Tree branch blocks

[Triniity]

Hi,

I intend to make some tree branch blocks for my little ones.
I am wondering now, how to actually make them. We have a couple of fruit trees in the garden that need cutting (desperately) ... can I just use the branches right away? Or does the wood need to dry out before I work on it?

How can I make sure that it keeps it shape? Do I need to finish it ? If so, how? Thank you all!

Trin

[Mama~Love]

I want to know too. The kids would really love these, and we have plenty of wood around to use.

[Aubergine68]

I'd just experiment and see what happens.

We had an apple tree branch come down and it sat around for a couple weeks before we got around to working on it. Dh used his table saw and cut the tree branch into 1 inch "cookies" . No finishing, they didn't even need sanding because the cuts left the wood very smooth. We're still using them 2 years later -- I think one or two may have split and been thrown out, but the rest are fine.

[sweetpeppers]

What I do is to cut the branch/trunk into block shapes. I cut thin rounds, diagonal rounds, short (round) blocks, tall (round) blocks, and flat board like pieces with the grain (which are definitely the hardest). It's best to cut them, and then to let them dry somewhere outside for a while. After the wood is dry, sand them down and then oil the non-bark sides.

If you are pruning your tree for it, make sure the branches are thick enough, though of course you could do little blocks.

[Triniity]

Thanks for the suggestions, that was really helpful. I´ll just go out, cut them to pieces and let them dry, couple of days, afterward I´ll smooth them a bit.

Any suggestions on how to make round blocks? Like columns? do I need a special machine for that?

I´ll start with the easy tree branch and see how it goes.

Thanks again, I´ll post pictures!

Trin

@sweetpeppers: the boat is just gorgeous!

[sweetpeppers]

Originally Posted by Triniity

Thanks for the suggestions, that was really helpful. I´ll just go out, cut them to pieces and let them dry, couple of days, afterward I´ll smooth them a bit.

Any suggestions on how to make round blocks? Like columns? do I need a special machine for that?

I´ll start with the easy tree branch and see how it goes.

Thanks again, I´ll post pictures!

Trin

@sweetpeppers: the boat is just gorgeous!

Thanks. If you have a tree branch, all your blocks will be round, right? Or maybe I'm not understanding your question. Also, it will take longer than a few days for the wood to dry out. The longer they sit, the easier it will be to sand them.

[Triniity]

I was not really explaining it very well. I want to do the tree branch blocks. they will be round anyway, but when I saw these gorgeous blocks you did from oak, I remembered, that I have some oak blocks (big blocks) left over from the person who used to live in our house, and I thought about cutting these into blocks (and round blocks) - but I don´t really know how.

We have like five 2 x 2 meter blocks of oak, so I guess I can always just try and see

[sweetpeppers]

Originally Posted by Triniity

I was not really explaining it very well. I want to do the tree branch blocks. they will be round anyway, but when I saw these gorgeous blocks you did from oak, I remembered, that I have some oak blocks (big blocks) left over from the person who used to live in our house, and I thought about cutting these into blocks (and round blocks) - but I don´t really know how.

We have like five 2 x 2 meter blocks of oak, so I guess I can always just try and see

Oh okay, I used a 1 and a quarter inch oak dowel from the hardware store for my columns. To make round stuff you need a lathe. But you could also combine the two ideas and use branches for the round blocks. Just peel the bark off and sand them down.

[Savoir Faire]

I saw those on the Soulemama blog! They're awesome! It seems, to me...that it involves cutting, sanding the heck out of them and then sealing.

[MamaBug]

So glad to find this thread.....I too saw them on Soulemama's blog....her son made them for his little brother and my son wants to make them for his sister! She used maple, and then sealed them with beeswax polish......He is going to get started soon so he can have them for her for Christmas! Anyone make these yet and have a picture?