Turning south american palm???

[Donny Lawson]

A friend of mine asked if I could turn "south american palm" and I couldn't answer that question.Are palm trees not hairy like and not turnable? If this can be turned where can I find some wood for pens?
Donny

[Michael James]

My local Woodcraft sometimes has "palm", but being a desert rat, I wouldnt know one from the other... when in doubt make it outa pine and stain it black walnut!:eek: (JK)

[David E Keller]

I've turned red palm, black palm, and Australian palm for pens. It's much easier to turn when stabilized. I know Arizona Silhouette sells stabilized palm and probably several other sites do as well. It's really cool looking when cross-cut, but it can be pretty difficult to turn that way even when stabilized. Palm is pretty fibrous and course, but it's a very attractive medium for pens.

I'm not sure what "South American palm" is, so I can speak to that specifically.

[brian watts]

i TRY to turn black plam and it didnot come out very good.. i ask someone about it after i try it and they told me to soak it in CA they turn it . i would try that way if you turn it..

[Thom Sturgill]

I've been told there is a turner in Melborne, FL (about 40 miles north) that specializes in Palm. She turns it wet, says it does not turn well unless freshly cut. Never tried it myself.

[Richard Madison]

I tried a piece of the ornamental palm (as seen in shopping centers in this area). Like trying to turn a head of lettuce, and eats your tools for lunch. Have rarely met a piece of "wood" I didn't like, but this was an exception.

[Barry Elder]

Palm is palm. You are turning grass. Use scary-sharp tools. Take a mild tranquilizer before you start. Warn your wife and kids to ignore your screaming! Only buy one piece of palm.:D

[Tim Rinehart]

Don't run your hand over it to "see how smooth it is". It will leave little needle pricks all over your hand...don't ask me how I know this.

Double face/eye protection!

And I double that "everyone should turn this stuff...once!!"