Is Damson Wood any use for turning?

[user 17033]

Last year I had need to cut down 2 large damson trees in my garden, I kept all the main trunk wood, mostly 5" to 7" in diameter, I just wondered if anyone else had tried using it, and whether it'd be worth trying; or just lob it into my pizza oven as fuel

Dave

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

N oooooooooo...not the oven. Generally speaking fruit woods make fabulous turning. I confess Ive never tried it myself nor heard of it but in the main fruit woods are very interesting.

I suggest you try a few pieces.....down near the root ball will quickly tell you its quality

 

[marcros]

Damson and plum are beautiful timbers, or can be. They have various shades of pinks and purples in the grain.

 

[Gary Morris]

I turned a 2" dia piece and it turned great, mine was very pale cream colour, it was from the trunk of the tree so not very old.

 

[Glynne]

We had an old and diseased damson tree that I needed to take out for my new workshop - but managed to save some of the wood.
As R.O.B said, it is fantastic wood for turning and one of my feeble attempts is here: -

Glynne

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

wow...it almost has a Rosewood quality to it....very far Eastern feel to the colour....nice

 

[Jacob]

Yes if course it is. What wood is not suitable for turning?

 

[tekno.mage]

Damson is a lovely turing wood - fine grained and often with beautiful figure. Do not burn unless it's rotten

 

[henton49er]

Dave,

I am more than happy to come over to Shrewsbury and relieve you of any surplus!! :lol: :wink: :wink: :lol:

 

[Bodrighy]

Yes if course it is. What wood is not suitable for turning?

Buddlia, english eucalyptus, may be others but those are the two I have tried and failed with.

Pete

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Oh man...dont get me started on Eucalyptus!! Thats not grain...its the twister from hell. I've never known a wood so happy to split during drying. I think its the fastest growing hardwood on the planet if Im not mistaken.

 

[EnErY]

Dave,

I am more than happy to come over to Shrewsbury and relieve you of any surplus!! :lol: :wink: :wink: :lol:

and Im More Than happy To Bring My Chainsaw also
Regards
Bill

 

[tekno.mage]

Yes if course it is. What wood is not suitable for turning?

Buddlia, english eucalyptus, may be others but those are the two I have tried and failed with.

Pete

You are quite right - buddlia is horrid - it appears to be a nice dense wood when first cut - but usually has a big hole up the middle and it splits worse than holly :-(