How is ficus for turning?

[Ben Rafael]

I have access to a lot of it, for free. It seems hard as a rock and I can see it destroying my BS blade.
Is it worth getting?

[Jim King]

Ben: I have never turned it but I have made a couple of natural edge tables out of a big one. I found that you need to cut it up and dry it asap as it appears hard but will turn to almost a honeyconb texture if not dried rapidly. Attached is a photo of an intertwined log slice I posted some time ago. It does have nice grain from all the tiny branches.
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?p=420474#poststop

[Mike Vickery]

Not great but okay. It cracks really badly though when drying.