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It might also be Sumac. Wood looks similar to Mimosa. Either way enjoy turning

Alan,

As always....spectacular!!!

Alan,

Good Call...I stand corrected. I was thinking of wild/common persimmon tree that is found throughout Texas (see attached photos). The bark is rough, dark (almost black) and heavily...

Alan, I think you mean Texas Madrone, which is smooth and peeling like crepe myrtle. Texas Madrone has some blackish/purple tones to the bark, and the wood is a subdues pink (canned salmon color). ...

Baxter,

What type of sandblaster are you using. I have been flirting with acquiring one, but wasn't sure what type or size to go with.

Thanks

The answer is Mulberry...based on:

1. Sulfurish yellow heart wood with white sap wood, similar to Osage but more of a greenish yellow as opposed to yellowish brown of osage.
2. Gnarly, burly...

THe power washer has some promise. I hate to introduce that much water to a stable, dry piece of wood. Has anyone bothered to use small sandblaster to etch out the bark inclusions on and between...

I have several natural edged maple burls that include bark covering the burl spikes. I would like to keep some of the natural edge including the spikes. I have used picked as much of the bark...

Bedan is an extremely versatile tool. It can perform all same cuts of skew (planing, rolling beads and coves) and is much more forgiving than skew. Due to its additional mass it is effective for...

You're right about some darkening with oil. However, you'll be surprised with using the Danish Oil because it will bring out a lot a red colors to the wood.

Dennis,

I was hoping to hear from you... You probably have handled spalted sweet gum more than most. Any idea why the sanding sealer is less "gummy" then straight up lacquer?

Thanks

I have a nice spalted sweet gum bowl that has nice backline spalted as well as a pale purple marbled spalting throughout the wood. The wood is a little soft and prone to tear out and crushing. The...

Another alternative to using wax as the final coat is the new "Plastic Polish" items like Don Pencil sells. I believe it is equivalent of automotive car polish, and not just the stuff you buy at the...

There is an old expression "Dye for Figure, Stain for Plain". Dyes will penetrate the grain with result being differentiation in the figured grain (brings out the varying depth of the wood). As...

Reed,

Thanks. The bush/tree was dead standing before it was cut down. This may be one of rare incidents where the wood doesn't need sealing. As you drive around Houston you see plenty of tress...

Happened across several 4" - 6" diameter trunks (+3' long lengths) that didn't survive the drought. Has anyone had any experience turning this wood?

Thanks

I am going to agree with John's selection. I like the V more than the U for two reasons. First, the V has a narrower nose profile so can get into tighter places. Second, the V clears the shavings...

Andrew,

If you go into your local woodworking shop, such as Rockler or Woodcraft, and talk to the store manager they will usually drop 10% off the price. Definitely want to get the Onyx version...

Steve,

Thanks for the insight.

Question on Soaking in Diluted Glue Mixture

With regards to soaking in diluted glue mixture... What is the effect of the glue treatment on the ultimate finish of the workpiece? Does the glue...

Steve,

A couple of quick questions regarding your technique for coloring the figuring.

1. Median for carrying the dye - Are you diluting the dyes in water or alcohol? Any particular reason...

Besides bringing it to the club as well as cornering the newbies to force it on them, you may go visit the guys at your local woodshop (ROckler, Woodcraft, etc). These guys are always willing to...

It all depends on the type of wood. Brass, copper, aluminum, and steel. During the past 12-months there was an article in one of the turning magazines that featured a turner and all his obsessions...

Through trial and error I have come to appreciate the way Walnut Oil compliments Mesquite's color (depth and luster). Typically, I will put a thin coat or two on a vessel and letting it cure before...

Guys - Thanks for feedback and advise.

I might otherwise let this one go simply buffed and uncoated, except for fact that I applied a dye to the wood. It will be a short period before my bear...