Violin Forum/Message Board

Cliff Green · Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2012 9:17 pm Post subject: Willow

I just got a supply of willow for blocks and linings from a NE wood supplier. The grain is running from 6 to 8 mm in most of it which seems rather wide to me. Is this appropriate for block material?
Previously I've used Sitka spruce for blocks and linings with no problem but I thought I should try willow since that seems to be the favored material.

Thanks

Michael Darnton · Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2012 10:39 pm Post subject:

The usual willow to use is black willow, which is pretty dense, and has fibers knit together every which way so that it doesn't split well. If yours meets this, I doubt grainlines matter.
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L P Reedy · Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 7:23 pm Post subject:

I agree. That grain is similar to most of mine, but I don't pay much attention to that. I do like to split out my blocks, but only after cutting a little longer than needed. I split logs to drastically reduce checking during drying, but they never split cleanly. I figure that is good in blocks.

Cliff Green · Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 9:36 pm Post subject:

Thank you both for your replies. I think I'll make some small blocks and compare split-ability between my sitka and this willow. Trimming both with a knife feel similar.

kubasa · Member Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 212

Luis Manfio was just talking about using black willow. Michael, do you have any recommendations for suppliers? I don't know that I've seen this before from my 2 usual wood suppliers.

Michael Darnton · Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 2:54 pm Post subject:

In the past I have gotten it here: http://www.amwoodinc.com/

For instance: http://www.amwoodinc.com/pricelist.aspx?x=WUTitHcQkRiDG4lGhfF4Gw%3d%3d

It used to be that they would just slap a UPS label on a board, and send it.
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Chet Bishop · Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 3:14 pm Post subject:

Manfio got his black willow from Elon Howe, in Newaygo Michigan. I have used his wood, too. He also sells the wonderful-looking (and sounding) Red Maple that Manfio has frequently used.
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kubasa · Member Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 212

Thank you for the link Michael. I've never heard of them before but if it's a place you recommend, that's good enough for me!

Chet, I've heard Luis mention Elon before. It looks like he has a website now with his contact information on it.

I will have to check both of these places out.

Thanks guys - James

Michael Darnton · Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 3:52 pm Post subject:

Elon is a good guy. I didn't know he was still around.
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okawbow · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 10:09 am Post subject: willow

I use local black Willow for blocks and linings. It's easy to find in southern Illinois. I even see trees large enough to cut 2 piece double bass backs. Willow dries very fast. You use the sap wood, so it really doesn't need to season much, just needs to dry out. I've even dried it in a microwave. I cut enough for my lifetime use over 10 years ago.

It's great stuff for linings. Bends easily and rarely splits.

Chet Bishop · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 2:14 pm Post subject: