2013/07/27

Paulownia bed legs and the Big Eyed Elater

My landlord cut down an invasive tree on our property and I snatched up some pieces a while back.
invasive tree cutting rescued for use as curvy bed posts
 It took some time to ID it, but I have arrived at Paulownia, or Princess tree. It is native to China and grows at an alarming rate. I had already decided it would make great legs for my daughter's new loft bed before I learned of Paulownia's traditional uses in China and Japan. One tradition is to plant one when a daughter is born. It will mature when she does and the tree is then cut and carved into various items as wedding gifts. Most common of these is a chest or dresser.
invasive Paulownia is also used quite successfully in reforestation projects
 Paulownia sports enormous heart-shaped leaves.

invasive tree cutting rescued for use as curvy bed posts
 (preparing to rip it down the middle)

invasive tree cutting rescued for use as curvy bed posts
(mark for the outside rip)

invasive tree cutting rescued for use as curvy bed posts


invasive tree cutting rescued for use as curvy bed posts
 I discovered the heart wood is much like styrofoam. Growth rings would indicate this tree is only 3 or 4 years old - it was at least twenty feet tall and this wasn't the thickest part of the trunk.
invasive tree cutting rescued for use as curvy bed posts

Then I had a startling encounter:
Big Eyed Elater, marvelous click bug over 2 inches long
 A very large beetle flew up onto the porch.
Big Eyed Elater, marvelous click bug over 2 inches long
 It is the Big Eyed Elater, a beautiful click bug over 2 inches long!
Big Eyed Elater, marvelous click bug over 2 inches long

 And back to work . . .
invasive tree cutting rescued for use as curvy bed posts
 I split the two halves and used a grinder to debark the quarters.
invasive tree cutting rescued for use as curvy bed posts


invasive tree cutting rescued for use as curvy bed posts
 Magic oil!
invasive tree cutting rescued for use as curvy bed posts
invasive tree cutting rescued for use as curvy bed posts
 (the oiled posts have a nice luster)
invasive tree cutting rescued for use as curvy bed posts
These posts will be used to elevate a donated bed. It hasn't arrived yet, but when the time comes I will use more of the same Paulownia for the ladder and railings.

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