help my spalting journey

[KnockKnock]

Been getting into woodcraft lately and im probably gonna need some spalting 101, the patterns you get from fungal activity in wood are wild, but I'm still figuring out how to control the process without ruining the material. I'm thinking about picking up a book on spalting techniques, need recos, also, if anyone has firsthand experience with spalting, I'd love to hear your tips on getting those killer lines and colors without turning the wood into mush

 

[thearcher]

it;s a finicky process but rewarding if done right. I'd go with Trametes versicolor, 20+% moisture and relatively warm temps about 70 to 90 degrees. Monitor the pattern and once you're happy with it you can dry the wood

 

[IntoTheWoods]

Been getting into woodcraft lately and im probably gonna need some spalting 101, the patterns you get from fungal activity in wood are wild, but I'm still figuring out how to control the process without ruining the material. I'm thinking about picking up a book on spalting techniques, need recos, also, if anyone has firsthand experience with spalting, I'd love to hear your tips on getting those killer lines and colors without turning the wood into mush

It's a balancing act, but spalting is awesome. Dr. Seri C. Robinson's Spalting 101 is a good book for techniques. Additionally, Sara Robinson's Spalted Wood is incredibly visually stunning.

Keep the temperature warm, use fresh, green wood that is very moist, and keep a careful eye on the fungal growth. Pull it befor it goes too far after you've found the lines you like. Tell us how it turns out

 

[SplinterHurts]

Spalting is fantastic but challenging. The best woods for it are beech, birch, and maple. To prevent it from becoming mushy, keep it warm and humid and check frequently. Dry it quickly after you're satisfied with the design.Usually, I use CA glue to stabilize soft areas and tung oil to finish. Fun stuff,you'll become addicted

 

[d@rkr00m]

I'm thinking about picking up a book on spalting techniques, need recos, also, if anyone has firsthand experience with spalting

For books, definitely look for anything by Sara Robinson. she's the queen of spalting research and has some fantastic resources out there

 

[thewoodholder]

Best tip is controlling moisture and airflow. Maple is a classic starter wood since it spalts nicely and I agree with @d@rkr00m about the Sara Robinson's book

 

[Alan]

Hey there @KnockKnock how's your spalting coming along now, any progress so far ?

@d@rkr00m I have heard of Sara Robinson before, didn't know she was the queen of spalting research though, good info