Cottonwood?

Re: Cottonwood?

Russ Fairfield

>This may be the only message you will get saying anything good about Cottonwood. It is one of the most maligned wood species by woodturners; a reputation that is not justified.

You can't judge the book by its cover. Cottonwood can be many things, but you will never know until it is opened. Cut the Cottonwood into turning length blocks and split them down the middle along the pith. Cottonwood can have a very bold grain pattern, particularly around crotch and limbs; but it can also be very bland. I wouldn't expect very much from a 12" tree. If the bark is smooth on the outside, chances are that the wood will also not have much character.

Most woodturners would consider Cottonwood to be a soft, stringy, and fuzzy wood. However, it turns easily (much better than Willow) and tear-out in the end-grain is no more a problem than any other wood. Th only problem you might encounter is ring-shake, which is the separation of the wood along the grain boundaries in trees that grow in strong winds.

On the plus side, it sands and finishes easily. Oil finishes give it a rich amber color. It accepts dyes and stains very well, and these can be used to enhance the grain.

When turned thin (3/16" or less) to a uniform thickness and saturated with an oil finish such as Watco, it will exhibit a delightful translucent property.

Turn a few bowls and see what happens. At the least you will have benefitted from the practice. You might even find that you like the wood.

Re: Cottonwood?

Terry Quiram

>Phil

I also like Cottonwood. I find it easier to turn thin than some other wood species. Wear a rain coat cause you will surely take a bath.

Terry

Re: Cottonwood?

Dick Hines

>I like it also. Have never turned any wet though. If the figure is good it can look almost like a tie dye. I seem to get tare out when I turn dry cotton wood but it can useily be sanded out.

Re: Cottonwood?

Phil Murray

>Thanks for the info. Is there an internet source for the turning characteristics of many species of wood or is it all going to be trial and error, error, error?

Thanks again. Phil

Re: Cottonwood?

John Trant (aka Boxes-n-Bowls)

>Hi Phil,

Basically you are already logged onto the best source for information about turning the various species. The general consensus is that you can turn just about anything ... the difference is some woods are more pleasurable than others and some woods require special efforts to prevent cracking.

Wood Online has a list of woods with descriptions for turning and flat work. They too are of the opinion that everything can be turned.

John

Re: Cottonwood?

Juergen

>I totally agree with Russ I think the attached photo support his comments.

Bowl

Phil Joines Krum, Texas

>It's 12"x 2". finish is oil. I find it easy to turn once it has a chance to dry a bit.

Re: Bowl

Phil Murray

>Pretty piece, Phil. Thanks. As soon as the back heals up I'll get started.