Willow Wood

That was the first wood I tried my hand on. As it was very green it cut well and gave me quite a boost in confidence. I should have dried it a little more before finishing it but the two or three bowls I made with it have held up fine. I have a bunch of blanks, willow and other stuff for the winter, I think the "aged" willow will probably look better.

-- Bill Gooch Kemptville, ON

I have used willow. When first cut down it is so wet that it's hard to turn. Let it dry for a while (2 to 3 weeks) - use sharp gauges - don't bother with trying a bark edge. You will probably have to do some sanding after the bowl has dried. I used mineral oil as a finish - it gives a real nice color.

After reading the responses regarding willow, it should be noted that there are a variety of willow included age of the tree and what season it was cut, to be taken into consideration.

One older weeping willow from a yard (not near running water) had a tremendous amount of the burl growth. Those pieces turned great right from the day they were cut, the bark stayed on and the grain was interesting (only where these burl growths were, the rest was rather plain). This was cut in Nov. after heavy winds did damage.

Another willow from a yard (no running water) was just plain boring and the bark would not stay on, it was cut in late spring.

Just recently I turned a piece from my own willow, next to my pond in a field with 3 natural springs. I just had 2 huge limbs cut that were hanging over the pond (messy). It was too wet, had to let it sit for a month (as one turner suggested) and just finish turned it last week. It so-so, not worth the effort (to me) but, so far, the bark is staying on.

Guess all this means is try it and see what happens. You may have a piece that non of these responses relates to what you will experience; thus the thrill of turning! : )

Ruth

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Thanks for all the input, guess it's time to get the chain saw out.....