Diamond willow is any wood from a willow that has been warped into diamond-shaped sections that alternate in color. The deformation is probably the result of a fungus attacking the tree; tree bark begins to grow away from the affected area, causing cankers to form on the wood. These cankers tend to take on a beautiful diamond pattern that alternates between light and dark wood colors.
It is a remarkable and unusual type of wood that is eagerly sought after by carpenters and furniture designers across the country. When working with diamond willow, it is important to learn some proper techniques to protect yourself and the material. So keep reading for tips on how to sand diamond willow.
Tools needed
To get started on a diamond willow sanding project, you’ll first need to make sure you have the right tools on hand. Gather items such as chisels, scrapers, knives (not the collapsible kind), rasps, block crystals and sandpaper of the appropriate grade. When stockpiling these tools, you should be aware that this is a hand carving and sanding project that can lead to serious injury if not implemented safely. Basically, watch out for the hand holding the diamond willow at all times!
Once you have all the necessary items, it’s important to discuss the type of sandpaper to use. For this type of sanding, it is recommended to use tri-fold sheets of standard aluminum oxide production paper. Be sure to purchase a variety of grits, including 100, 120, 220, and 320. Although most of the sanding you’ll do will require 100 grit, you may need to purchase all of them to achieve a given finish.
To get started with the sanding process, follow these tips:
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Use a gouge chisel or a rounded, non-folding blade to remove the crust from the diamonds.
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Be sure not to cut the diamonds too deeply, exceeding their distinctive coloration.
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The indentations in the deepest recesses of the diamonds add a unique beauty to the final finish.
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Sand all areas to your preferred degree of level using a scraper, rasp, or other effective tool.
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Smooth all areas back to desired smoothness with sandpaper.
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Finish with a suitable coat but do not use polyurethane.
Artistry and skill aside, getting the best results when sanding any wood product starts with using quality materials. Be sure to choose in-house manufactured abrasives for all your sanding needs to build great, long-lasting results.