Pen Turning - Mountain Laurel

[Mike Marek]

I have several large diameter mountain laurel bushes that need thined and trimmed. Was wondering if it is worth saving the larger branches - some over 1.5" in dia. to use for pen turning. Thoughts and comments please

 

[hcgernhardt]

'Twere me, I'd go ahead and do it. Cut the branches to the lengths you need, drill out the pith, peel off the bark, seal, and allow to dry.

I would think that it is imperative, especially with branch wood that tends to move quite a bit, that the pen blanks be thoroughly dried before being utilized.

Hope it helps!

 

[Mike Marek]

Thanks for the info ... had not considered drilling out the pith before drying. Will let you know how it turns out - no pun intended :cool2:

 

[hockenbery]

I've turned a bit of mountain laurel. It will make a real nice pen.
the wood can vary a lot from sort of red to almost white.


We had something kill a whole bunch of them in Maryland a while back.
I found that the big ones have a root ball that can yeild a small bowl or ornament balls.

If you happen to get to one of the Chesapeake woodturner meetings, try to chat with John Styer He turns pens from laurel and other odd things like poison ivy.


Happy turning
Al

 

[hcgernhardt]

If you happen to get to one of the Chesapeake woodturner meetings, try to chat with John Styer He turns pens from laurel and other odd things like poison ivy.

Eeek! Poison Ivy? What kind of personal protective equipment is he using when he turns this stuff? More importantly, how does the resultant turning look?

 

[S. Clark]

A poison ivy pen? Mmmm.... He must go through a lot of scratch pads.

- Scott