Ropala Lacewood, Hard to turn?

[narrowboater]

I started to turn a pestal and mortar yesterday. Is it me (quite likely) or is it difficult to turn.

It appears very hard and the tear out is awful.

I am a relative novice having not turned much in the last few years.

Any suggestions? If I get it done I will try and post pictures.

Regards
Rod

 

[Bodrighy]

The end grain can be fragile. Make sue that your tools are really sharp and ride the bevel and you can get a shine of the tool.

Pete