green Holly

Hi moyo, I usually turn my "green" pieces 1" thickness for each 10" diameter, then put them in a brown bag for six months to a year. Then I re-chuck and turn them true and to the thickness that I want. Anything that I only turn once, I turn it as thin as possible, and let it warp while it also drys in a brown bag for six months to a year. There should be a lot of info in the Archices on this subject, but I don't know how to reach it. Someone will probably tell us. Don Hart

This should get you there.

Slow controlled drying is one answer. As is staged turning -- rough out, dry slowly, finish turn. But in my experience neither is a good idea with holly since it is so prone to fungus staining which kills that pretty paper white effect. A PEG treatment might be one solution but I've never had a chance to try it with this particular wood.

There ya go...........maybe SWMBO will listen to you now..............

Barry

Hi Tony. Sorry for the delayed response, but I was hoping the brain cells would make a good connection to allow me to remember where I read, over-heard, saw the following: (I was elected chapter librarian for the coming year and this week have been skimming through just about every book, magazine, newspaper and video as I catalog the library.)

Someone sprays lemon juice on turnings to keep the staining at bay - I don't recall if they were referring to holly or not, but it may be worth a try.

_____ American Association of Woodturners Cascade Woodturners Assoc., Portland, Oregon Northwest Woodturners, Tigard, Oregon _____