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Colorado Blue Spruce & Cedar

B

Bernie Weishapl

Joined
Jan 4, 2006
Messages
286
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Location
Goodland, Kansas
The neighbor had a 40 ft Colorado Blue Spruce and a Cedar tree go down with some 60 to 70 mph winds we had. When he cut them up he left me a couple of pretty good sized pieces of Spruce and a couple of pretty good sized pieces of Cedar on the back porch. I cut the pith out because they were starting to crack and painted the end grain. Are these worth turning green or am I just asking for trouble. I have never had any of this type of wood. Any help or info would be appreciated. Thanks.

Bernie
 
Bernie Weishapl said:
Are these worth turning green or am I just asking for trouble?
Click to expand...
Bernie:
I can't tell you for sure about the cedar you have, but about a month ago I was given some "fresh" Southern Red Cedar by a club member here in Florida.
You did good to cut the pith out because cedar starts to spit awfully quick.
I really enjoy turning the cedar, especially where I can get good contrast between the white sapwood and red heartwood. It finishes well and polishes beautifully. The only problem is the tendency to catch and grab when turning the white sapwood. It can be very soft, and when wet, I tend to dig sometimes *(I am sure it is as much a matter of technique as it is the wood itself).
There is a significant difference in density between the red and white wood, and that can lead to some uneven drying as well.

But for me, since I turn only for the pure pleasure of the craft, there is nothing like seeing foot-long curly-cues flying off the end of my bowl gouge :D , and the cedar is great for that! I've even mounted a log of it and turned it down to a toothpick - JUST to create those wonderful smelling ribbons of cedar. :cool2:
 
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