it is?
