Species Library
Milling notes for every species I've run through the WM3. What works, what doesn't, what to expect.
The workhorse of the South Shore. Beautiful ray flecks quartersawn. Patience required for drying. Excellent rot resistance makes it ideal for outdoor applications.
More porous than white oak — not for outdoor use without treatment. Machines beautifully. Abundant and affordable on the South Shore.
Grows everywhere on the South Shore. Soft and easy to mill. Watch for pitch pockets near knots. Great for rustic interior applications.
Darkens beautifully with light exposure. One of the finest American hardwoods. Worth every minute of patience. Relatively rare but findable locally.
Dense and demanding on blades — keep them sharp. Curly and bird's eye patterns add significant value. Common on the South Shore.
The most valuable common North American hardwood. Rarer here but worth seeking. Mills beautifully, dries relatively well.
Aromatic and naturally rot-resistant. Mills beautifully but dulls blades faster than you'd expect. Punky heartwood can be an issue.
Mostly killed by Emerald Ash Borer on the South Shore. Mill standing dead — it's still usable timber if caught early enough.