Ginko tree Good for turning

Re: Ginko tree Good for turning

Jon Arno

>Larry, ginkgo is a very primitive gymnosperm (softwood) with a density comparable to that of aspen...And it's anatomy is so simple (basic) that it is virtually figureless. It does typically develop bright yellow streaks which contrast with its otherwise bland, creamy white color...so it does have some attributes that are attractive.

Also, it has an exceptionally fine and even texture for a softwood species and this translates into good turning and shaping characteristics.

Whether you decide to use it for turning or for other projects, it's definitely a wood worth salvaging. It is not all that plentiful and, because of its interesting botanical back ground, it has a certain novelty appeal. It is virtually unchanged from its ancestors dating back at least 280 million years and it is the only surviving member of its entire botanical Order (Ginkgoales).

I'm sure a lot of woodworkers would like the chance to work with it.

Re: Ginko tree Good for turning

Matthew George

>Well, I'll happily defer to any of the more experienced hands around here, but...

I recently (two weeks ago) was given several 'half-log' blanks of various species, including Ginko, Acacia, Live Oak, etc.

And so I took my shot at rough turning up a few of the Ginko blanks into bowls.

The Ginko is light, soft, and pretty even grained. The wood is creamy white in color. But some interesting patterns emerge in the wood when a large surface is exposed (as in the inside or outside surfaces of a bowl). These are 'fan shaped', and kinda neat looking. The shape reminds me of the Ginko's leaf.

My blanks were VERY green, but turned with sharp tools, the experience was easy to work and fast. Long wet streamers flying off the lathe; quite a bit of fun.

I don't know how these will look when dried, but I turned up one 6" bowl and one 8" bowl in just a few hours. I wouldn't hesitate to use it. Smells great too.

-Matt

Re: Ginko tree Good for turning

RonZ

>Well, at the very least if you inhale the dust, your memory should improve. =o)

Re: Ginko tree Good for turning

Jim Rutten

>I was wondering about the smell. While taking a woody plants class at college, the instructor said the pods from the female tree had a smell similar to dog poop. I hoped that didn't translate to the wood. One of the main characteristics of the ginko is when the branches are small they look like cigarettes coming out of the bigger branch. The also come out at more of a 90 degree angle. It is a very cool tree!

Thanks Everyone!

Larry Shapiro, Vienna VA

>I will try and get as much of the tree as possible. Hopefully I will post a piture of something when I do.

Thanks

Larry