Red Gumwood

[briankeith]

Interesting information on Red Gumwood used on some Edison cabinets.

http://www.craftsman-style.info/finishi ... umwood.htm

[Henry]

That is very informative, indeed. Sweet gum, Liquidambar styraciflua, is a handsome species. One finds it extensively planted along the eastern seaboard states, on lawns, in parks, and along streets. Its star-shaped (five-pointed) leaves turn lovely shades of yellow, orange, and red in fall. Here's more: https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguid ... ItemID=928

[Victrolacollector]

Thank you for sharing this information, I have a Edison B-19 Chalet and it has a gumwood cabinet. I have always been under the impression that this was a negative aspect, gumwood was referred to as a cheap wood.

I am starting to think that even in todays world, that gumwood may have value.

[estott]

Gumwood was once heavily promoted as a finished trim wood. It can be very attractive, but in my experience it can warp with age

[Jerry B.]

Thank you, that was an interesting read. I had always assumed Gumwood was used in low end machines. Does anyone know if gum wood was used in making Victor O cabinets? Jerry B.

[Edisone]

I work at a cemetery, and the old Superintendent's House, circa 1926, is entirely finished with beautiful gumwood. Baseboards, windows, doors, mantels, bookcases, and even kitchen cupboards - all very attractive after 89 years.

[estott]

Thank you, that was an interesting read. I had always assumed Gumwood was used in low end machines. Does anyone know if gum wood was used in making Victor O cabinets? Jerry B.

The one I've seen was Birch

[Kirkwood]

This was a very interesting and informative article, thanks for putting it up here.

The 1930 bungalow where I grew up, and where my Dad still lives, used very pretty gumwood trim in the downstairs rooms. (The upstairs was all yellow pine in a natural finish). Many of the houses nearby used it too, most were built post WW-I in the 20's and 30's. As a teenager, I was put to work helping my parents strip the old darkened "varnish" off every inch of trim in that house. We used a lacquer-type finish (Deft if I'm recalling it right) and it still looks quite good some 35-40 years later on. It's not a "typical" wood but has an attractive swirled grain to it.