this post was submitted on 10 Jul 2024
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Woodworking

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In a couple days, I'll be the proud new owner of a big-ass maple mantle and 22 square feet of olive, which I've never worked with before

I'm tossing around the idea of using the olive for a table top, but that's far from certain, as I haven't seen any of it in person yet.

What experience do y'all have with olive and what do you recommend?

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 4 months ago

From what I've seen of the wood, it has lots of stark little lines and color changes. A broad piece that shows off the variations (like a table) would be a good choice. I've also seen people turn them into bowls, dishes, coasters, and charcuterie boards.

I've also seen some carvings, but I feel like the particular colorations just make the final piece look busy or dirty.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I havn't worked with it, but i bet a table would be stunning.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 months ago

I'm glad you agree. I'm just curious what it will be like working with a wood that's got a ~2700 janka hardness.

IF this project ever actually comes to fruition, I'm considering just burnishing as a finish, but that's waaaaaayyyyyy far off