Why buy when it's free.

[shedhead]

There was a post last week about what wood we here on the wood turners section use. It was suggested that mostly the forum turners used bought kiln dried wood. personally i use 99% of the driftwood i find on the beach or what is given to me by friends etc.
I use this form of wood due to the fact that it has no cost and is in abundance on the beaches in South West Scotland.
You can't get recycling much better than this.
Here are a selection of Driftwood things i have made last week. The goblet was made from this branch of drift wood in picture 1

 

[TEP]

Some nice marking on those pieces Dermot, don't blame you for beach combing, I've been along the coast on North Wales but never found much there. Always keep my eyes open for tree surgeons though, that's where I get the biggest bulk of my timber.

 

[Paul.J]

Very nice looking pieces Dermot,makes it even better,worthwhile, when the wood is Free

 

[PowerTool]

All nice pieces,Dermot,but I particularly like the goblet ; the shape,style and proportions are all very visually appealing.
As Tam said,also some lovely markings on the timbers as well.
I don't go beachcombing,but now know someone who has access to trees washed up from floodwater on the river Swale,so also get to recycle for free

Andrew

 

[Bodrighy]

Also

• go for walks in woods looking for fallen trees etc.
  Keep your eyes open in boot sales & charity shops for old furniture
  Off cuts from other woodworkers which are no good for flat work
  Hedge trimmings if you live in the country is a good source for smaller stuff
  Skips

There is always either free or dirt cheap wood around. Only thing is be a bit careful as you don't always know what wood it is and what is in it. I've had driftwood with nails and screws buried in it

Pete

 

[Wanlock Dod]

Have you had any issues with salt coming out of the driftwood? I picked up a piece on the beach near Ayr a few weeks back and have been leavuing it in the rain (plenty of that lately) to try to wash some of the salt out although I've no idea if it will work.

Cheers,

Dod

 

[mrs. sliver]

Not only is free good! but recyceling is good! and more rewarding (I think) if you turn from green or drift wood.

But it is understandable to use kiln dried. it is ready to use, you know what shape you can get (not often surprise knots or internal cracks) no massive cracking or warping problems and less climbing around in old wood piles and getting splinters ... ouch!! and, unless you have storage space, you can't have a ready supply different woods at hand if asked for something specific ... but on the whole free wood everytime! :wink: