Hello Zarka,

I turn Magnolia frequently as it grows in abundance here in the Houston
area. For me, Magnolia is a mixed bag... If I can get it on the day its cut
and process it into rough outs the same day, it will keep its white colour.
However, if it is down more than a day or two, a nasty fungus starts (way
too much heat and humidity here) and it rapidly turns a dirty dishwater
grey/black/off white colour.

Magnolia turns and dries easily and features wide growth rings and medium
sized pores. It makes wonderful utility bowls as it has high shock
resistance, even in thin sections. I prefer to burn/scorch most of the
Magnolia I turn to eliminate the dirty dishwater colours. This produces a
uniform black, or deep caramel colour which is visually provocative and
pleasing.

If you can get it fresh enough and process it rapidly, it will keep the
light colour. There are little to no remarkable grain features and overall,
Magnolia is rather bland. It takes dyes well and is a good candidate for
adjunctive treatments like gilding, metal leafing, metallic impregnated
lacquer finishes, metal patinas and similar treatments.

I would get some and give it a go, just don't expect wild grain, or stunning
figure. All in all, its a nice timber, but it really needs some help to look
its best. Take care and all the best to you and yours!

--
Better Woodturning and Finishing Through Chemistry...

Steven D. Russell
Eurowood Werks Woodturning Studio
The Woodlands, Texas

Machinery, Tool and Product Testing for the Woodworking and Woodturning
Industries

³Woodturning with Steven D. Russell² Volume #1 CD ROM * Available
Volume #2 CD ROM/DVD Video * Available Soon