Butter Nut

[Stevem]

Got a call yesterday asking if I'd like to saw some butter nut.  It's about 20 miles from me and supposed to be about 30" on the stump.

What does anybody know about butter nut? 
What's it related to and is there any particular problems cutting it or special way it should be cut?  They aren't native to this area.

[Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner"]

That ought to be interesting to see.  It must have come out of a private yard.  Where are you headed to make the sawdust?  Might be interesting to watch you work.

[Stevem]

If it happens it will be about 2 miles east of Salem on Hwy 22, somewhere just off the prison turn off.  Private yard. 

[Kirk Allen]

Its a popular wood for the wood carvers.  Cuts like butter! 

[John Bartley]

Its a popular wood for the wood carvers.  Cuts like butter! 

Ummmm.... not to be argumentative, but.... maybe you're thinking of Basswood? for carvers. It's very soft, white to light tan in colour and has almost no visible grain. Butternut is "somewhat" similar to Ash in appearance and hardness even though it's a member of the Walnut family. It's used for veneer, trim, furniture and other cabinetmaking.

cheers

[Kirk Allen]

John, not argumentative at all.  You are 100% correct!  Basswood is in fact what I was thinking. 

Our taxidermist uses Basswood for mount backs. 

[John Bartley]

Our taxidermist uses Basswood for mount backs. 

Interesting!!  I had no idea that it might be used for mounting bases/backs. I'm cutting a 1000 feet or so of Basswood right now, so that opens up a whole new market for me.

cheers and thanks!

John

[Kirk Allen]

John,
Our taxidermist gets his from someone in Wisconsin and typically uses it on the exotic backs from the Africa Mounts he does. 

[JP Sinclair]

Butternut is beautiful, a bit lighter than walnut.  Makes beautiful cabinets or even flooring. 

[Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner"]

I will have to see if I can find such a tree in these parts.  As to the Popular, thanks Kirk, for the new use, besides horse stalls and trailer decks.   I will have to find a taxidermist in these parts for a new customer.