Turning Eucalyptus

[Phillip Hall]

I've been given a metre-long log of eucalyptus. It is green, just been cut
down. I haven't had any before and would appreciate any info on drying and
turning characteristics. I would really want to try part-turning some of
it green and letting it dry on the shelf for a while. Any problems with
that? I'm keen to start asap - I'm hoping that working on this wood will
clear my sinuses!

Turner Phil

[Bill Noble]

the eucalyptus I've turned warps quite a bit - it probably depends on teh
exact type - try and make warpage a feature

--
Bill
www.home.labridge.com/~wnoble
"Phillip Hall" <phi...@familyhall.freeserve.co.uk> wrote in message
news:903ukp$fdr$1...@newsg3.svr.pol.co.uk...

[Larry Grohovaz]

Dear Phil

I am a timber merchant from Western Australia specialising in woodturning.
There are about 3,000 different species of eucalypts and they vary
differently depending on which region of the country they are native to.The
same species grown in different parts of the of the country will behave
differently.

As a rough rule eucalypts are strong but prone to splitting. Without the
species being identified I would recommend that you cut the spindle to
slightly larger than the stock you require and the place the timber in a
dark ,shady place to dry out.
I am not a fan of green turning but this will work on some species as will
microwaving. It is just a matter of luck.

Larry

[fran]

Any of it that I have turned has moved a lot and is pretty prone to
splitting. Kinda like ash to turn. OK for the likes of hollow forms or other
artisitc pieces, but not great for something which must be dimensionably
stable. Finally, you may find fractures containing resin deep within the
timber. Often these are not visible until you start turning.

Some scent off the timber but not that much

Fran in Ireland

[Tomfool]

The green euc. I've turned was the wettest wood I've ever turned. It was fun
to turn but split very badly. This was before I learned about boiling. I
would green turn, boil, seal, bag and pray. The smell is heavenly. The dried
euc. I've turned turned well.
Phillip Hall wrote in message <903ukp$fdr$1...@newsg3.svr.pol.co.uk>...

[Jim & Julie Neeb]

I've tried it a few times. Turns nicely when wet, but splits VERY easily as
it dries. I've had logs that went from fresh cut to junk in a few days. Of
course it's pretty hot and dry in Phoenix, so maybe it's not too bad in a
cooler, more humid area.

jim

"Phillip Hall" <phi...@familyhall.freeserve.co.uk> wrote in message
news:903ukp$fdr$1...@newsg3.svr.pol.co.uk...

[HerbIshii]

Phillip - There are many types of eucalyptus some pretty good and stable but
others that readily split when drying. I usually turn them green about 3/4" to
1", then coat the outside with wood sealer, and store them upside down to slow
the drying. Of course you need to dry them for several long months.
(Herb...@aol.com)

[Wood Turner]

What type of Eucalyptus? There must be over 100 kinds because Hawaii
alone has 85 varieties. Depending on the variety Eucalyptus can be from
great beautiful to turn, right down to not fit to burn. Personally I've
turned Red Gum (nice stuff) and Blue Gum (no thanks).

Spy in Hawaii (Maui)

dba: Waipoli Woods
Secret Identity: Ji Fay (don't tell anyone, or else...)

[Don Baker]

Phillip
The Woodturning magazine from UK May 2000 in the article "Toxic Timbers"
listed several eucalypts as risky - various adverse reactions to skin, nose
and throat. Turning it might clear your sinuses but in a different way!
Most of the eucalyptus smell is from the oil in the leaves. I would suggest
care in turning.
Don from where the gums are native.

[katt...@tamu.edu]

Hi Phil:

I think Eucalyptus leaves are what the Koala bears eat at night which acts
as an aphrodisiac for them. That is why they are hard to find during the day
since they are "stoned" and simply don't move much. I would therefore be
careful of the vapors produced since they may cause some similar effects in
humans.

Carpe Diem,
George K
>

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