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What's your opinion and advice re turning Brazilian Pepper?

I imagine that every known timber has been turned by somebody, somewhere. Some Floridians turn ficus, Australian pine, melaleuca, slash pine and such. I don't, but I am thrifty and not pleased with waste. How about turning Brazilian Pepper, aka Florida Holly and Christmas Berry?

The trees are subtropical, but aren't native to Fla. They grow rapidly and have taken over here as trash trees. I see many logs from lot clearing along the streets and of course I wonder about turning them. I've heard that there is some toxicity involved, especially on burning the leaves. Similar to the toxic effects of Oleander?

Before I waste time and poison myself, I'd appreciate some advice from anyone who has experience in turning this "illegal Brazilian immigrant". :)

Turn to Safety, Arch Fortiter

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Arch
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if it's the same tree that I have growing here, I'd say "don't bother" if you want a classic form - but if you can get some crotch and turn it wet and leave it a little thick (say 1/4 or 3/16 inch) and sand it while it is wet, it will shrink nicely and can be interesting. The wood is plain and soft, about as interesting as sugar pine, less interesting than Fir. the sap can cause a rash in some folks - I'm alergic to poison oak, but this tree doesn't bother me (much).

Use it for "art", not "craft", in other words

Reply to
Bill Noble

Hmmmmmmmmmmm, using illegal immigrants as turning stock... I think that may just kill two birds with one stone.

B.

Reply to
Buddy Matlosz

Arch, Brazilian Pepper is Schinus terebinthifolius which is in theAnacardiaceae family which includes cashew, pistachio, mango, sumac, and poison-ivy! This is why some people react badly to it. It can be an excellent turning wood. It can move quite a bit when drying and sometimes will just tear itself apart. The burls can often pull themselves open to a fantastic lace effect. It is not for functional saladware. I've turned some California Pepper which is closely related, and it turned out pretty well:

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And some links to a few other pepperwood turnings:
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Matt

Reply to
Matt Heffron

              Fortiter
Reply to
robo hippy

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