June 23, 20169 yr Last year I bought a couple of turning blocks from Rockler. They were not large and were coated in a good coat of wax. It was an experiment for me. I wanted a source of exotic wood in my area. I didn't get around to using them for a few months and when I did, I was surprised and disappointed. The wood was wet inside that wax. That irritated me, I was sure it should be dry and ready to use. Yesterday I returned to Rockler, because of my wife. She wanted to go to Joann's material store and it is across the street from Rockler. I was the only customer and got great service. I didn't complain about the block I had gotten, but asked how to properly use those waxed blocks. He said " Remove the wax and place in a paper bag. Then after 30 days it should be OK to use." It has to have time to dry out evenly. I sure wish someone had said that before or at least some instructions on the wood. As we were talking he noticed my Viet Nam vet pin on my hat and we had a conversation about things. He too, had some bad memories and we immediately knew the brotherhood. As I checked out, I asked if Rockler had a veterans discount, He said, "Brother, today we do"
June 23, 20169 yr Sorry about your waxed, wet wood experience but happy you met a brother in arms. That hat, other's as well as mine, has led to many poignant "family reunions". They always start with a handshake and a big thank you and a "Welcome home, brother".
January 20, 20206 yr Author 3 hours ago, Kevin Beitz said: Lot of turners like to turn the wood wet... How do you turn it and avoid the problems?
January 20, 20206 yr 3 minutes ago, Ron Altier said: How do you turn it and avoid the problems? What problems?
January 20, 20206 yr Ron the best way to dry the wood is remove wax from the long grain and leave it on the end grain. And then wait 1 year per inch to dry the blank. Now for the realistic method. Turn what you want to turn . If it has to be perfectly round you do a twice turned bowl. Turn it down to wall thickness equals 1/10 of the diameter or 1 inch per 12 inch bowl. I usually go no smaller than 3/4 even for small bowls. From here there are many ways to proceed and I will give you my method. Place the bowl in a paper bag with the shavings you just created. Open the bag every 1-2 day to dry out the moisture a little and check for unwanted mold growth. After 2 or 3 weeks remove chips and leave in the bag for 2-3 weeks then romoive and sit it on shelf for a month. Now one more thing I do is to weight the bowl 2-3 times a week thru the whole process. When the weight remains the same for two or more weighings it is time to do final turn. Secondary method when you do not mind a out of round finished piece. Turn to finished thickness while blowing it off regularly with compressed air. When desired thickness (allow some for sanding) place it in a bag and seal it. After a week or two shpuld be ready for sanding and finish. I usually do the first method and if you have several pieces in process you never run out of items to turn. Of coarse with a 36 foot wall half covered in turning wood I do not have that problem.
January 20, 20206 yr Talked with an experienced turner at a market/show. He said he uses a microwave to dry his wood. I think he said he did it in stages, but then we got sidetracked. Anyone elaborate on that? Jim
January 20, 20206 yr 1 hour ago, RedMGB said: Talked with an experienced turner at a market/show. He said he uses a microwave to dry his wood. I think he said he did it in stages, but then we got sidetracked. Anyone elaborate on that? Jim Clear it with wife or get your own. Unless you have a sudden urge to be on a diet.
January 20, 20206 yr 1 minute ago, Woodbutcherbynight said: Clear it with wife or get your own. Unless you have a sudden urge to be on a diet. SWMBO!
January 20, 20206 yr 3 minutes ago, RedMGB said: SWMBO! DO NOT upset her! Besides, a microwave in the shop is mighty handy. They're a small price to pay for domestic tranquility.
January 20, 20206 yr Author Thanks Gerald, That is quite a process and I didn't know much about it. I'll have to give it a try when it warms up. I do occasionally see a green piece that I could turn, and it will be interesting. As for the microwave, it does sound like interesting, however I'd have to get one and my garage/shop is so small.......it is out of the question.
January 20, 20206 yr I am spoiled. Could use a microwave to heat my coffee or tea. Here is the thing. My wife checks on me regularly and takes my slightly not hot drink away. Replacing it with steaming hot drink. She is relentless. Even my cup has her sign of quality, lipstick. Yes people I am a blessed man.
January 20, 20206 yr 14 hours ago, Ron Altier said: How do you turn it and avoid the problems? You turn it thick and then put it in a paper bag or cardboard box surrounded by dry shavings until dry. Then you put it back on the lathe and finish turning it. I left my blocks in the wax and put them on the shelf. I would weigh them once a month and record the weight. When the weight stops changing it is dry..
January 20, 20206 yr 1 hour ago, RustyFN said: You turn it thick and then put it in a paper bag or cardboard box surrounded by dry shavings until dry. Then you put it back on the lathe and finish turning it. I left my blocks in the wax and put them on the shelf. I would weigh them once a month and record the weight. When the weight stops changing it is dry.. Rusty you should not use "dry" shavings as that will remove the moisture too fast. Use the shavings from the first turn of the bowl. True some will be dry in the time it takes to rough the bowl.
January 20, 20206 yr 7 hours ago, RedMGB said: Talked with an experienced turner at a market/show. He said he uses a microwave to dry his wood. I think he said he did it in stages, but then we got sidetracked. Anyone elaborate on that? Jim I have not done this as I am in no hurry. Have read from some who have and not advisable to use the home microwave. It is a kinda long process as you heat a few seconds and let it cool completely and then heat again. May take 1 or more hours . Must be done gradually or will crack or explode the wood. Oh and some woods have a stinky odor when done this way.
January 20, 20206 yr I liked the "Alcohol Soak" method the best. Turn the green wood bowl to about 3/4" thick. Soak the bowl in alcohol 24 hours. Remove bowl and let drip dry about 30 minutes or so. Cover the bottom of the bowl with brown paper. Weigh it every other day on a digital kitchen scale. When it quits losing weight put it back on the lathe to finish turn it. It usually only takes a week or so depends on size. It will warp the same as if it was air dried. NOTE:It is up on top of a bottle so air can get to the inside of the bowl. Edited January 20, 20206 yr by HandyDan
January 20, 20206 yr 3 hours ago, Gerald said: Rusty you should not use "dry" shavings as that will remove the moisture too fast. Use the shavings from the first turn of the bowl. True some will be dry in the time it takes to rough the bowl. Good to know thanks. I have always used dry. I have a big box from a shop vac full and I just put them in there. Guess I am lucky to not have a problem yet. I watched a video from Carl Jackobson where he is using rice to dry them now.
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