Mahonia, anyone else used it before?

Brianp · 16 Jun 2013

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 · 16 Jun 2013

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 · 17 Jun 2013

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

mikec

Bodrighy · 17 Jun 2013

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

Pete

dickm · 17 Jun 2013

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 · 17 Jun 2013

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!