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Not sure why the ends bled dark, but, they did. Mostly out of pattern but it would be nice to get the small bit out.


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Err...that’s a question btw...


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Do you know what the stain is from? The first thing I would do is cut a "ramp" in some of the stained scrap to determine how deep the staining goes. If it's on the surface and you know what caused it there might be a treatment to remove it. If it goes all the way through then staining to match or doing a burst finish with an opaque edge might be the way to go.
I have some tops I bought 40 years ago that were old when I bought them and have a discolored edge from being "suntanned" on one side. It goes all the way through. The tops themselves have darkened a lot but the dark streak remains, which is probably why I have only used one or two even though they are well dried.

Sinker Spruce upsell!

Goes all the way through...

Guess I'll try OA...

Each piece of wood is unique. I see nothing wrong with celebrating it. But you're in a different position than me. I build for myself (see above).

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Peter Havriluk

It goes all the way through and the OA didn't help. We'll have to live with it...

Hi Ed, some spruce soundboard processors use anchor seal or something similar on their billets (ends) to prevent end checking before resawing. That could be the cause of the stain. It seeps in end grain pretty deep, especially if exposed to any heat. I used that stuff when I first started processing adirondack tops, and learned the hard way not to use it again.

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Could be something like that...

is this sitka? I've seen this on sitka alot... i think it might be species-specific...

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My wife and I have been discussing this. She’s now an artist, but has her doctorate in plant physiology and long experience in forest pathology. No doubt the staining is a reaction to fungal attack, creating tannins that give the brown colour. You can’t get rid of the metabolites with anything we discussed and the wood itself is forever changed. Time, me thinks, for a burst.


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Good Reply Tim. Thanks to you and especially your very smart wife.

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

Fungal attack results in spalting and is usually associated with damp conditions. I think this may be different. I have some 60 to 70 year old spruce in my stash which has a similar discoloration. Personally, I think the effect is something to admire and point out as a feature. Natural torrification.

Perfect candidate for a top burst. It's all the rage.

Looks like normal oxidation to me. If true, the whole top will eventually be this color. This is a common issue with older woods.

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John

John, can you expand on what you mean by older? Age of tree? How long ago it was cut? Or something else? Thanks.

Older, as in cut a long time ago. Oxidation rate is a function of exposure. End grain is more absorbent, and will react quicker. In addition, if the wood is stacked, the exposed edges with oxidize quicker. Some end grain sealers have a tendency to wick in, particularly if the wood gets hot in storage.

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John

Interesting. It was joined and put in a stack over a decade ago I’d say...