Unusual dotted patterns on cherry lumber

[jeffrey bailey]

I am currently making a cradle from some cherry lumber that was given to me. The lumber was cut by an amateur and air dried. It has a little figure in the grain. What I am finding unusual are dotted patterns in the grain. The dots are light colored and can be seen easier from different directions and in different light. They are very prominent in sunlight. I know what pitch pockets are and this lumber has some of those too. These dotted patterns aren't pitch. Any idea what these patterns are? Figure, maybe?

[Chris Padilla]

Sounds like figure...chatoyance perhaps? Try taking some pictures if you can.

[jeffrey bailey]

It looks like this

[Jamie Buxton]

It looks like this

That stuff is medullary rays. They are thin structures in the tree which run radially in the trunk. They're usually visible only in quartersawn lumber. In most species, the rays are microscopic. In some, they are very big -- for instance lacewood, sycamore, and white oak. In some they're medium small -- for instance cherry and maple.

[Shawn Pixley]

It looks like this

This is a horrible problem and you are risking life and limb with this mutation. It will take a specialist who is certified to dispose of this properly. Luckily I am trained in this work. Please send it to me and I will ensure your safety...

[Bob Kinsman]

Fix by applying wash coat of shellac, oil liberally, let stand, wipe dry, chase with another round of shellac, and polish with your choice of wax . . .

Not much wrong with getting a bit of ray fleck, just need to pick your pieces carefully if for glue-up or panel matching.

[lowell holmes]

I don't think Shawn can dispose it properly.

For safeties sake, you should send it to me for proper disposal.

[Jim Sevey]

That's beautiful! One lucky baby.

[Dave Zellers]

That board needs a veneer cutting bandsaw, STAT!

[Shane Copps]

+1 on Dave's post. Unless you don't think Shawn or Lowell can dispose of it- then I would gladly risk my health to dispose of it for you :-)

[Rick Potter]

This is a stealth gloat, right?

RP

[Jim Matthews]

I will gladly trade you 1:1 for some straight grained Poplar, ready to paint.

Where shall I meet you?

[jeffrey bailey]

Sorry, not a gloat and I won't be sending it to anyone. It was a pain trying to match up the boards for the end panels on the "basket" of the cradle but I did get that done. Looks like the support structure will have some of this figure on it though. While planing the rest of the boards yesterday, I also noticed some curl so I think it will be a nice looking piece when I get it finished.

[jeffrey bailey]

Here is what the cradle ended up looking like.

Dexter's Cradle2 Compressed.jpgDexter's Cradle5 Compressed.jpg

[glenn bradley]

That came out very nice. One lucky baby.