• Congratulations to Bernie Hyrtzak, People's Choice in the January 2026 Turning Challenge (click here for details)
  • Congratulations to David Croxton for "Geri's Basket Illusion" being selected as Turning of the Week for February 2, 2026 (click here for details)
  • AAW Symposium demonstrators announced - If the 2026 AAW International Woodturning Symposium is not on your calendar, now is the time to register. And there are discounts available if you sign up early, by Feb. 28. Early Bird pricing gives you the best rate for our 40th Anniversary Symposium in Raleigh, North Carolina, June 4–7, 2026. (There are discounts for AAW chapter members too) For more information vist the discussion thread here or the AAW registration page
  • Welcome new registering member. Your username must be your real First and Last name (for example: John Doe). "Screen names" and "handles" are not allowed and your registration will be deleted if you don't use your real name. Also, do not use all caps nor all lower case.

ficus wood any good?

A

alexc

Joined
Nov 13, 2008
Messages
46
Likes
0
Location
torrance california
i was driving home and about to take the turn to my street when I saw a huge truck with a bunch of ginormous pieces of wood. Sadly it was pine, but I talked to the main guy and he said the are cutting down a ficus in that same place. Anyone ever turn ficus. Is it any good and should I get a ton of it if I can. I don't know the exact species. He did say it was a pretty large tree, atleats 3 feet in diameter. If you got pictures of your ficus turnings that would be great.

Alex
 
After the last hurricane I came across some large Ficus trunks and gave it a try. It turned very easy and was nice looking wood. It's light colored with a grain that reminded me of ash, but with a very different texture and much much softer. I would think it would be a good wood for embellishing (carving, piercing, coloring, whatever). I found that it warped and cracked like crazy and decided it wasn't worth the hassles to me. Too much other good wood to choose from.

I don't know what type of Ficus I tried, but there are at least 12 different types in my area. Another member of my club brought in a ficus bowl that looked great. He didn't know what species, but he reported the wood to be very stable and not problematic at all. So maybe you just have to find the right species, but I can't tell you what it is. I don't know of any other turners in my area that have bothered to try it.

I would say give it a try, but don't bring home a ton of it unless you have a way to get rid of it if it doesn't work out.

Ed
 
I enjoy weird woods and this one fit right in. Soft and easy to turn, lots of movement and distortion when drying. Turning thin while green and microwaving helped stabilize the stuff. Good light color variations when fresh but seems to dull down when dry.

- Scott
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top