Monkey puzzle

[devon TWiG]

Also , did you know that the semi precious stone "JET " the black stuff from the east coast is actually the knots of ancient monkey puzzle trees that have been fossilised a bit like coal over many thousands of years !!

[swinny]

Ive got a monkey puzzle to come out soon. Not looking forwards to doing it lol

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

Hi all,

I'm felling a large monkey puzzle tomorrow if any of the timber is of interest to anyone (beaconfield) the tree is almost 3 foot across and dead standing....

 

 

The nuts are apparently great for eating. Hugh Fernly Whatnot did a cookery show featuring them - better than toasted pine nuts apparently. Looking forward to an opportunity to try em one day.

[se7enthdevil]

Also , did you know that the semi precious stone "JET " the black stuff from the east coast is actually the knots of ancient monkey puzzle trees that have been fossilised a bit like coal over many thousands of years !!

 

it's not just the knots mate it's the whole tree. millions of years ago they were washed down to the sea and got seriously flattened et'voila jet...

[treequip]

it's not just the knots mate it's the whole tree. millions of years ago they were washed down to the sea and got seriously flattened et'voila jet...

 

Quite right.

 

They are horrid to work on and the thought of that many of the blighters in one place gives me the shivers, even if it was a million years ago.

[Blaisey]

Heres one I milled last week. Very heavy a bit sticky but I like it and think its kinda cool.

[delabodge]

nice miling mate, makes me want to set the winch up now!

[Big Beech]

lovely wood, the knots are very distinctive.

 

Looking at the milling, i am guessing the bar and mill may be a tad over engineered for that size tree ;-)

[devon TWiG]

It does look quite nice and interesting , but what do you perceive it's end use to be ? Table tops perhaps ? it may be a bit soft for that , it would be interesting to see if it sells , or if you make something from it be sure to put some pics up ( I know it will not be for some time yet , unless you kiln dry it ) I do not think I have ever seen anything made from MP apart from turnings .

[Blaisey]

Thanks guys, 60" bar is a little on the big side BB. I will defo keep u updated it may be kinked if I get power to my yard sorted DT. Del get it on there, winch power!