what wood ? and advice on stability please

[SimonT]

I (hmmmm) rescued a 6 foot log from local park whilst walking my dog, was too big to play fetch with so we took it home. Its approx 6' long by 6 inch diameter found and i found it about 4 months ago. I'm in the process of cutting it up now and this is what it looks like :-

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My thought is laburnum but have never seen it in person, smells like pea pods when cut. I'm cutting it into rounds of approx 12" and sealing ends with paraffin wax. Ideas on stability and whether its likely to split would be appreciated too.

Thanks guys and gals

 

[gregmcateer]

I THINK laburnum, too. Bark picture would help.

I have some pieces similarly sized. In the round it has split, but split on purpose through the pith and it hasn't. You've obviously got at least two piths there, (and as I look at it, a pair of starey old man's eyes!!).

You may have to split straight through the two main ones and seal the ends then cross fingers

HTH

Greg

 

[SimonT]

Thanks greg. This was a crotch peice i cut off the main log so its not all like this. Its only 6 in diameter so not really big enough to turn bowls (or is it?) So was hoping to seal ends, after turning it into rough rounds tomorrow. Will see if i can get a better pic with bark.

Thanks again.

 

[SimonT]

Another pic with bark included:-

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[CHJ]

I would split the crotch piece through the central piths and attempt a couple of pieces like this:-

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Guide to methods of holding:-
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[SimonT]

Maybe a little beyond my skill level (or a lot even), but a lovely piece none the less and i will certainly give it a go. Thanks for the suggestion chas, and the methods to hold it.

 

[SimonT]

Fantastic method for holding the blank chas, well done and to re affirm my original point it is WELL above my skill level lol

 

[woodfarmer]

I would bet money on it being acacia (false acacia, robinia)

This stuff

 

[Graham Orm]

Is it just me? Sorry no idea on the wood.

The Scream.

 

[SimonT]

I would bet money on it being acacia (false acacia, robinia)

Ah, never come across this before. The bark does look very similar indeed. Although i cant find anything on turning robina, are there tell tale signs when turning it too? Is it any good to turn?

Any advances on robina / laburnum guys?

 

[woodfarmer]

I would bet money on it being acacia (false acacia, robinia)

Ah, never come across this before. The bark does look very similar indeed. Although i cant find anything on turning robina, are there tell tale signs when turning it too? Is it any good to turn?

Any advances on robina / laburnum guys?

Turns beautifully, but is hard.

 

[Woodmonkey]

That's definitely Robinia, I've turned a fair bit of this. It's quite a hard wood which polishes up very nicely. Ends up a greenish yellow colour which doesn't appeal to everyone.

 

[SimonT]

Thanks guys. Just splitting it now trying to prevent it splitting, and sealing the ends with parafin wax. If nothing else its wood to practice with as i don't come across it readily so was a great find for me ( was like Christmas, the wife tells me im sad and i keep reminding her she doesn't mind when the bowls appear!!)

Thanks for everyones input.

 

[SimonT]

That's definitely Robinia, I've turned a fair bit of this. It's quite a hard wood which polishes up very nicely. Ends up a greenish yellow colour which doesn't appeal to everyone.

Have ypu tried scorching it before finishing? The grain / growtg rings look like they would leave a great finish when scorched?

 

[KimG]

Same family as Laburnum though (Pea), hence the similar appearance to the timber, though the bark is very different.