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+-- Thread: How to tell Cherry apart from Alder. (/showthread.php?tid=7354175)
How to tell Cherry apart from Alder. - photobug - 04-02-2020
I have a project with just a few boards short of what I need in Cherry. I have found a few 8/4 boards I thought solved my needs but realized each time as I cut it, I realize based on the weight and density I have Alder not cherry in my hand.
I have the book Identifying Wood but can only see the rings on the end grain. I think I need a better magnifying glass to make use of this technique.
RE: How to tell Cherry apart from Alder. - Stwood_ - 04-02-2020
I have both, and used both in projects.
If in doubt, check the knots, *if* your rough lumber has knots.
Alder knots will (usually) have a split in the knot.
RE: How to tell Cherry apart from Alder. - photobug - 04-02-2020
(04-02-2020, 08:02 PM)Stwood_ Wrote: I have both, and used both in projects.
If in doubt, check the knots, *if* your rough lumber has knots.
Alder knots will (usually) have a split in the knot.
What I have in cherry is so limited mostly clear as is much of my alder that is why I keep getting fulled. Probably 60% of the wood I have in my house is shop and crawlspace is Alder. I need to start building something so i have room to work in my shop.
My wife just found a 40x hand lens, I will go back to see if I can identify some rays and rings on the end grain. I have a pretty good guess what the woods are but am being picky as this is the most elegant thing i will have created.
RE: How to tell Cherry apart from Alder. - MichaelMouse - 04-03-2020
(04-02-2020, 07:24 PM)photobug Wrote: I have the book Identifying Wood but can only see the rings on the end grain. I think I need a better magnifying glass to make use of this technique.
Or use your olfactory system. Cherry smells/tastes like - cherry. Alder don't.
RE: How to tell Cherry apart from Alder. - Arlin Eastman - 04-03-2020
If I could suggest Mike or goes by PVW sells outstanding cherry and figured as well.
https://www.forums.woodnet.net/member.php?action=profile&uid=124584
RE: How to tell Cherry apart from Alder. - photobug - 04-03-2020
(04-03-2020, 10:45 AM)Arlin Eastman Wrote: If I could suggest Mike or goes by PVW sells outstanding cherry and figured as well.
https://www.forums.woodnet.net/member.php?action=profile&uid=124584
Thanks for that. Someone else suggested him but he had changed his screen name in 2016 and I was unable to find him. Just sent him a PM, hopefully he gets back to me soon. I did also have a call into Bell Hardwoods.
RE: How to tell Cherry apart from Alder. - farmerj111 - 04-06-2020
You can always use that alder to smoke some salmon
RE: How to tell Cherry apart from Alder. - Latech15 - 04-06-2020
Density and weight are the easy way. Cherry is much heavier than the alder. Alder is really light weight.
RE: How to tell Cherry apart from Alder. - photobug - 04-07-2020
(04-06-2020, 04:36 PM)farmerj111 Wrote: You can always use that alder to smoke some salmon
My house is trimmed in alder. Got lots of places to use it that is why I got ton around.
RE: How to tell Cherry apart from Alder. - photobug - 04-07-2020
(04-06-2020, 06:52 PM)Latech15 Wrote: Density and weight are the easy way. Cherry is much heavier than the alder. Alder is really light weight.
Yep I know, as soon as i cut a larger piece I know it is Alder in my hand. When it is a large 8/4 board it also feels like cherry when cut to a smaller piece it turns into Alder.