Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
Ponderosa Pine for turning
Eric Kuehne
>I am having 3 (what I believe are) Ponderosa pine trees cut down on Friday. I don't have interest in saving the wood for furniture but thought that it might be worth keeping a bit for turning projects. I'm thinking that it might at least be good for practicing as I'm a newbie.
Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.
Eric in the Silicon Valley
Re: Ponderosa Pine for turning
adrien
>there was an article on turning that stuff in the AAW magazine a few issues back. Came out like Norfolk pine. Very nice.
Re: Ponderosa Pine for turning
woodspinner
>It depends on how much sap there is in what you have. The sap pockets are, in my opinion, only good for the ants.
What Adrian was speaking of is the Ponderosa that was killed by beetles. The beetles cause a grey discoloration that looks great when you end turn.
As for turning it is ok for anything. You may have a problem in the sanding as it will clog your sandpaper quite badly. I also have lots available and opt not to use it.
Again, in my opinion, I believe a soft maple to be best for learning on.
Good turning and be safe
Bill
Re: Ponderosa Pine for turning
Jay Sullivan
>I think Ponderosa pine is a wonderful wood! Turned wet, it cuts well. If it is already dry, rough it out then soak in oil for a few days before completing. Plus it's FREE WOOD! What more can you ask?!?
Here are a few examples of mine.
Jay
NICE!
Mike Schwing from Md.
>Man those look great.
Re: Ponderosa Pine for turning
RevDoug
>Nice job Jay.
Re: Ponderosa Pine for turning
Eric Kuehne
>Thanks one and all for the responses. I will definitely keep some. Jay, your work in an inspiration although I'm a long way from turning (OK, pun intended) out that kind of work. One of the trees is growing at a bit of an angle so I'm hoping for some figure.
Wish me luck!
Eric in the Silicon Valley
