magnolia good for turning?

Like you, I had never turned any magnolia until this pasted week. Turned 2 large bowls (11-12 inches) and a 5 inch box. They didn't impress me very much. Not much contrast in color or grain. Probably want turn any more. Wood seemed pretty stable.

Jim

Hello Zarka,

I turn Magnolia frequently as it grows in abundance here in the Houston area. For me, Magnolia is a mixed bag... If I can get it on the day its cut and process it into rough outs the same day, it will keep its white colour. However, if it is down more than a day or two, a nasty fungus starts (way too much heat and humidity here) and it rapidly turns a dirty dishwater grey/black/off white colour.

Magnolia turns and dries easily and features wide growth rings and medium sized pores. It makes wonderful utility bowls as it has high shock resistance, even in thin sections. I prefer to burn/scorch most of the Magnolia I turn to eliminate the dirty dishwater colours. This produces a uniform black, or deep caramel colour which is visually provocative and pleasing.

If you can get it fresh enough and process it rapidly, it will keep the light colour. There are little to no remarkable grain features and overall, Magnolia is rather bland. It takes dyes well and is a good candidate for adjunctive treatments like gilding, metal leafing, metallic impregnated lacquer finishes, metal patinas and similar treatments.

I would get some and give it a go, just don't expect wild grain, or stunning figure. All in all, its a nice timber, but it really needs some help to look its best. Take care and all the best to you and yours!

When I lived in SE Texas, I turned some magnolia: it is "well behaved", but bland. If you get some that is freshly cut and are able to induce spalting, you will like it!

Kip Powers Rogers, AR

I don't want to be disagreeable, but..... Where are you guys getting all of this bland Magnolia?? You aren't describing a wood that is even close to the Magnolia that I am familiar with.

I have had a lot of Magnolia wood from North Florida, Louisiana, and Southern California. All of it was large, 16" diameter and over, with a wide ring of white wood around a very dark brown and black heartwood. The white wood spalts easily, and that fungus leaves a blue-stain that retains its color, accents the wood grain, and adds an attractive color interest to the wood.

It is a strong wood, with a bold grain, cuts cleanly, retains its bark well, and has no bad habits while drying. I love the stuff.

Russ Fairfield Post Falls, Idaho

Russ, I agree. You aren't being disagreeable. Just defending the beauty and delights of North Florida magnolia. The wood is great for turning, the shaded avenues of flowering magnolias are beautiful and the Tallahassee Lassies (aka 'Magnolias') are lovely. Arch

Fortiter,

Interesting. It sounds like there are at least two magnolia types out there, and since I'm in California, not Idaho, Texas or Florida, I'll have to go see this tree myself when they cut it up.

Hi All

My info says "the magnolia genus comprises about 80 species; 8 are native to north america" Overall the wood being soft, weak, close grained ;durable and easily worked. Diffuse porous. I've never turned it myself, maybe someday i'll get some to try, it's rare around here, the only native one is the "Cucumber Tree". I would say if its free it's got to be good turning wood (G).

Have fun and take care Leo Van Der Loo

T> There are definitely two types of magnolia, evergreen and deciduous. I've

I live in central CA and have a large magnolia in my front yard... years ago, I tried to find out a little about it's care and there were so many kinds of magnolias that I gave up trying to find out what kind it is!

Mac