Somewhat puzzled at Derek saying that his shavings don't burn that well.
Mine incorporate lots of air because of the way I turn, allowing me to use
them as fire starters. I roll them lightly in newspaper, twist (no, I don't
lick 'em) the ends so they look like big Doobies, and use them to relight on
those few days when the fire is allowed to burn itself out. They can also
be fuel in their own right when there are simply more than I can dispose of
by other means, including the loan to friends who raise chickens or rabbits.
I say loan, because I request they return them after the livestock are
through, after which they hit the garden.

Other than that, their love of nitrogen when decaying, plus the acidity of
some shavings makes them good mulch under the fence wires, where they help
keep the weeds from shorting the electric charge that defends the garden.
They also fill in holes where the groundhogs dig around my paths, though I
have to tamp them in on several occasions, as well as provide suitable
nesting areas for my garden guardian snakes. I've got a seven-foot female
who lives on the main compost heap, and she and her annual progeny keep the
critters from my peas.

"jamesleroy" wrote in message
ups.com...
Has anyone come up with a practical use for lathe shavings? What?
Seems like such a waste. Kitty litter? appreciate some feedback.