Species Library
Milling notes for every species I've run through the WM3. What works, what doesn't, and what to expect.
White Oak
The workhorse of the South Shore. Beautiful ray flecks when quartersawn. Patience required for drying.
Red Oak
More porous than white oak — not suitable for outdoor use without treatment. Machines beautifully.
White Pine
Grows everywhere on the South Shore. Soft and easy to mill. Watch for pitch pockets near knots.
Black Cherry
Darkens beautifully with light exposure. One of the finest American hardwoods. Worth every minute of patience.
Hard Maple
Dense and demanding on blades. Keep them sharp. Curly and bird's eye patterns add significant value.
Black Walnut
The most valuable common North American hardwood. Rarer on the South Shore but worth seeking out.
Eastern Red Cedar
Aromatic and naturally rot-resistant. Mills beautifully but dulls blades faster than you'd expect.
White Ash
Mostly killed by Emerald Ash Borer on the South Shore. Mill what's standing dead — it's still usable timber.
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