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Mystery Slab Wood I’ve Had for Almost Fifty Years

Phak1

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Phil
Back in the late seventies, my sister was working with a lumberjack who had two slabs—supposedly from Africa, that he didn't have space for. I stored them in my garage for a few years, and when he eventually came back for them, he generously offered me one. I’ve moved twice since then, always keeping that slab dry and safe, but I’ve never quite known what to do with it.

It’s a beast of a piece: about 60” long, 24” wide, and 4” thick. It has a live edge on the bottom, and given the dimensions, I estimate it was sliced from a tree at least 40” in diameter. The most interesting part is that it appears to have been cut with a two-man bow saw—the marks aren't uniform like a bandsaw or circular like a saw blade. It’s incredibly heavy—denser than any wood of its size I’ve ever encountered—and has a deep dark orange/red/brown color. Because it’s still rough-cut, it’s been hard to identify the grain or pores. I wet the wood to show it’s color.

I’m hoping that with your expertise, I might finally be able to put a name to this piece of wood. Whether I eventually find the perfect project for it or decide to sell it, I’m just happy to finally solve the mystery.

Thanks in advance,
Phil
 

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Beautiful slab! Hard to tell for sure. I was thinking Padauk, but Mike is probably right. Chuck
 
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Didn’t think of a chainsaw. Must have been one heck of a saw though! Now that you said it, you’re probably right. When I get a chance, I’ll sand a couple of sections and repost.
 
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Didn’t think of a chainsaw. Must have been one heck of a saw though! Now that you said it, you’re probably right. When I get a chance, I’ll sand a couple of sections and repost.
bowsaw would be smoother. The science ID guys will insist on sanded face and end grain- of course they are not just guessing like some of us.. Nice chunk of lumber.
 
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