Dalmata Wood

[Aaron Craven]

Picked up a small dalmata bowl blank today just because I liked what it looked like. Anyone have any experience with this exotic? It seems pretty dense, though it's possible it just isn't dry yet.

[John K Jordan]

If it's the same wood I have it is beautiful, hard, and dense. Turns nicely, great for boxes.

From the Wood Database:
Average Dried Weight: (http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/average-dried-weight/) 64 lbs/ft3 (1,030 kg/m3)
Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): (http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/specific-gravity/) .81, 1.03
Janka Hardness: (http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/janka-hardness/) 2,620 lbf (11,640 N)*

http://www.wood-database.com/lumber-identification/hardwoods/dalmata/

[Aaron Craven]

If it's the same wood I have it is beautiful, hard, and dense. Turns nicely, great for boxes....

Any special tips or things to watch out for? Any finishes to avoid?

[John K Jordan]

The one I turned was just buffed then Renaissance wax, like I sometimes do with exotics. I didn't do it this time but if I have enough wood to spare I like to turn a spindle and try various finishes (such as oil, TruOil, shellac friction polish, lacquer, acrylic, poly) and see what doesn't work! I usually avoid oil (like Watco oil) on exotics since the time I had cocobolo turn black as ebony over a period of maybe 6 months. Shellac friction polish (I use Mylands) is my favorite for fairly small turnings of almost any wood when I want gloss, or TruOil if I have time/patience.

JKJ

[Aaron Craven]

Okay. Thanks. As I see how the wood finishes, I'll make a decision... wax could definitely be an option.

[Dennis Ford]

I have turned a little of it, very dense but cuts nicely. No issues with lacquer or Wipe On Poly.