Hazel??

[Froggy]

Hi all,

Tomorrow I'm cutting down a couple of hazel trees for a friend who is letting me take what I like from them. From the quick glance I had today they don't look too substantial but should get a few decent branches for some spindle turning.

Has anyone used Hazel and if so what's it like for turning?

Whilst I'm here I'd also like to ask about sealing the ends of the wood. I know sometimes it's wax that's used, but is it normal beeswax melted down and poured on? And what other products are there for sealing the wood ends and where can I buy them (online surpliers only please as I live in France)?

Thanks for any help or advice given Froggy.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Pva, old paint, varnish, candle wax - anything you happen to have, no point wasting money.

 

[Froggy]

Thanks Phil, as a yorkshire man I'm a big fan of saving money :lol:

 

[CHJ]

Hazel is a lovely wood to turn.

 

[Froggy]

Oh, that's nice to know Charlie - I'll make sure I get a good supply. Thanks.
How long would you suggest I leave it to dry before I start working with it?

 

[CHJ]

Oh, that's nice to know Charlie - I'll make sure I get a good supply. Thanks.
How long would you suggest I leave it to dry before I start working with it?

Untill it's dry :lol:

Seriously, make sure you seal the ends well and leave bark on, dependant upon thickness and your drying conditions could be anything from one to two years if left in the round. Slow drying is good, attempts to speed it up are risky.

Alternate is to turn green and thin (all in one unbroken session) and let it do its own thing.

 

[Froggy]

Thanks for the advice Charlie, it's much appreciated.

 

[tekno.mage]

Hazel is a superb if under-rated turning wood. It's fine grained with a slight pinkish colouration and can have interesting grain. It makes nice boxes (and is hard enough to chase a thread in) and other small items - and if you can find a large enough piece it will make a lovely bowl.

 

[Froggy]

Thanks Kym, it sounds encouraging. I'm looking forward to the job now!

 

[Peggy]

I think when seasoning wood the general rule is to allow a year for every inch in the width? That seems a long time.

 

[CHJ]

I think when seasoning wood the general rule is to allow a year for every inch in the width? That seems a long time.

The year per inch Thickness is a rough guide for planks and slabs stacked in stick (spacers) under cover and with reasonable airflow.
Logs in the round or even just split in half through the core can be considerably longer.