Mahonia, anyone else used it before?

[Brianp]

I came into some today, so turned a quick mushroom on it. Very interesting colour and timber. Quite spongy bark though.

Anyone else used it? Can you keep the bark on with lacquer or other finish?

 

[Silverbirch]

I got hold of some Mahonia a couple of years ago. Sadly, it all split beyond use in storage, so I never got to turn it. A pity, as it still retained its lovely yellow colour.

I`ll be interested to see how your mushroom holds up.

Ian

 

[mikec]

Have used some small stuff for pens, lovely wood to turn, have never tried keeping the bark.


mikec

 

[Bodrighy]

I have had some smaller pieces but it split too badly even for me to use. Pity as the wood s gorgeous.

Pete

 

[dickm]

Yes, nice wood for pens and the like but almost impossible to season split free in anything over 1" sections. The colour is remarkably stable, but does fade after a few years if left in the light.
sorry, I was thinking of Berberis, which is also a vivid yellow. Haven't tried Mahonia.

 

[Brianp]

Well I've a coat of lacquer on that wee mushroom and due another tonight or tomorrow if I'm in the shed! The bark is still a little spongy, I am hoping that the lacquer will help because it's quite nice, imho. It's bizarre, it's so yellow!

 

[Brianp]

If anyone's curious, it takes 24 hours to split. Less, actually.

Bit disappointed, but now it looks extra rustic!