I'm going to make an odd nomination -- burning bush. I was given a piece of dry burning bush by a denizen of this board (I leave it to them to identify themselves if they wish) for the purpose of turning a sphere to add an unusual species to my growing collection. It turned out to be an amazing turning experience, without doubt the most compliant turning wood I've ever met. Not soft, but buttery smooth to turn, the wood came off in ribbons regardless of grain orientation. Extremely fine grained and sanded to a great polish. Pleasing canary yellow wood. What a shame it doesn't grow larger; I'm told that this 2.25" diameter piece was extremely large in the burning bush world. Dried in the round without cracking though.
I'm not dissing other woods. I turned a piece of dry madrone burl that was really nice and is a notable runner up. But I've never experienced anything like this piece of burning bush.
Other nominations? I'd suggest it be limited to dry wood, as many woods turn nicely green.
Best,
Dave
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