Spalting wood help

[Hammock Hamster]

Hi All,

I have occasionally come across some really nice spalted wood when I am out wandering that is particularly good for carving.

My understanding is spalting occurs as part of the decay/decomposition process prior to full rot setting in.

Does anyone know of a way to force spalting in fresh cut wood as I would like to see if u can create my own supply for caring projects.

All the best, Hamster

 

[British Red]

Spalting is caused by a fungus infecting the wood rather than decomposition

 

[Hammock Hamster]

Spalting is caused by a fungus infecting the wood rather than decomposition

Ah that makes sense as most of the spalted wood I have come across has been in good condition and not punky etc...
I know you can cultivate fungus (mushrooms) with spore kits, would it be possible to do the same thing with the type of fungus that causes spalting and if so would this be a reasonably safe/easy thing to do?

 

[Robson Valley]

Fungal decomposition does eventually result in wood failure.

Pieces of spalted wood in a plastic bag in contact with the new fresh wet pieces of wood can be used as a source of fungus "innoculum."

 

[humdrum_hostage]

I have seen a website online where the guy re-creates the conditions for spalting using the correct fungus, some green wood, a big plastic box and some wet vermiculite but it does take months for it to get through the grain. HTH

Link added!

http://www.finewoodworking.com/how-to/article/spalt-your-own-lumber.aspx

 

[Baelfore]

For this reason I often leave out some wood in the rain/exposed to the elements for a few months when i have plenty. for example I have a few bits of apple at the mo sitting in the corner of a flower bed. just in a general damp area of the garden, to encourage fungal growth, But as red says it's more a fungal infection that rotting, so while this will sometimes give me a nice result on the grain, other times I just end up with some punky wood. its sheer luck.

hope this helps.

Ste

 

[Hammock Hamster]

Thanks all really useful and like the look of the website HH I will definitely be giving it a go.

Hamster


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