DIY Network

Harvesting a Tree for Turning Stock Harvesting a Tree for Turning Stock From "Woodturning Techniques" episode DWTT-104

Figure A

When you turn candlesticks, the wood must have a very straight grain. That's something veteran turner Tom Boley keeps in mind when he's scavenging wood, as he does from a 200-year-old fallen maple in figure A. Below are some of his tips for choosing turning stock:

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	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

• Crotch pieces of wood offer beautiful and interesting grain patterns as the wood changes to form a branch, making perfect patterns for the bottom of bowls or platters (figure B).

• Select wood from younger parts of the tree where there is no visible rot.

• Consider the size of the lathe when choosing wood pieces.

• When cutting wood, be very careful not to cause a potentially dangerous shift in the tree's downed position.

• If a section of the tree has shattered under impact, it may have caused damage to the integrity of the wood for some distance, rendering a large portion of the tree unusable (figure C).

• Cut 4" to 5" below where you plan to pattern the piece.

• End-grain-seal the wood with a waxy product designed to slow the drying process. If the wood dries unevenly, it will crack and split, but by leaving several extra inches of wood on the ends, you may be able to remove cracks, leaving a workable piece of wood.

Remember, it's not always the grain but sometimes the graceful curve that makes a design so appealing. Turning is challenging and requires a light touch as well as practice to reveal the true beauty of the wood (figure D).