Wet wood is often easier to turn especially for beginners and especially
if it is free. However it can crack and warp (some like the effect of
the warp).

There is a long list of how to rough out and then dry before finish
turning.

I turn anything I can find. In colorado aspen is plentiful and so is
cottonwood, russian olive etc. Aspen and cottonwood are turning into my
favorite local woods

Shoot I've heard of people even turning Chinese tallow in Texas.

Reggie wrote:
I have a lathe with a sharp chisel. The wood is my problem. I live in
east Texas on a fixed income and have to collect wood from the area. I
found out that pine is abundant and cheap but not good to turn. I have
oak available, how long does it have to dry or does it. I ordered some
knives and should be here soon. I love the turning process and I would
like to supplement my income locally, any response would help
greatly....GOD BLESS...Reggie