[Woodcarver] European Steamed Beech

[Vic & Cynthia Hamburger]

> Bill Judt <bjudt at sasktel.net>

> 

> I "Googled" "European steamed beech" and found the following info:         

> 

> Uniform in color and texture, European Steamed Beech is close-grained 

> and wear resistant, takes a wide range of finishes, and sands to a high 

> polish. Customarily white, this wood accomplishes its popular pink and 

> pale brown tones through steaming. <snip>  Though heavy and

> strong, this species is also great for wood bending, carving, whittling, 

> and turnery since it is easy on blades and machinery. Prior to 

> finishing, it is highly recommended that you apply a sealant to the wood 

> to ensure even staining. 


Hi Bill,

Thanks, I had forgotten that some woods change color when steamed.  And, 
I had not realised that it was so popular for woodworking in general!  I 
suspect it is NOT the same beech as used in benchtops, I jumped to 
conclusions on the name.  (I should know that were likely multiple 
species of the same general variety!)  Sounds like a fun wood to work 
with, I will have to keep my eyes open for it, although the specialty 
dealers in New England that I have visited don't seem to carry a lot of 
these interesting woods.  Thanks again!

	Vic