The Wood & The Whispers

Article - January 28, 2011

If you’re anything like me, a special piece of wood can inspire an entire project. It doesn’t necessarily have to be exceptionally figured either. Sometimes its the color and other times its a subtle grain pattern. Whatever it is, the humble rough-hewn board seems to communicate to me, in its own unique way, what it wants to become. I suppose you can say its “whispering” to me, hence the name of the website. But this is not a special talent! I believe we are all Wood Whisperers and can hear what the wood has to say if we just unclog our ears and listen.

I was fortunate to acquire these two pieces of quilted maple from Horizon Wood Products, which will very likely knock your socks off! Just having these boards in my shop makes me feel all “Maloofy” and brings out my Inner Krenov.

Around the time I made the transition to woodworking, I had the good fortune of spending a great deal of time in David Marks’ shop. I would waste hours looking through his massive wood collection and my brain would come alive with the possibilities. I probably should have been doing something more productive at the time but fortunately, David isn’t exactly what you would call a micro-manager. Since then, I have always wanted to amass a small but respectable collection of my own. Perhaps this is the start? Some people play golf, some play with cars, and some enjoy cigars or fine spirits. Me? I buy wood.

So I’m curious. What does this wood say to you? What would you want to make with it?

Discussion

Adam King January 28, 2011 1:26 pm

Well, you know me. I’d resaw it all into veneer and sit on it for a long time.

Hmm…I think it’s politely asking to be the masterpiece of all masterpieces. Extend it’s usability by creating the most spectacular toilet paper holders the world has ever seen.

I mean, the world needs high end toilet paper holders right? Doesn’t it?

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needmoretime January 28, 2011 1:35 pm

Honestly, put some maple syrup on it and call it breakfast that stuff is beautiful.

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Jeff Kochosky January 28, 2011 1:39 pm

While I love Adam’s idea, the figuring on those pieces just screamed “hope/blanket chest panels” to me. So, I guess the proper plan would be to resaw into veneers first, then use some on the front and side panels of a blanket chest.

Pity that maple isn’t good tonewood, because I would love to see something like that as the top on a guitar or dulcimer.

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- Tony Z January 28, 2011 4:39 pm
  
  Actually, maple is a good tonewood and it would look sweet as a guitar top.
  
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Jonathan January 28, 2011 1:45 pm

Mount it on your wall as is. Done.

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Pete January 28, 2011 1:58 pm

I think the one on the left is saying, “I hope I’m wide enough, I hope I’m wide enough”… its pretty close to the 7” minimum

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Jacob January 28, 2011 2:10 pm

To me they say:

“I would look great as veneer on a Humidor and End table so my owner could enjoy their Cigar and Fine Spirits.”

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Alan January 28, 2011 7:59 pm

Call me a purist snob, but I think slicing it into veneer somehow cheapens it. I like knowing the beauty is there through and through. I want to make items that can last centuries. Veneered items look like junk when something gouges the veneer, but solid wood just acquires character over time. Wood like this begs to be touched and deserves a carefully done finish. This implies an item that is handled from time to time like a box or a chest of some kind. Just my opinion.

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adam January 28, 2011 8:16 pm

WOW!
I’m with Jonathan.

I would hate to cut that. Maybe stick some legs under it and call it a table

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Dan Drabek January 28, 2011 8:28 pm

Ain’t maple grand?!
With that level of figure, it would seem rather wasteful to use it full thickness, and bury all that potential beauty inside a board–with the ‘possible’ exception of making a solid-body electric guitar. If it were of large enough dimension, it could be re-sawn into acoustic guitar backs and sides. (not tops!), or hollow body electric top and back. If not large enough, it could be re-sawn into violin backs. (I imagine my bias for stringed instruments is showing).
Otherwise veneered for making jewelry boxes, music boxes, inlaid panels, clocks, drawer-fronts, mirror frames, etc.

DD

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Vic Hubbard January 28, 2011 8:36 pm

THAT is definitely veneer material. I wanna swim in the one on the right! These are the kind of boards that a guy like me buys, just because I want them!! Do something magnificent with these. They deserve it!

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Vic Hubbard January 28, 2011 8:38 pm

Btw, you know the wood store is like St. Vinny’s, you only usually find the really cool items if you cruise them a lot!!

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AZSteve January 28, 2011 8:55 pm

When the student is ready the project will appear.

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rgdaniel January 28, 2011 9:38 pm

Those would make some seriously bad-ass jigs and fixtures.

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Pat January 29, 2011 1:01 am

I like the guitar idea. It would make an amazing table top as well

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herb fellows January 29, 2011 3:47 am

In my case it’s saying ‘stay away from me….put that saw down….are you insane?!’

But i’m sure it’s being quite nice to you.

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Jerry January 29, 2011 5:57 am

Wine cellar door with wenge rails and stiles

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Jim January 29, 2011 7:24 am

Sliced thinner (they appear to be 2-3″ thick), I’m seeing tabletops, side table tops, and cabinet veneer – oh my!

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Beechwood Chip January 29, 2011 7:49 am

My first thought was a garden bench or coffee table, keeping the slabs as they are with minimal shaping. There’s something to be said for cutting them up to “use the figure that’s trapped inside”, but it seems a shame to takle something so beautiful and simple and cut it to pieces. My second thought is to make a ton of small items, each of which will be really treasured and appreciated: small boxes and art objects. Things that people will get really close to and touch.

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lynxsg January 29, 2011 8:41 am

That wood screams to be touched … it has to be part of something people can run their hands over. A well balanced cabinet (and drawer) perhaps.

Serving plates (no round) would be beautiful.

Steve

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Matt V January 29, 2011 8:49 am

Beautiful, just beautiful. I see book matched veneers used in door panels in your future.

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Gene January 29, 2011 10:08 am

That is spectacular wood, I would slice a veneer off and just frame it, it is a piece of art all by itself

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Matt R. January 29, 2011 10:55 am

I think it would make a great birdhouse

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Jim P January 29, 2011 11:00 am

Frame the big one and light it up for your den wall center piece.
Then make a cigar box with the small one for the perfect accessory!

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Johan Jacobs January 29, 2011 11:26 am

Oh my. Dribble….
That is the most beautiful wood that man can aquire. Lucky you Marc.I would diffidently put it where it can be clearly seen.
It would be awesome to make a hall table, dresser etc. with that beauties.
But how is nature form such quilted wood?
That is a question I Google a lot, but can’t find a definite answer.
It would be nice to make veneer of it, but I must agree, it would be a shame to use it as veneer. Maybe slice it thinner to maximize the output. Veneer in my opinion just don’t feel right.

Johan

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lynsg January 29, 2011 11:28 am

Are these pieces about !0-12″ x16″ x 1″? This wood screams out to be touched. I think something like a set of 4 serving plates (not circular). Or, perhaps a small cabinet with drawer.

Steve

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Scott January 29, 2011 11:53 am

It’s always interesting to me that when others go through stacks of wood, they quite often look for the most uniform pieces (color/grain/figure). However, it works out for me since what they set aside quite often is what I’m looking for in the way of character.

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DaveB January 29, 2011 12:25 pm

Wow, that figure is crazy. I would chop it into 12 x 12 squares and just hang it on the wall. That way there would be no chance for me to screw it up……

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Dave Cohn January 29, 2011 1:53 pm

should say: those are two awesome pieces of wood and deserve to be resawn into thin pieces for a spectacular jewelry box for my sweatheart of 37 years!

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Joe January 29, 2011 2:03 pm

If the size was suitable, the piece on the right would make a fantastice blanket chest top. It might also be cool to resaw a piece first to make chest panels to match the top.

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Godet January 29, 2011 4:58 pm

looks like pretty thick stuff…I’d have to make a entryway tabletop out of a section of the one on the right (1/2-3/4 inch thick). Or perhaps a bench for putting on/taking off shoes. It would be a piece of functional art, welcoming me and everyone else who comes through the door.

The life that tree must have lived.

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Chris January 29, 2011 6:44 pm

Don’t waste those things on jigs! They’d make amazing sacrificial fences :)

That or cut/mill them down to some floating panels on an amoire (sp) or TV cabinet. Something where they will be seen frequently and be at eye level. Those bad boys call for attention.

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Dave C January 29, 2011 9:00 pm

It screams coffe table to me.

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jHop January 29, 2011 10:44 pm

So, I’m looking at the piece on the right, and thinking that’s a pretty sweet looking flame pattern, if you set it along the edge. And I’m thinking that as a wrap-around material for a garage tool chest, or automotive tool chest, it would just pop with a black and hot-rod-red frame. maybe not even cut into the face of the tool chest, but find some basic black material to do as a hinged top to enter this hot box.

When I look at the piece on the left, I see a river. And I’ll be honest, nothing came right away. Then, after a moment, I started to see a glimmer of something. Keeping in mind I’m exhausted right now (long work day and had an Eagle Scout presentation ceremony tonight I narrated), these visions tend to be blurry. But it somehow came out that it needed to be made into a tackle box for fishing lures. Preferably fly fishing lures. This is not a field box, but the one you hang on the wall of the den, next to the prized fish you landed.

(of course, the other ideas that popped into mind was to get some ash and cut it into mitered frames, and place both of these on the wall behind that glare-free glass from Belgium museums use.)

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nateswoodworks January 29, 2011 11:11 pm

I what horror, get rid of them- mail that junk to Nate @….
My gears are stuck in jewelry box mode since I am planning out my daughters but veneer it and multiple projects become masterpieces-I bet you sweat when your cutting it!!
Nate

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Patrick Schupbach January 30, 2011 7:06 am

AWESOME FIGURE!!!! I would use them for panels on a hope chest.. I’m sure you will do them justice..

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Ray January 30, 2011 7:45 am

I’ve got to second Jacob, the swirling smokey quality of that wood just screams for a fine cigar and a nice scotch, and I dont even smoke or drink!

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Clint January 30, 2011 8:50 am

I would love to see them as the panels in a Armoire. But I would be afraid of touching them as they are gorgeous as is.

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Scott January 30, 2011 10:31 am

Wow… amazing…

I would be terrified to make it into anything, mostly because I never work with anything so beautiful, but to be truthful, the first thing I thought was, how much do you want for it, that’s table.

The next best thing I can think of is a solid body guitar.

Thanks for sharing, I love it!

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Chris January 30, 2011 10:44 am

Maybe replace some ceiling fan blades, so you can always enjoy that really cool figure.

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Critterman January 30, 2011 12:04 pm

Marc, this immediately says to me huntboard. That piece on the right (assuming the size is big enough) for the top and God never let anyone put anything on it. Would look awesome in an entry way. Once your guests started looking at it they wouldn’t be able to take their eyes off it. Got to tell ya that it felt more like a shout than a whisper for some reason. Can’t explain it first thing I thought of when I saw it.

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Sam January 30, 2011 3:47 pm

I’m with the hang it on the wall crowd. Seriously that’s the kind of piece you make into art and see how many zeros you can add to the price tag.

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Phil January 30, 2011 4:02 pm

The depth of the quilt look is Amazing! I would definitely re-saw it into veneer. It would make excellant panel pieces for just about anything!

Great Fine,Marc

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Schmoll January 30, 2011 4:29 pm

I see some really cool fly fishing boxes, and maybe a couple hand planes. I would have to cry a bit with the first cut though:)

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Larry Clinton January 30, 2011 4:31 pm

I’d first cut some 1/2″ thick pieces to make tops for electric guitar bodies, maybe enough for 2 or 3. It wouldn’t work well as an acoustic top, but it would make great back and sides. What is left from that would go towards making a table top, or tops…or something like that to show that beautiful figure. I’d like to cut it thinner to make maximum use of the figure, but not too thin. I agree with Alan, veneer just isn’t in my vision for this kind of wood.

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Dean in Des Moines January 30, 2011 4:34 pm

Something with negative space would amplify and highlight the material. Maybe a hutch featuring this down the center third of the back and left without shelves to cover it. Put a thin top on the piece with a short rail and ballister above. Hide some lights to spot the maple and make it look like a waterfall down the back, over the main horizontal, then down the front. Traditional lower finials, a la Rhode Island 19th century, would look like it dripping down toward the floor. Perhaps the lower vertical piece could be a door.

Sure is nice stock and worth the effort to think it through before using.

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Frank January 30, 2011 7:54 pm

I like the veneer idea. Underneath the top layer of those boards are more of the same, yet subtly different grain patterns. You could use that veneer in a variety of ways. What seems to be speaking to me right now is some pretty large inlays in an even larger table top, or maybe a desk. You could go real crazy and do some sunbursts, or anything else, as long as it is large enough so as not to disguise the figure. Maybe in some not quilted maple for contrast. But with veneer you could unlock even more potential than is showing now, and it would be so cool to see even that crazy patter change slightly as you unleashed the different layers of each board.

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Eric R January 30, 2011 8:40 pm

Marc,
That wood say’s to me, “measure three of four times before bringing a blade any where near me !”.
Those boards are absolutely beautiful.
And, they found the right guy to work them !
Thanks,
Eric

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TomB January 31, 2011 9:06 am

You mention David Marks…that’s telling you something as well. One piece make in a display system (table, case, etc.) and with the other piece – turn it into a series of smaller art objects. Perhaps a small box with intricate joinery, and something turned. Celebrate both line and curve. Don’t build all the art objects at once, let these pieces emerge from you over time as your life and career progress. But I agree with many above, each piece needs to be handled and approachable, the perfect reflection of TWW. Something like “The Whisper’s Echo” if you follow me.

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Todd M. Foughty January 31, 2011 11:21 am

I would use a small part to make a keep sake box for my mother. She was given 6 months too live not to long ago and would like to have something she can put pictures of the kids and grandchildren in to take with her. I realize no one else would see if, but it would be one beautiful piece that she could enjoy for eternity.

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Rob Horton January 31, 2011 3:02 pm

Not so much what the wood is saying as what you yourself have already said on several occasions: You enjoy turning and are always struck by how much you enjoy working at the lathe.

Take a look at the stacked-ring vessels that this guy does, that’s where I’d want to see you go with these boards.
http://woodtreks.com/woodturne.....oblems/65/

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Mark Nelson January 31, 2011 4:42 pm

A friend gave me a board that figured. I agree with Alan also but I had to resaw the 4 ft bt 7 inch piece I got bookmatched it and inlaid it into a soft maple headboard. I’ll post some pics when done. It’s been on the back burner for a year know. It’s wonderful stuff. Good luck and looking forward to seeing what it becomes.

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Ray January 31, 2011 5:20 pm

I immediately thought it should be made into a pirates treasure chest. The combination of that wood with antiqued brass and rugged leather straps would be phenomenal.

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Larry Clinton January 31, 2011 5:20 pm

Thanks for that link, Rob. Another source for woodworking videos to immerse myself in.

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Billiam January 31, 2011 6:11 pm

Looks like water to me. So something with a water theme or just has to do with water would be cool. Maybe a stand for a salt water fish tank would be cool.

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Christopheralan February 1, 2011 5:46 am

“…don’t make me firewood, don’t make me firewood, don’t make me firewood…”

Is usually what I hear…

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noumenon February 1, 2011 9:04 am

Wooden gold!!! I agree with Alan and TomB. I would definitely resaw to various thicknesses but the thinest I’d go would be a 1/4″, because I’d want it to be structural enough that I wouldn’t have to glue it to something else. I’m not a big fan of thin veneers and there’s enough quilted maple already available as thin veneer. I would use it on heirloom pieces that will be handed down from generation to generation. I’m thinking dresser, end table, hall table, hall cabinet, armoire, etc. I wouldn’t use it to make things that are subject to water like aquarium stands or short lived pieces that become obsolete when technology changes like entertainment centers. If I were making any chests they would be light on any exposed hardware so that it wouldn’t take away from the beauty of the wood. The piece on the left I would resaw into thicker pieces and take advantage of that beautiful wavy live edge. Once I had small cut off pieces then I might start thinking jewelry and keepsake boxes. If I were going to turn any of it I would glue cut offs up into turning blanks, because I couldn’t bring myself to turn any solid pieces into shavings.

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Dave February 1, 2011 10:56 am

I would go for a nice hall table by the front door.

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Dave February 1, 2011 11:01 am

I could also see it going on the wall in some form. Maybe as a clock with the face being matched veneers and the case being solid boards.

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Larry Clinton February 1, 2011 6:51 pm

After looking at Gretchin’s cradle I think it or something like it would be a great project for this wood, or some of it anyway. That’s something that will most likely be passed down to Gretchin, then her children, then their children, and so on. That’s what this wood deserves..

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Johan Jacobs February 2, 2011 4:32 am

How does mother nature create such beautiful wood?

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Emmrys February 2, 2011 5:42 pm

I am in the camp with Jonathan. Hang those on the wall…..they are ART.

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Shannon February 3, 2011 8:31 am

When I started working for a lumber company I was shocked to hear that pieces like this are “defects” as the bulk of wholesale orders are flooring and moulding applications where straight grain is mandatory. I think as woodworkers, we love all wood and revel in “defects”, maybe that is why we are so cool and friendly… ooh gotta go, a forklift full of Mahogany just “whispered” past my office window!

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Al Hone February 3, 2011 8:44 am

My wife catches me on the internet all the time drooling over wood. Let me mop my chin. That’s some gorgeous wood!! Do you share??
I would keep it until I was inspired. All my projects start from letting the wood talk to me and letting me know what I should do.

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AaronC February 4, 2011 4:11 pm

Get yourself some Keller Shells and use some of that as veneer to wrap them. They would make some killer looking drums.

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Treesha February 6, 2011 7:56 pm

That wood is Gorgeous. Could it be the fabulous centerpiece of a dining table? Everyone would see it whenever they were there and you could drool over your dinner as well as your table!

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Triple B February 7, 2011 9:58 pm

God’s art doesn’t get much more beautiful then that! It needs to be prominently hung on the wall for all to see framed or not.

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Benjamin Roesler February 8, 2011 11:01 am

you gotta keep that little wane edged chunk on the board on the left, don’t just let that fall into the dustbin. it could make cool pulls for doors or drawers at the very least.

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BigguyZ February 14, 2011 10:22 am

WOW! Well, I can understand the comments about NOT making it into veneer. And I think those would be incredible doors for a small cabinet.

However, I also agree that there’s too much beauty within those thick slabs to not show them off. Nothing is wrong with Veneer if done properly. And thicker veneers are a good comprimise.

Personally, I think that as a veneer would be amazing with a couple of high-end DIY speakers. Something to be seen AND heard.

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Mr.Mover February 15, 2011 4:10 pm

First would be to replace the wallpaper on this site with a photo
of that.

then possibly water feature,or bar, or a water feature on the bar.

Cheers

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Pielut February 15, 2011 10:01 pm

I would cut it into several 12″x4″ pieces and use it to keep me warm on a cold winter night in my fireplace, and use the sawdust to cover my daughter’s hamster cage. Wood comes and goes, but money frivolously spent is art.

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- Larry Clinton February 16, 2011 11:39 am
  
  You must be joking. No self-respecting woodworker would do that.
  
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Ben February 16, 2011 10:12 am

I think the true beauty would be diminished if it were used as separate pieces. Perhaps veneer from this could be used to face a “seamless” set of drawers on a dresser or desk, so the set looks like it is still a single piece of wood?

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Keith February 17, 2011 8:58 am

WOW that is some nice wood.

I see this and I think of so many ideas. I have to admit I do like the idea of veneering, maybe resaw some 1/16 or 1/8th in material and bookmatch them into a hall table top veneer. I could also see as book matched coopered doors to a hanging cabinet…….

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Fred June 8, 2011 10:30 pm

I see bandsaw boxes. Gorgeous-ly finished bandsaw boxes. Maybe jatoba drawers and maple pulls.

I have a smokin’ hot piece of zebrawood I bought on impulse from Bell Forest that I’ve been holding onto for almost a year and it “whispered” to me last week: “I’m a bookmatched door for a cabinet on the upper shelf of a trapezoid-shaped bookshelf. Get rid of that ugly Sauder thing in your man cave and get cutting.” The mahogany arrives tomorrow and I’m getting started creating my masterpiece.

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Seth Hoover June 24, 2012 12:57 pm

Coffee table!

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John February 22, 2013 10:20 pm

digging up an older post but…….

There are alot of great ideas posted above. but when I see those, I see some period knife / serving boxes. with federal fan style holy inlays, maybe a compass star on the lid. Along with some ebony cock-beading on the edges or flat pin strips. or even a mixture of ebony and holy banding.

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david glass June 13, 2014 4:51 pm

hello
i actually have bought 2 long boards exactly like these. i intend to use them as panels in a standing cabinet framed with walnut. they will be the 2 door panels and the side panels.
actually my heart skipped a beat when i saw them and i ignored my budget when i paid for them.

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Tande922 June 13, 2014 6:24 pm

Sadly after seeing every Woodworks episode many times I knew right where Marc was from the thumbnail prior to reading the post.

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Gary September 12, 2014 6:28 pm

I did not read all of the posts so I hope I’m not repeating what someone may have suggested…. But I would pay it forward and offer them on your next give away.

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- Marc Spagnuolo September 16, 2014 7:06 am
  
  I pay it forward in many other ways. No need to give away my prized wood. :)
  
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Bruce September 15, 2014 10:37 pm

Hey, it’s been a while…. Did you do anything with those slabs of maple? Or, collecting dust and feeding inspiration. Still?

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- Marc Spagnuolo September 16, 2014 6:50 am
  
  Boom! http://i1004.photobucket.com/a.....c-1-sm.jpg
  
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MT July 11, 2017 2:12 pm

Bartop!

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The Wood & The Whispers

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