On 9/8/2015 3:41 PM, Meanie wrote:
I'm still in the beginning stages of wood turning but have dabbled with
small items which I've been happy with. I purchased 5 carbide cutters
which came with two metal holders, though one cutter is a diamond shape
and has it's own designated holder. Therefore, I have one holder for the
other 4 cutters. Anyway, I made holders out of square SS stock and now
need wooden handles to fit.

I trimmed my silver maple tree over the weekend. In doing so, I realized
the size of some of the branches would be great for my handles. I shaped
one and pleasantly surprised how well it "turned" out (pun intended).
The question I have is about the freshness of the wood. It was less than
24 hours after I trimmed the tree, I cut a piece for the handle.
Therefore, that puppy was fresh and easy to turn. I've heard about
letting wood sit to dry out, then finish. This is the part I haven't any
knowledge on. What length of time is required to dry out? Is the main
reason to dry for finishes or easier to turn? Though I can't imagine it
being for easier turning. That bark and shavings came off like butter.
Overall, how do I handle turning fresh stock?

Thanks


Narrow pieces will not take as long to dry out but for regular lumber
the general time frame for natural air drying is about 1 year per inch
of thickness.

You probably will not have to wait that long, given the smaller size and
length, but I would let the piece, cut to approximate length, dry for a
few to several months "before" turning to final size. They will surely
change shape as they dry.

Typically green wood is extremely easy to turn but it will change shape
and maybe crack or twist. Many bowl turners will turn a green piece to
rough shape and then let the piece dry for a year or so before turning
to final shape. This speeds up the drying process.