Yesterday I got some gift, newly cut Lilac trunk and limbs about 4 feet
long (badly misshapen, of course) and ranging in diameter from 3 to 6
inches.
Being an extreme novice woodturner, My question is whether this wood is
better used as turning material or fire wood?
Lynn, NW Washington State

Lynn Coffelt wrote:
Yesterday I got some gift, newly cut Lilac trunk and limbs about 4 feet
long (badly misshapen, of course) and ranging in diameter from 3 to 6
inches.
Being an extreme novice woodturner, My question is whether this wood is
better used as turning material or fire wood?

I made some bottle stoppers from lilac last year and it worked well and
they all sold, so I guess it must have looked nice too

--
Derek Andrews, woodturner

http://www.seafoamwoodturning.com
http://chipshop.blogspot.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/toolrest/

Hi Lynn

Lilac is nice turning wood
It's almost to nice for a beginner to slaughter G
Start turning it now before it al splits up.
And when you have finished turning something put it in a brown paper bag
to slow down the drying, gives the wood more time to change shape and
there is also less of a difference between the inside and outside
moisture level.

Have fun and take care
Leo Van Der Loo

Lynn Coffelt wrote:

Yesterday I got some gift, newly cut Lilac trunk and limbs about 4 feet
long (badly misshapen, of course) and ranging in diameter from 3 to 6
inches.
Being an extreme novice woodturner, My question is whether this wood is
better used as turning material or fire wood?
Lynn, NW Washington State

Lynn Coffelt wrote:
: Yesterday I got some gift, newly cut Lilac trunk and limbs about 4 feet
: long (badly misshapen, of course) and ranging in diameter from 3 to 6
: inches.
: Being an extreme novice woodturner, My question is whether this wood is
: better used as turning material or fire wood?
: Lynn, NW Washington State

Go for it, but...:


It splits incredibly, so either boil it or otherwise stabilize it as soon
as possible.

It has a *very* strong lilac scent, so ventilate carefully.


It's really pretty, with variegated lines of brown, tan, and purple.


-- Andy Barss

Thanks to all for the advice! I'll try a couple of the recommended
Stabilization schemes.
Lynn