Willow good for turning?

[Tim Elett]

A add in local classified, free wood the post said that it is thought to be willow,is this wood ok to (learn to turn) as I say. I watched a few videos turning willow and the wood looked like I had some interesting grain.

[Edward Weber]

It's okay to learn on and if you can tame it, great.
I turned quite a bit when I first started turning, It's typically lightweight and can be prone to tear out. Free wood is always welcome.
One of my first bowls was from willow
472425

[Ricc Havens]

It can be. I was lucky to acquire some willow burl. Soft but if tools are sharp it's not bad. I assume the regular non-burl would turn in a similar way. Here is a bowl and small hollow form from willow burls.
472428472429

Ricc

[Richard Coers]

It takes super sharp tools to shear cut it when it's wet. Dull tools will just shove it around and make for fuzzy cuts. Pretty bland, but takes dye very well. I much prefer silver maple in that class of wood. Silver maple appears to be the major chosen tree in my city for quick shade. Super bountiful!

[Roger Chandler]

Here is a lidded box I made from willow, which has a quilted ash lid, and willow knob. You can see how nicely it turned out. I do agree with Richard about sharp tools. Some willow has decent figure.

472439 472440

[Tim Elett]

Thanks I'll se if I can turn some if I can get some.