Sweetgum

[matt999]

I just came upon a good amount of freshly cut sweetgum from here in Georgia. It is a beautiful white color ( I saw some that had dried in a woodpile, almost as white as holly). I have sealed the ends with wax emulsion and am eager to dive in to some of it. Any experience out there with this wood? I don't see it mentioned much on the forum, so I hope I haven't wasted a Sunday on this stuff.

 

[Rick-U]

So Far So Good

Matt,

I got some sweet gum for the first time recently and have only rough turned a couple pieces so far, but it seemed to cooperate nicely and I've been told it finishes just as well. The sweet gum I'm accustomed to (north Georgia) has wonderful chocolate marbling throughout (not just different color heartwood) and is not all white. To me it looks quite striking. I think you'll enjoy turning it.

 

[Wilford Bickel]

I have turned sweetgum that I cut green here on the farm. I also found a beautiful contrast between the heartwood being a dark choclate colored brown and the sap wood that is almost white. It is a soft hardwood and cuts like butter when green providing you have sharp tools. It is prone to tear out if your tools get dull. It has a high moisture content - around here it grows in the wetter areas and will require more drying. Be sure to leave your rough turned item plenty thick and be very patient. My bowls take at least 8 months to dry before final turning. I also make sure and wax the end grain heavily after rough turning. Even with the waxing it may still crack some before completely drying - one of the main reasons I go thicker than normal on my green turned pieces.

My wife loves a small salad bowl I made and has ordered a full set! I have not cut the trees for them but it is on my "honey do" list! I will be bringing this original bowl as one of my instant gallery pieces at the Southeastern Symposium late next month.

Wilford