{Here is a copy of a message I just put up on the 'rec.woodworking' NG. I
really don't want to just trash this stuff.}

People -

It's been some time since I've 'tuned in'. So I apologize in advance for any
procedural errors.

Anyhow, I have something to offer . . . I remember a good bit of discussion
of the value of and desire for 'Spalted' wood. Yesterday I was finally able
to take down a dead tree. I've been trying to get someone to do it for
several years. I thought it would be hollow, but it wasn't. The upper trunk
& limbs were so rotted {?} that they were like 'punk' or Balsa !!.

The lower trunk is very interesting. The took it down in about 3-foot
'chunks' - per my instructions. When they were cutting those into more
manageable pieces, with ants all over the place, I was able to take a closer
look.

a} The wood was solid and absolutely dry. It had been dead for some years
and sort of 'Air Dried on the stump'. The chainsaw residue wasn't 'sawdust',
but looked like 'cut Spaghetti' !! From the shape of the leaves I've raked .
.. . I'm guessing Maple.

b} The surface, where the bark had fallen off, was 'speckled' with 'worm'
{ant ?}holes.

and c} The ends showed a distinct 'spalted' pattern !!! When I looked closer
it was even on the surface of the pieces.

The chunks are spread along the side of the 'shop' . . . I've sprayed them
to get rid of the ants. Also the entire area to kill the weeds. {The biggest
reason for the 'project' is to put an 'attached shed' in place to store
sheet goods}

There has got to be 500 pounds, or more, of the stuff. Before Joanne chucks
it {she ABSOLUTELY WON'T let me take up any more of HER space, or 'feed the
ants', or 'draw termites'}, or I use it for the shop stove, I'd like to see
it used for something of beauty & value. There are some really BIG chunks.
I'd be glad to take & send pictures to anyone interested.

Regards & Thanks,
Ron Magen
Backyard Boatshop
{in the Philly suburbs . . . 215 Area Code, and 19038 ZIP code}