green apple

[neilyweely]

OK, so I don't post here as I don't usually turn wood, but I do have a lathe (or two) so figured I could turn a bit of the apple tree in the garden. I am not gonna be persuaded to show my effort amongst such esteemed turning company, but I would like to ask whether or not I need to treat the apple somehow now, whilst it is still green?

I have made a handle for one of the chisels lacking, and it turned (giddit?) out ok really, well better than expected. But now I am at a loss. Do I need to seal the ends? What exactly should I do now?

Any help greatly appreciated. Many thanks.

Neil

PS - I know it didn't happen, as I didn't photo it, but lets just call it a hypothetical question!! Does Mike G even read these threads?

 

[treeturner123]

Hi there. In answer

1 - You can turn it wet, very nice and easy, then leave it to dry and either say, well what an interesting shape that is now, or then let it dry and re-turn it at a later date when it is dry. In the former case, turn it as a hollow bowl, dish etc and very thin. In the latter, leave appox 1" and make sure you have a re-chucking point.

2 - Seal the ends. Use old oil paint or candle wax (melted) Leave for 1 - 2 years depending on thickness of timber. Make sure that you have good lengths and not what I call 'Tree Surgeon' lengths.

I like no 1 better as it gives really spectacular shavings!

 

[TEP]

Hi Neil.

This hypothetical handle may even stay as is, but Apple is one of the worst woods to dry. It very nearly always splits. So, if it was me I think I would give it a coat of oil, then once the oil is dry, wrap it in a couple of sheets of newspaper.

Open to check every day and re-wrap, should be dry in a week or two. Just don't try to dry it quickly.

Or as I said earlier, you could just leave it and see what happens, you may just get away with it.


PS - Now I have re-read the above I don't know whether you are asking about what to do with the handle or the timber you have left. As above for the handle, for any logs definitely seal the ends. Then keep the pieces in a cool draft free area. As said earlier don't dry this stuff quickly and you may just get away with it.

 

[mrs. sliver]

Hypothetical apple is a bad splitter!! (nice pies though)

There is sound advice above! it depends on what you were planning to make? Just don't let the centre or ends dry until you make a decision or you will end up with double the pieces you started with, because it will crack in two.

Good luck with it!