Ohio buckeye

[Graham Dolby]

I cadged a log from an arborist this afternoon who was working on neighbour's trees. He said it is Ohio buckeye. I've heard of the burls but have no idea what the plain wood is like for turning. I'd appreciate any advice.
His truck also had some very large birch logs that would have made 12"-15" salad bowls but I decided against them. So many urban birches have been treated with a nasty insecticide against birch leaf miner and turners here avoid them for salad or fruit bowls in case there is poisonous residue in the wood. Anyway, I have so much wood drying in the basement (including 100yr old lilac) that I don't need any more at present.

 

[Richard Coers]

Super soft, it will not like being turned with a scraper or cheap carbide insert tooling if it is even slightly damp. Best bet is to not seal the ends, sit it on dirt, cover the other end with rotting leaves and miracle grow, and throw a tarp over it. Keep it damp. Spalted buckeye is beautiful. What is "cadged”?

 

[John K Jordan]

I agree. Soft - it likes very sharp tools.
If you hadn't checked the Wood Database, here's the Buckeye entry with some details:

Ohio Buckeye | The Wood Database (Hardwood)

www.wood-database.com

Can look up other woods to compare.

This is good info too (includes Aesculus glabra)

buckeye

Harder than basswood and butternut, softer than cherry. I like the color - the small piece I have has streaks of brown but as you can see, there's a lot of natural variation.

I personally would cut it up into blanks, seal the ends and dry them before turning. But that's what I do with green wood.

JKJ

 

[Graham Dolby]

Super soft, it will not like being turned with a scraper or cheap carbide insert tooling if it is even slightly damp. Best bet is to not seal the ends, sit it on dirt, cover the other end with rotting leaves and miracle grow, and throw a tarp over it. Keep it damp. Spalted buckeye is beautiful. What is "cadged”?

Thanks! I'll try sharp tools and high speeds then.
Cadged is an English term - begging, but not like pan-handling.

I agree. Soft - it likes very sharp tools.
If you hadn't checked the Wood Database, here's the Buckeye entry with some details:

Ohio Buckeye | The Wood Database (Hardwood)

www.wood-database.com

Can look up other woods to compare.

This is good info too (includes Aesculus glabra)

buckeye

Harder than basswood and butternut, softer than cherry. I like the color - the small piece I have has streaks of brown but as you can see, there's a lot of natural variation.

I personally would cut it up into blanks, seal the ends and dry them before turning. But that's what I do with green wood.

JKJ

Many thanks for the information. I had checked the Database but it's always better to learn from someone with firsthand experience.
I've cut it into 4 half logs and sealed the ends. Normally, I rough turn while green but I'll follow your advice and wait until it's dry.

 

[John K Jordan]

Normally, I rough turn while green but I'll follow your advice and wait until it's dry.

Well, depends on what you do and like! I like turning dry - it doesn't warp, can smooth and finish immediately. Others never or seldom do this.
I do like to remove the pith and cut in halves, squares or rectangles before drying. Hard to get bowl blanks from smaller log sections like that though.

In case you're interested I made a video for a pandemic year demo:

Thread 'Making useful turning blanks from logs'

Oct 8, 2024

My “Logs to Blanks” video shows how I use a shop bandsaw to make useful turning blanks from log sections. I almost always turn dry wood so I include a little information on drying.

I made this video during the Covid pandemic for a club Zoom meeting demo. It’s long, about 45 minutes, but it’s a severely cut down version of my 4-hour bandsaw class - I had to leave out a lot of information but this might be a good introduction. I tried not to skimp on safety!

I shot and edited this video in a rush so it seriously needs some changes and additions. Unfortunately, the chances of me...

• John K Jordan
• Replies: 3
• Forum: Tutorials and Tips

• 
• 

JKJ

 

[Graham Dolby]

I watched your excellent video and I use your techniques on the bandsaw for smaller logs. For the larger logs I use a chainsaw. I cut on each side of the pith and the resulting plank of quarter-sawn is turned into coasters etc when dry.
I haven't yet decided what I will turn with the half log pieces but they are end sealed.

 

[John K Jordan]

I watched your excellent video and I use your techniques on the bandsaw for smaller logs. For the larger logs I use a chainsaw. I cut on each side of the pith and the resulting plank of quarter-sawn is turned into coasters etc when dry.
I haven't yet decided what I will turn with the half log pieces but they are end sealed.

Sounds like you could make good use of a Woodmizer sawmill! Before too long I'll be too ancient and feeble to use it and pass it to someone else. But it would be a long drive for you.

My LT-15 is set up expecting logs at least 4' long but I devised a way to saw pieces even 12" or so. I've used a chainsaw to rip but the bandsaw mill sure is easier! And the kerf is so thin, nice when cutting the quarter-sawn center plank. Only special thing needed is to block up one end of a tapered log so the pith is horizontal.

BTW, I've been to Calgary (and Saskatoon) several times for work and drove up through Banff to Lake Louise a couple of times for fun when the weather was nice. Never visited anywhere else in Canada.

Man, Saskatoon is COLD in the middle of the winter!! I was totally unprepared - had to stop and buy gloves. Does Calgary get that cold?

JKJ