woodchucker wrote:
On 9/8/2015 5:25 PM, Leon wrote:
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.


One of the easiest ways to try wood that's been turned is to stick it
in a box of saw dust, or shavings. It draws it out quicker than air
drying and it doesn't stress it like other methods.

Would alcohol work? It has great affinity for water; if one were to immerse
the piece in alcohol for a while and then remove it, would the alcohol have
mixed with the wood's water leaving it drier?