On Jun 11, 3:11 pm, "JD" wrote:
Hey folks, been a while since I've had an opportunity to come by and check
in. Been kinda hectic around here with the dissertation in full swing and
just returning from a trip to see the outlaws in Germany. Which leads me to
a quesion, I brought back some birch from Germany and a piece of beech from
a wood pile where we stayed. The beech turned beautifully. The birch on the
other hand, not so well. The wood seemed to be soft, almost rotted, but
still quite solid. The tree was supposedly cut this spring. Since I've no
experience with birch, I was wandering if it is the nature of this wood to
rot rather quickly, or is it just that darn soft. Either way, anyone have
any suggestions for what I should do. I hate to toss it aside, it come from
my mother-in-laws garden and I figured to return to her a bowl from her
tree. Is there anything that can be put onto the wood that might harden it?

Thanks in advance,

JD (Kentucky)

--
He that will make a good use of any part
of his life must allow a large portion of it
to recreation.
- John Locke


Polycryl from Preservation Solutions does a pretty good job of making
punky wood ready to turn. Here is the product information from their
web site:

"Polycryl
The wood fortifier. Do you have a piece of soft, punky, or spalted
wood that you would like to turn? Then give this product a try, it
will strengthen the wood and make it easier to work with, especially
for turners. It dries clear and will not yellow in the wood. Easy and
safe to use. All types of finishes and glues can be used once Polycryl
has dried into the wood."

I've used this product a few times, but I generally throw out punky
wood, but when it has some sentimental value such as your piece of
Birch, it is worth trying to save it.

Fred Holder
http://www.morewoodturning.net