154 - Buckeye

154 - Buckeye

Author: Shannon Rogers August 27, 2025 Duration: 49:14
My featured species this episode is Buckeye. Its a non commercial species but not terribly hard to find and has some unique color and high propensity to form burls. But the real meat of this show is a look at how a forest regenerates after a disturbance like a fire or logging. The successional forest model helps us understand how forestry managers can foster a healthy forest through logging. But then we look at how bugs and blights can disrupt the succession model even further.

Shannon Rogers hosts Shannon's Lumber Industry Update, a podcast that feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend in a well-stocked workshop. Forget dry industry reports; this is an accessible, engaging dive into the world of wood, framed around the questions real people have. Each episode tackles the practical and the curious, from selecting the right board for a project to unraveling the history and science behind how trees become timber. The goal is to cut through common misconceptions and foster a deeper appreciation for the material that has shaped human civilization. You'll come away not just with answers, but with a sharper, more nuanced understanding of lumber's journey from forest to finished piece. It’s a space where beginners and seasoned woodworkers alike can develop a more intuitive sense for their craft, becoming, as Shannon puts it, a little more wood savvy. Tune in for a consistently informative and surprisingly relaxing listen that makes the complexities of an ancient industry feel relevant and fascinating. This podcast naturally finds its home in the Leisure category, perfect for anyone who enjoys working with their hands or simply wants to understand the stories hidden in the grain.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 170

Shannon's Lumber Industry Update
Podcast Episodes
49 - Bow Wood [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:35
In a recent episode of the WoodTalk podcast someone asked about making a bow. I decided to use that question to delve deeper into what makes a good species for a bow. My thought is further understanding of the applicatio…
48 - Maine Urban Timber Co | iDry Vacuum Kiln [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:05
Today I welcome Niles Krech of Maine Urban Timber Co on the show to talk about his business. From building a bandsaw mill to learning the ropes of a vacuum kiln, Niles has done a lot in the last year and it is exciting t…
47 - Wood Movement Q&A [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:26
I asked for questions on wood movement and y'all delivered big time. I hope I got through them all and did my best to combine duplicate questions. I think the best way to understand anything is in context so digging into…
46 - Wood Movement 101 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:25
Wood moves, get over it. You can't stop it but you can slow it and you can restrict it. Most importantly you just need to build to compensate for wood movement. Don't be afraid of it, embrace it. This week I cover the ba…
45 - COVID Stresses Lumber Logistics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:09
This week I delve into the effect of COVID on the Hardwood sector and specifically how shipping and logistics delays are causing the biggest disruptions. Then I answer some of your questions about CITES, color fast finis…
44 - Things all woods do [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:36
All woods go grey with exposure. They all move, they all check, and they all look different when freshly milled. It doesn't matter the species, it is something wood does. Let's understand why.
43 - Riving Wood [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:46
Today I talk about riving wood. Why do it, what species to consider and when to use a wedge and when to use a froe. Then I talk about the falling prices of Cherry, Buying CITES species, drying turned bowls, and why small…
Episode 42 Steamed vs Unsteamed Walnut [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:46
On today's show I discuss steamed vs unsteamed Walnut, quoting lumber, lumber thickness pricing, moisture meters, and burning down your shop. That is, don't do it. Burning shops are bad.
Episode 41 Plywood Glue and Q&A [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:47
There are A LOT of different glues used in the manufacture of plywood. I'm not chemist and frankly knowing all the technical stuff won't help that much as a plywood buyers. So I talk about 3 main types and where you migh…
Episode 40 Plywood Cores [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:43
Part 3 of the Plywood series focuses on the core. What types of cores are out there and how do they differ from one another. How is the core manufactured and how can you use this knowledge to buy a sheet of plywood best…