Are there any cautions about turning frozen wood? It's been below zero for a week so everything is frozen. Downsides?
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Turning frozen wood
- Thread starter David A Morris
- Start date
Roger Wiegand
Beta Tester
It's hard! I remember bringing a log in and having a terrible time with it until the light went on and I realized it was frozen. Bring them in to heated space (best is probably not too warm) a few days before you want to turn and you'll have an easier time. OTOH, the sap doesn't fling as far when its frozen.
I don't remember any difference except my hands would get cold with frozen shavings and ice coming off.
Thanks Pete, it is cold out there!
As Pete said, the issue is the ice cold shavings coming off onto your hands. Gloves are somewhat controversial in wood turning, but I've found a snug fitting construction glove on the forward hand makes a big difference in this setting.
(Reminder to newbies who live back of beyond and don't have mentors: You don't want loose cuffs, bracelets, long hair, or dangly necklaces near spinning tools. Same for loose gloves.)
(Reminder to newbies who live back of beyond and don't have mentors: You don't want loose cuffs, bracelets, long hair, or dangly necklaces near spinning tools. Same for loose gloves.)
I have never had any issue. I store wood in a chest freezer. Sometimes if I get halfway thru a project and know I can't get back on it for a few days I will put it in the freezer chuck and all and then put it straight back onto the lathe.
I hear you, Dean. That's a rule I follow.
Lol ,now this is something I have yet to face, short of putting the blank in the freezer this it isnt really ever going to happen for me. The question does arise, Don how well do they go as they warm up? Thaw out etc, no cracks I imagine some warping
No, I don't suppose it would down under!