Blue Spruce Uses (5 Essential Woodworking Tips You Need)

Blue Spruce Uses: Debunking the “Useless Wood” Myth (Plus 5 Essential Woodworking Tips!)

There’s a common misconception floating around the woodworking world: that Blue Spruce is essentially junk wood, fit for little more than firewood. I’m here to tell you that’s simply not true! While it’s not going to replace your prized cherry or walnut, Blue Spruce, with its distinctive color and grain, has a place in the workshop. Over the years, I’ve learned to appreciate its unique characteristics, and I’m going to share my insights with you.

I remember one particularly harsh winter where my usual firewood supply dwindled faster than expected. Desperate, I turned to a fallen Blue Spruce in my backyard. While splitting it wasn’t the most enjoyable experience (more on that later), the wood burned surprisingly well. That experience sparked my curiosity, and I started experimenting with Blue Spruce in my woodworking projects. What I discovered was a wood that, while demanding, could be quite rewarding.

Understanding Blue Spruce: A Woodworker’s Perspective

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) is a softwood native to North America. It’s known for its beautiful blue-green needles and conical shape, making it a popular ornamental tree. But what about its wood?

• Janka Hardness: Blue Spruce has a Janka hardness rating of around 380 lbf (1690 N). This makes it softer than many common hardwoods like oak (1290 lbf) or maple (1450 lbf). This softness contributes to its workability but also makes it more prone to dents and scratches.

• Grain Pattern: The grain is generally straight and even, but it can sometimes exhibit swirling patterns, especially near knots. The color ranges from creamy white to light yellow, with occasional reddish-brown heartwood.

• Workability: Blue Spruce is relatively easy to work with hand tools and machines. It cuts cleanly, sands well, and accepts screws and nails readily. However, its softness means you need to be careful not to crush the fibers when tightening fasteners.

• Durability: Blue Spruce is not naturally rot-resistant. It’s best suited for indoor projects or outdoor projects where it’s protected from the elements.

• Availability & Cost: Blue Spruce is widely available in many parts of North America, especially in areas where it’s commonly grown as an ornamental tree. The cost is generally lower than hardwoods, making it an economical option for certain projects.

Takeaway: Blue Spruce is a softwood with unique properties that make it suitable for specific woodworking applications. Understanding these properties is key to successful projects.

Essential Woodworking Tip #1: Mastering the Art of Drying Blue Spruce

Drying wood properly is crucial for any woodworking project, and Blue Spruce is no exception. In fact, because of its tendency to warp and check, it requires extra attention.

• Air Drying: This is the most common and cost-effective method. Stack the lumber with stickers (thin strips of wood) between each layer to allow for air circulation. The stickers should be placed every 12-18 inches. I’ve found that using 1″ x 1″ stickers made from a stable hardwood like poplar works best.

• Kiln Drying: This method uses controlled heat and humidity to accelerate the drying process. While it’s faster than air drying, it can also be more expensive. If you’re buying kiln-dried Blue Spruce, make sure it’s been dried to the appropriate moisture content for your project (typically 6-8% for indoor use).

• Moisture Content Matters: Use a moisture meter to monitor the drying process. I use a Wagner MMC220 moisture meter, which is pinless and doesn’t leave unsightly holes in the wood. The ideal moisture content depends on your climate and the intended use of the wood. For furniture, aim for 6-8%.

• Preventing Warp and Check: To minimize warping, weigh down the top layer of the stack with concrete blocks or other heavy objects. To prevent checking (cracks), dry the wood slowly and evenly. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or extreme temperature changes.

Personal Story: I once rushed the drying process of some Blue Spruce by placing it too close to a wood stove. The result was a pile of warped and cracked lumber. Lesson learned: patience is key when drying wood!

Takeaway: Proper drying is essential for preventing warping and checking in Blue Spruce. Use a moisture meter to monitor the drying process and ensure the wood reaches the appropriate moisture content for your project.

Essential Woodworking Tip #2: Taming the Softness: Surface Preparation and Sanding

Blue Spruce’s softness can be both a blessing and a curse. It’s easy to work, but it also dents and scratches easily. Proper surface preparation and sanding are crucial for achieving a smooth, durable finish.

• Sharp Tools are Key: Dull tools will tear the wood fibers, leaving a rough surface. Make sure your plane blades, chisels, and saw blades are sharp and well-maintained. I sharpen my tools regularly using a honing guide and a series of water stones.

• Start with Coarse Grit: Begin sanding with a coarse grit sandpaper (e.g., 80-grit) to remove any imperfections or mill marks. I prefer using aluminum oxide sandpaper, as it’s more durable than garnet sandpaper.

• Progress to Finer Grits: Gradually work your way up through finer grits (e.g., 120-grit, 180-grit, 220-grit). Sand with the grain to avoid scratching the wood.

• Sanding Techniques: Use a sanding block or random orbital sander to ensure even sanding. Avoid applying too much pressure, as this can create uneven surfaces. I use a Festool ETS 150/5 EQ random orbital sander, which is excellent for achieving a smooth, swirl-free finish.

• Raising the Grain: After sanding, dampen the wood with a wet cloth. This will raise the grain, making it easier to sand off any remaining fuzz. Let the wood dry completely before sanding again with a fine grit sandpaper (e.g., 320-grit).

• Dealing with Dents: If you accidentally dent the wood, you can often raise the dent by applying a wet cloth and a hot iron. The steam will cause the wood fibers to swell and return to their original position.

Takeaway: Sharp tools and proper sanding techniques are essential for achieving a smooth, durable surface on Blue Spruce. Raising the grain before finishing will help prevent fuzziness and ensure a professional-looking result.

Essential Woodworking Tip #3: Choosing the Right Finish for Blue Spruce

The right finish can enhance the natural beauty of Blue Spruce and protect it from wear and tear. Because it’s a softwood, Blue Spruce can be more absorbent than hardwoods, so choosing the right finish is critical.

• Oil-Based Finishes: These finishes penetrate the wood and provide a warm, natural look. They’re relatively easy to apply and repair, but they can take longer to dry than water-based finishes. Examples include linseed oil, tung oil, and oil-based varnishes.

• Water-Based Finishes: These finishes are more durable than oil-based finishes and dry much faster. They’re also low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds), making them a more environmentally friendly option. Examples include water-based polyurethanes and acrylic lacquers.

• Shellac: This is a natural resin-based finish that provides a beautiful, glossy sheen. It’s easy to apply and repair, but it’s not as durable as polyurethane or varnish.

• Pre-Stain Conditioner: Before applying stain to Blue Spruce, it’s essential to use a pre-stain conditioner. This will help to even out the absorption of the stain and prevent blotching. I use Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner, which works well with both oil-based and water-based stains.

• Testing Finishes: Always test your finish on a scrap piece of Blue Spruce before applying it to your project. This will allow you to see how the finish looks and how well it adheres to the wood.

Case Study: I once built a small bookshelf out of Blue Spruce and finished it with a water-based polyurethane. The finish was durable and easy to clean, but it also highlighted the wood’s natural grain and color.

Takeaway: Choosing the right finish is crucial for protecting and enhancing the beauty of Blue Spruce. Consider the durability, appearance, and ease of application when selecting a finish. Always use a pre-stain conditioner before applying stain to prevent blotching.

Essential Woodworking Tip #4: Clever Joinery Techniques for Softwood Success

Because Blue Spruce is a softwood, traditional joinery techniques may not be as strong or durable as they would be with hardwoods. Here are some tips for creating strong and reliable joints in Blue Spruce:

• Reinforced Joinery: Consider reinforcing your joints with screws, dowels, or metal fasteners. This will add extra strength and stability to the joint.

• Mortise and Tenon Joints: These are strong and reliable joints that can be used in a variety of applications. However, because Blue Spruce is a softwood, it’s important to make the tenon slightly thicker than you would with a hardwood. This will provide more surface area for gluing and increase the strength of the joint.

• Dovetail Joints: These are beautiful and strong joints that are often used in drawers and boxes. However, they can be challenging to cut accurately in softwood. Consider using a dovetail jig to ensure precise cuts.

• Pocket Hole Joinery: This is a quick and easy joinery technique that’s ideal for assembling cabinets and other projects. Pocket hole screws create a strong and reliable joint, even in softwood. I use a Kreg Jig K4 Pocket Hole System, which is easy to use and produces consistent results.

• Glue Selection: Choose a high-quality wood glue that’s designed for use with softwoods. I recommend using Titebond II Premium Wood Glue, which is strong, water-resistant, and easy to clean up.

Personal Story: I once built a coffee table out of Blue Spruce using only basic butt joints and screws. The table looked great at first, but it quickly started to wobble and fall apart. Lesson learned: reinforced joinery is essential for building durable furniture out of softwood.

Takeaway: Reinforced joinery techniques are essential for creating strong and durable joints in Blue Spruce. Consider using screws, dowels, or metal fasteners to add extra strength and stability to your joints.

Essential Woodworking Tip #5: Maximizing Blue Spruce for Unique Projects

Blue Spruce might not be your first choice for high-end furniture, but it shines in specific applications where its unique characteristics can be showcased.

• Rustic Furniture: The knots and imperfections in Blue Spruce can add character and charm to rustic furniture. Consider building a coffee table, bench, or side table using reclaimed Blue Spruce lumber.

• Paneling and Wainscoting: The light color and straight grain of Blue Spruce make it an excellent choice for paneling and wainscoting. It can be easily painted or stained to match any décor.

• Boxes and Crates: Blue Spruce is lightweight and easy to work with, making it ideal for building boxes and crates. It’s also relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-effective option for these types of projects.

• Craft Projects: Blue Spruce is a great choice for craft projects like birdhouses, picture frames, and small decorative items. Its soft texture makes it easy to carve and shape.

• Accent Pieces: Use Blue Spruce as an accent wood in combination with hardwoods. For example, you could use Blue Spruce for the panels in a cabinet door and hardwood for the frame.

Data Point: According to a survey conducted by the USDA Forest Service, the demand for softwood lumber, including Blue Spruce, is expected to increase by 2% per year over the next decade. This suggests that Blue Spruce will continue to be a valuable resource for woodworkers and builders alike.

Takeaway: Blue Spruce is a versatile wood that can be used in a variety of projects. Consider its unique characteristics and choose projects that will showcase its strengths. Don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative!

Blue Spruce as Firewood: A Practical Consideration

While I’ve focused on woodworking, it’s important to address Blue Spruce’s role as firewood. As I mentioned earlier, it’s not the best firewood, but it’s certainly usable.

• BTU Value: Blue Spruce has a relatively low BTU (British Thermal Unit) value compared to hardwoods like oak or maple. This means it produces less heat per unit volume. Expect around 16 million BTU per cord.

• Burning Characteristics: It burns quickly and produces a lot of smoke. It also tends to spark and pop, so it’s not ideal for open fireplaces.

• Seasoning: It needs to be seasoned for at least six months, preferably longer, to reduce its moisture content. Aim for a moisture content of 20% or less.

• Best Use: It’s best used as kindling or mixed with hardwoods to provide a quick burst of heat.

Personal Story: I’ve found that Blue Spruce works well as shoulder-season firewood, when you only need a small fire to take the chill off. It’s also useful for starting fires in wood stoves or outdoor fire pits.

Takeaway: Blue Spruce is not the best firewood, but it’s a usable option if you have it available. Season it properly and use it in combination with hardwoods for best results.

Safety First: Essential Precautions When Working with Blue Spruce

No matter what woodworking project you’re tackling, safety should always be your top priority. Here are some essential safety precautions to keep in mind when working with Blue Spruce:

• Wear Safety Glasses: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.

• Use Hearing Protection: Power tools can be loud and damaging to your hearing. Wear earplugs or earmuffs to protect your ears.

• Wear a Dust Mask: Sawdust can be irritating to your lungs. Wear a dust mask or respirator to prevent inhaling sawdust.

• Use Proper Ventilation: When applying finishes, work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.

• Keep Your Tools Sharp: Sharp tools are safer than dull tools because they require less force to use.

• Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using power tools or equipment.

• Work in a Clean and Organized Workspace: A cluttered workspace is a dangerous workspace. Keep your workspace clean and organized to prevent accidents.

Takeaway: Safety should always be your top priority when working with wood. Wear appropriate safety gear and follow safe work practices to prevent accidents.

The Future of Blue Spruce in Woodworking

As sustainable forestry practices become increasingly important, woodworkers are looking for alternative wood species to reduce their reliance on traditional hardwoods. Blue Spruce, with its abundance and relatively fast growth rate, could play a more significant role in the future of woodworking.

• Sustainable Forestry: Blue Spruce is often harvested from sustainably managed forests, ensuring that the resource is replenished.

• Innovation in Wood Processing: New technologies, such as thermal modification, are being developed to improve the durability and stability of softwoods like Blue Spruce.

• Consumer Demand: As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions, they may be more likely to choose products made from sustainable materials like Blue Spruce.

Takeaway: Blue Spruce has the potential to become a more widely used wood species in the future as sustainable forestry practices become increasingly important and new technologies improve its properties.

Conclusion: Embracing the Potential of Blue Spruce

Blue Spruce may not be the king of hardwoods, but it’s a valuable and versatile wood that deserves a place in every woodworker’s repertoire. By understanding its unique characteristics and mastering the essential techniques I’ve shared, you can unlock its potential and create beautiful and functional projects. So, the next time you see a fallen Blue Spruce, don’t dismiss it as useless firewood. Instead, consider the possibilities and let your creativity guide you. I encourage you to experiment with this often-overlooked wood and discover the beauty and potential that lies within. You might be surprised at what you can create! And who knows, maybe you’ll even debunk a few more myths along the way.

Learn more