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Thread: Cedar for turning???

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Versailles,Ky.
    Posts
    17

    Red face Cedar for turning???

    Now that my working days for the Winter are behind me (I work on a golf course) I have a lot of free time until the end of March! While rooting around in a backyard woodpile yesterday I came across a bunch of red cedar that has been stacked out there the last four of five years! I thought that I would try turning some smallish, 3 or 4 inch tall candle holders from this wood as a trial! I can't find anywhere whether cedar is good on a lathe! How about you veteran turners clueing in this novice, can I safely turn aged red cedar! What would you suggest as a finish for this wood? Your input and assistance will be greatly appreciated!

    Best wishes, Ky Joe

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Huntsville, AL (The Sun and Fun Capital of The South)
    Posts
    3,203
    Quote Originally Posted by Joe Ruszczyk
    Now that my working days for the Winter are behind me (I work on a golf course) I have a lot of free time until the end of March! While rooting around in a backyard woodpile yesterday I came across a bunch of red cedar that has been stacked out there the last four of five years! I thought that I would try turning some smallish, 3 or 4 inch tall candle holders from this wood as a trial! I can't find anywhere whether cedar is good on a lathe! How about you veteran turners clueing in this novice, can I safely turn aged red cedar! What would you suggest as a finish for this wood? Your input and assistance will be greatly appreciated!

    Best wishes, Ky Joe
    I have made bowls, candlesticks, pens, fan pulls, bottle stoppers and other things from red cedar. Turns and finishes nicely. On bowls I use and oil/wax finish. On pens and small items I usually use Crystal Coat & Wax.
    "If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride - and never quit, you'll be a winner. The price of victory is high - but so are the rewards" - - Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant
    Ken Salisbury Passed away on May 1st, 2008 and will forever be in our hearts.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Breckenridge MN
    Posts
    735
    Joe
    Here is a cedar birdhouse I turned a couple weeks ago. Cedar turns easily and finishes nicely.http://www.sawmillcreek.org/attachme...id=14942&stc=1
    Those who sense the winds of change should build windmills, not windbreaks.

    Dave Wilson

  4. #4
    it dries out and cracks quickly

    but the results can speak for themselves



  5. #5
    Gary Max, an SMC member is a very experienced user of cedar in a variety of ways and turns it all the time. Look up his posts to see some good work in cedar!
    Big Mike

    I have done so much with so little for so long I am now qualified to do anything with nothing......

    P.S. If you are interested in plans for any project that I post, just put some money in an envelope and mail it to me and I will keep it.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Southern Kentucky
    Posts
    2,218
    Thanks Big Mike----kind words from a fellow woodworker are always nice to hear.
    Joe I will post a new tread and show you some Cedar I just got done turning.
    ---I may be broke---but we have plenty of wood---

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Louisiana
    Posts
    506

    Turning cedar

    Joe, I have turned quite a bit of cedar. Great wood to work with. It will split a lot of times but that has never stopped me. The only caution I recommend is to be sure to wear a dust mask. To some people cedar dust can be pretty toxic. Other than that have fun and be sure to post some pictures.

    Bobby

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