Lime any good for furniture or boxes?

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  • Matt Sims
    30 March 2022 at 7:42 pm #754020

    Folks,
    As a result of some tree surgery I have a few logs from a lime tree.
    Each is approx 7″ diameter and approx 2 ft long.

    I have a bandsaw and can convert these into planks to use in projects… But I don’t recall hearing or seeing lime being used in projects before. I know it can be used in carving… is that it’s only use? Am I wastine my time converting these?
    Thanks,
    Matt

    Sven-Olof Jansson
    30 March 2022 at 9:15 pm #754021

    Hi Matt,

    No experience from lime/linden (Tilia x europa), but have worked with basswood (Tilia americana), which seems to have identical properties; and find it a delight. Knife lines are deep and precise; chopping and chiselling are effortless, accurate and precise; and even my dovetail joints look good. Planing has occasionally brought on unpleasant results, when not going along the grain. It’s easy to take shavings, also thick ones, and if going against grain tear outs may become nasty.

    I use basswood/lime for drawer sides and backs. Apart from giving a contrast to the darker front (usually oak, as decreed by her majesty), it makes fitting the drawers a lot less tedious.

    As Tom Fidgen says in a video: “Why don’t we use basswood more often?”

    Attach two photos of a cabinet made out of basswood.

    Sven-Olof Jansson
    London, UK; Boston, MA

    Larry Geib
    30 March 2022 at 9:24 pm #754025

    Besides it’s excellent carving properties, Lime or basswood is excellent for secondary wood like drawers sides and such, as it takes detail work well. I have used it instead of pine or poplar on small work. I find you can get crisp dovetails without worrying about smal bits flaking off. The only caveat is dull planes leave a fuzzy surface, so sharpen up.

    If you don’t like the light color, it takes stain well, but the wood is a bit bland for my taste on show surfaces.

    • This reply was modified 12 months ago by Larry Geib.
    Matt Sims
    30 March 2022 at 9:34 pm #754027

    Thanks for that info gents.
    Very useful!
    Regards,
    Matt

    Ed
    30 March 2022 at 10:05 pm #754028

    One thing I’ve run into with basswood is having it develop grey areas. I’ve never understood why and wonder if this is a reaction between the chemistry of my hands and tannins in the wood. I’ve mostly used it for chip carving and a couple boxes. I do think it can dent and crush more easily than more common furniture woods.

    Matt Sims
    30 March 2022 at 10:27 pm #754029

    Thanks Ed.

    Matt

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