Sourcing wood for turning

[Britman]

So as you may know I got my first lathe a week ago.

Where are the best places to source wood, seasoned blanks preferably as I really don't have to space to be storing wood for years.

I don't tend to work with much hardwoods in the workshop so scrap bits are a bit light on the ground. I noticed Yandles has a turning packs but it doesn't state how many blanks you get in the packs.

 

[Orraloon]

There are a lot of skills a turner needs to learn. How to scrounge up wood being one of the main ones. The main thing with turning is that nearly any wood can be turned so trimmed branches and other tree pruning is a great source. Places that sell firewood could be another place to look. Green wood can be rough turned so that it dries faster. Knock out a bowl with the sides about 1'' thick and put it aside someplace cool and dry and it should be ready for a final turn in 6 months or so. Being a turner has you looking at trees in a whole new way.
Regards
John

 

[Blister]

Woodturning shop / Timber yard / ebay . Plenty of options.

 

[BravoNovember]

So as you may know I got my first lathe a week ago.

Where are the best places to source wood, seasoned blanks preferably as I really don't have to space to be storing wood for years.

I don't tend to work with much hardwoods in the workshop so scrap bits are a bit light on the ground. I noticed Yandles has a turning packs but it doesn't state how many blanks you get in the packs.

If you are nearby or passing it, it’d be well worth popping in to Yandles. The self selection timber and bowl blanks are extensive. If you just want different little scraps to practice on there are two big bins with bits for a couple of quid.

 

[sneggysteve]

Where are you exactly - members may be able to give you a better idea in your area.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

OP - you might want to edit your title.

 

[Stigmorgan]

OP - you might want to edit your title.

It's only sour if you taste it

 

[Britman]

Where are you exactly - members may be able to give you a better idea in your area.

I'm up near Liverpool.

 

[Britman]

OP - you might want to edit your title.

Well spotted. Fixed

 

[Stigmorgan]

@Britman as others have said, any wood is fine, however, I would recommend avoiding soft woods like pine as it can be frustrating to get good clean cuts without tearout, green wood is good to learn with as it cuts easily allowing you to concentration on tool presentation. For learning Free wood is best.
Where abouts in the UK are you?

 

[MF1000]

I'm up near Liverpool.

I was at a wood yard in Stafford yesterday…great guy to deal with and had lots of small bits for turning …..his prices were vv good and well worth the trip from Liverpool. Message me for his details

 

[Roland]

Where are the best places to source wood, seasoned blanks preferably as I really don't have to space to be storing wood for years.

Whenever I see a “what is the best …” question I’m always tempted to ask what is the definition of “best”. For a new turner I think the definition is a combination of “cheap” and “easy to turn”. Fresh, unseasoned wood meets both of those definitions. Green wood is softer than seasoned, and easier to turn. Some wood, such as Sycamore is relatively stable without seasoning. Cherry can warp into interesting shapes as it dries after turning.

If you see a tree coming down ask if you can have a piece. Sometimes people just want it cleared, and let you take as much as you like. Over the months word gets around, and people will let you know when they’re dropping a tree. They may want to sell the trunk but the branches, which have the more interesting grain, usually go for firewood.

Over the last five years I’ve been given Apple, Ash, Cedar, Cherry, Damson, Field Maple, Hawthorn, Holly, Laburnum, Plum, Pyracanthus, Quince, Rowan, Scot‘s Pine, Sycamore, Walnut, Yew, and a couple which I don’t recognise.

Don't forget to give a bowl to the wood donor.

 

[Orraloon]

Roland you have pointed out an important fact for those looking for turning wood. The most interesting bits for turners would be rejected by most other woodworkers as too difficult. Win win for all.
Regards
John

 

[Robbo3]

Join you local wood turning club &/or men's shed. Ours often gets contacted by people who have had trees blown down or felled & want to give the wood away. Members will also know other local sources such as tree surgeons.

: Edited for spelling.

 

[newbiegirl]

I'm up near Liverpool.

Are there any businesses near you that manufacture wooden stuff (furniture for instance) they often have a fire bin which could yield useful bits n pieces!

 

[Stigmorgan]

Roland you have pointed out an important fact for those looking for turning wood. The most interesting bits for turners would be rejected by most other woodworkers as too difficult. Win win for all.
Regards
John

I've turned stuff even most woodturners would burn

 

[BearTricks]

I'm up near Liverpool.

You could try PB Hardwood is in Kirkby. They mainly do boards and slabs but if you ring up or pop down they might have some bits and pieces. The owners are a good bunch.

Just leave some for me.

 

[Vulcan]

Join a wood turning club, there’s bound to be someone that can help with sourcing suitable timber at a good price.

 

[Duncan A]

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/thread...ards-please-add-your-favourites.108370/unread

 

[Tanglefoot20]

So as you may know I got my first lathe a week ago.

Where are the best places to source wood, seasoned blanks preferably as I really don't have to space to be storing wood for years.

I don't tend to work with much hardwoods in the workshop so scrap bits are a bit light on the ground. I noticed Yandles has a turning packs but it doesn't state how many blanks you get in the packs.

Hello…I’m in Bristol
I have access to some nice wood … of which I use myself…
Whereabouts are you?
Steve