dave in Fairfax said:

Greg, G. wrote:
Well, "totally" may have been inaccurate. I have done spindles, pens,
and small bowls. But by the same token, I approach everything this
way - Jump in with both feet running.

Then I guess the answer is yes SYP can be used, but you've got to
have SHARP tools. Hardwoods air-dried, cut easiest after wet
wood. Then kiln-dried hardwoods. Softwoods require very sharp
tools. All this in general, some rules to be broken, but good
enough for a thumbnail sketch. Free, wet wood cuts easiest,
remember the anchorseal.

OK - that makes sense. I know the grain variation from soft to hard
resinous wood makes pine somewhat difficult to deal with.

As for the end-grain sealer - I started collecting some wood a few
weeks ago, and have been using paraffin mixed with mineral spirits - I
had it on hand. Used it on magnolia, cherry and pin oak. Seemed to
stop the severe checking in the cherry...

I have also seen numerous mentions of LDD - what is that?

Thanks,

Greg G.