Alder!

[John Fenna]

I just got my hands on some green Alder.... boy does it carve nicely!
What were the traditional uses for Alder - other than clog soles?
If you are good boys and girls I will bring a bit of the green Alder to the GYM meet - I will not be able to carve it all myself before it seasons hard!

 

[Arth]

I think it was use to be used to make river bridges.

 

[rancid badger]

It was also used, after being turned to charcoal, for gun pooda!
cheers
R.B.

 

[w00dsmoke]

I think it was use to be used to make river bridges.

Yes that's right, it was also used in piles in river banks, jetties and the like as it goes very hard in water and does not rot easy. When freshly cut it has a beautiful orange colour to it because of the sap. It is atraditional woodturners favourite.

 

[mr dazzler]

thats what I heard, that alder is good in damp or boggy conditions for pilings/breakwater's on beaches etc It grows only near wet meadows besides stream's. Until recently I never rated it (not a "proper" woodwork wood such as oak ash or beech ) Its like a stronger form of balsa wood. Its a strange property of alder wood that it sems to be more weather resistant if its soaking wet, opposite of most other's, eg ash disappears in no time if it's soaked. The logs I got were about 6 or 7 inche's diameter were yours wider than that john? Some of it is clean and straight but some is wavy and wild. Still easier than dry beech or ash though Mine had been stood for some while and had dried out a bit (not sopping wet) but still extrememly soft

 

[GreenmanBushcraft]

The twigs are good for cleaning teeth too.

Kris

 

[Greg]

If there is any going spare John you know I'll grab some off you!

 

[John Fenna]

My logs are about 4 - 6" diam
So far I have carved the rough of on spoon and stuffed up another....
I will be keeping some to see how it carves dry and , yes Greg I will keep a bit back for you!
Thanks for all the info folks - it is all interesting!

 

[Greg]

Thanks John!

 

[Toddy]

The piles for some of the Crannogs were made from Alder too. The modern one on Loch Tay was built using alder poles.

Alder covers tools in a blood coloured juice when it is cut; it's one of the old magical woods because of this property. I'm told that in other areas the juice is more orange than red


cheers,
Toddy