Timber for between centres work

[mickdundee]

If you were going to turn something tall and narrow like a vase or lamp, could a section of a smaller tree be used, or would it be better to have a larger diameter that has been quartered so you don't have the pith.

Thanks, Mick

 

 

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[bob]

Either

Smaller thinner with the pith often looks nicer as uniform grain pattern imo

[se7enthdevil]

when using small diameter logs for lamps you will be drilling the pith out of it so releasing the potential for it splitting as it dries. quartered wood will have nice variations of grain as it changes from a crown cur surface to the quartered face.

 

 

both can easily be usee it's down to you as to what you want to do.

[mickdundee]

Ok good news. If turning a lamp then would you go with turning green so that the pith has been drilled out and then put aside to dry

 

 

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[nepia]

Steve, would that trick be feasible with fresh cut logs that were then kept for a couple of years to dry slowly? If so it would be a way of providing near-dry logs for turning with all options still open as to how to cut them, giving maximum choice for the turner.

 

Yesterday I obtained four cherry logs from a declining tree; each is ~22"x12". As the tree was dying and it's winter they're part-dried already.

 

Apologies for such a rapid, if slight, derail Mick but the info may be helpful.

 

 

Jon

[mickdundee]

No problem Jon. Your derail is amazingly relevant. I'm trying to plan a use for my in laws cherry tree that has died. I'll likely be dropping it in December when I've finished for Xmas

 

 

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[se7enthdevil]

yes jon, as long as the logs have not already started to split you could do that, perhaps a 1/2" hole down the pith.

 

 

mick, i would drop the tree now if it is dead as cherry will spalt quickly.

[nepia]

Here are a couple of the logs... spalted?

[mickdundee]

I won't be able to turn it if I drop it now though. What's the best option. Drop it and leave it a few weeks, or wait until I'll be able to get it straight on the lathe

 

 

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[se7enthdevil]

you don't have to turn it now mick, if it's dropped first you then drill the pith and seal the ends as this will keep it whilst you find the time to eventually turn it.