a question about Cyprus

[jmck]

I have a question maybe some of you makers can answer. I have some salvaged red cyprus and also some salvaged bald cyprus. The wood has complete and unique history which adds to it.I got some more and it just seems different.The first small batch did not have any issues---it carried tone real good.
I have made a few shortboxes of the red cyprus and it seems to be full of sap or something that makes the sawdust gummy. The sides of the call seems dead. I am thinking this is due to whatever makes this woods sawdust the way it is. The wood was not salvaged in water----it was reclaimed from buildings. What experience do you guys have with this stuff and is there anything I can do to make this wood useable ??
Forgot to mention---the batch of red cyprus was sent off to a slow dryer where the temp was raised slowly and then dropped slowly to dry the wood. This did not seem to help it any either 

[Porter]

Maybe you tie dying all your stuff 

Sorry now on the seriousness

[Shadetree Callers]

 I have always been taught that cypress has to be water-cured or it won't work right.

[Zumer]

FIREWOOD??

[Bulldogmikey]

Cypress makes a good call. Jeff, I called a friend that suggested applying a liberal amount of denatured alcohol in the chamber and let dry for a few days. He said it would dissolve the resin and the wood would be "workable". Just what I was told. You know how much I love the stuff. Might want to just try one blank and see!

Mike

[SS Custom Calls]

Not to be negative, but from my experience, once a bad call, pretty much always a bad call.. There's always an occasional exception, but not usually. Off to the ol' burn pile I'd say.  Same with some wood, just don't have the tone. JMO.

Al

[Dcoleinpa]

Not to be negative, but from my experience, once a bad call, pretty much always a bad call.. There's always an occasional exception, but not usually. Off to the ol' burn pile I'd say.  Same with some wood, just don't have the tone. JMO.

Al

stop picking on porter

[SS Custom Calls]

Not to be negative, but from my experience, once a bad call, pretty much always a bad call.. There's always an occasional exception, but not usually. Off to the ol' burn pile I'd say.  Same with some wood, just don't have the tone. JMO.

Al

stop picking on porter

 

[jmck]

Gonna give it a try there bulldog----its worth the effort. Just hope I can make chicken salid out of chicken $#@ so to speak. This wood is very pretty and has one heck of a old history.
I am afraid that Al may be right here, just hope I can effect it so it will carry a note. It will hurt to start fires with it in the fireplace .
I will let ya'll know if this alcohol trick works.
If it does ---I may change my "possession" .........
 

[firedup]

Cypress will make a decent call. Although heart cypress or water cured seems to be a little better as an end result.  It does have beautiful grain and color. The waxy resin of cypress can be addressed by applying benzene once all sanding and working have been done. Then it will take some finish.  Do not touch it or work it AT ALL after the benzene wipe.  Just finish. Don't know about a soak in denatured alcohol......sounds like it will work tho.  Parrish has made a few cypress calls in his day.........??

[BOB_HARWELL]

 I have some cypress that was cut in 1960. The saw dust feels wet when I saw it. I have a piece that was kiln dried that feels the same way. I think that's the nature of cypress. The kiln dried piece will make a fair, trash can, call at best.                   

               BOB

[Bulldogmikey]

Guys , heart cypress makes GREAT calls. The 1st ans 2nd cut have sap which is simular to resin. If a piece is void of the sap it is a great wood for calls, Have 2 and Tim Clayton uses it regularly. It has awesome tonal qualities. Jeff made some that are awesome. Some of the wood makes as good a call as you can find!

Mike

[jmck]

Bob---I know what you are describing---this is exactly what the sawdust is like in mine. Almost like you can ball it up with your fingers. I have some bald and some red that is that way. I sent off the red and had it dried to see if that would work-----nope !!! It is still the same way and flat out dead.
Charlie said that the heartwood is full of resin, that ya need the sapwood side of the log to get wood that is tonal so to speak.
I soaked two boxes in denatured alcohol for 24 hours and am going to give it a few days in the sun to dry to see if it effected it in any way.....will keep you guys posted about that.
Hate to loose the use of this wood because f the unique history behind it, but I have made 3 shorts and 2 longs form this batch and I am going to retire that wood.

Guess I am going to have to find some more somewhere that will work because I like the calls that I have made with it !!! Any suggestions on who has some good is appreciated.
Jeff

[Porter]

Jeff I'd recommend you strap on your tie dyed knee pads and go cut some trees down ... Just Kidding...

I can tell you, know cypress trees in MO that I know of... so I'm useless to you

[BOB_HARWELL]

 Jeff, Don't sell a call from the soaked wood to a smoker.

              BOB