Storm damaged trees

[Jim Baker]

Saturday, we had several trees uprooted by a storm, inclucing an old apple tree and an English Walnut. Are those species any good for turning? I think I could get a section from the apple that is 3' long by 10-12 inches in diameter. The rest is hollow and rotten. I could probably get a 10 foot section of English Walnut that is about a foot in diameter.

I am not a turner yet, but have interest in learning. I would like to make something from these trees since they have been in the family for as long as I can remember.

[Don Henthorn Smithville, TX]

Sure, both of those woods are excellent for turning. The apple really needs special care to prevent degrading and should be rough turned and coated with wax or your choice of protection as soon as possible. The walnut just needs the usual treatment although if you have the time it is always good to get the blanks green turned to rough shape and then bagged or placed in shavings to retard drying.