On Sun, 1 Jul 2012 2:48:50 -0500, F Murtz wrote
(in message . com):

Bill wrote:
On 6/30/2012 3:57 AM, F Murtz wrote:
What is the best range of moisture content for turning timber?

as wet as possible. Particularly for fruit wood - keep it under water
until you can turn it so it doesn't check, then turn to final size and
thickness in one session - turn to a wall thickness of 1/8 to 3/16 and
it will not split.

Well all this is bad news,I will never get through it before it dries
out. I just felled two gums that were 18" at base and there is another
that fell down up the back yard about six months to a year ago,it is
still above 30% cause I measured it wondering if it was ready to burn.
Probably gum is not the best for turning, I am new at this game.

Each piece of wood has its own rules - how it likes to be cut and so on. Part
of this "game" is trying to learn what the wood's rules are, and then working
it, following those rules. If you can't be with the wood you love, then love
the wood you're with. Cut up a chunk of that gum so it will fit your lathe,
find a speed that will not make the lathe dance around, and will not be
frightening, and do some lathe work on it. You will discover what works and
you will learn. Listen to your "gut" and if it does not seem safe, stop and
figure out what would be safer. Once the wood is roughed out to round and
reasonably well balanced, you can be a little more adventurous.

Either the wood will get used, or it will be allowed to rot, or it will be
cut up for firewood. As long as you work safely, you have nothing to lose.
This is a great chance to explore and learn. You may very likely also
surprise yourself plus get some memorable pieces in return. Folks have made
some nice stuff from gum. The turning Police will not hunt you down for
making something that is not of show quality. Go for it.

Follow the advice found here for preserving and preparing some turning
blanks, but also be willing to work on some of this wood fresh from the
stump. It's all good.
tom koehler

--
I will find a way or make one.