Turning Laurel

[Les Sayers]

Hi

I have searched the forum on the above; but found only one post which didn't answer my question to follow.

Can Laurel be successfully turned and what sort of result can I expect in respect of the grain and pattern etc?

I have some freshly cut, so I expect your reply will be "Suck it and see".

Fair enough - but is it better to season or turn in the "green"? The pieces are about 3 feet long and relatively straight with a diameter of about 3-4 inches.

Any advice would be welcome

TIA Les.

[bfrikken]

I don't know from first hand. I found this reference to California Laurel, which I'm not sure is the same as what you are askign about:

The Tree: This tree grows to 80 feet in height and 3 feet in diameter. California Laurel grows at elevations from sea level to over 6,000 feet. It is tolerant of various soil types and conditions, and grows in many habitats from flatlands to mountain slopes, the best conditions being alluvial deposits from streams and rivers. It grows in association with coastal redwood, sequoia, Port Orford cedar and Douglas fir. They are slow growing and have multiple trunks in poorer soils. The leaves are used by spice companies as "bay" leaves. The leaves are evergreen and glossy, while the flowers are small and yellowish green in color. It produces spherical purplish fruits. This species is planted as an ornamental shrub in warmer climates of the south & west. The small twigs are pale green, turning reddish brown over time. The bark is a dark red brown and sometimes an inch thick.

The Wood:
General: The sapwood of California Laurel is thick and whitish to light brown, while the heartwood is light brown to grayish brown to an olive color, with dark streaks. The wood has a strong, spicy odor. It darkens when soaked in water.

Drying & Shrinkage: Difficult to season while bringing out the best colors. Should be submerged when green, with very slow, controlled drying.

Working Properties: California Laurel is easily worked and takes a high polish.

Durability: The heartwood is very durable.

Preservation: No information available at this time.

Uses: Veneer (burls for cabinetry), novelties, candle sticks, bowls, plates, woodenware, turnery, furniture squares, cabinetwork, interior trim, used under the keel to launch ships.

Saw a person's post from Canberra (not sure where that is) that said they were turning campher laurel?

also, here: http://www.cfwwg.com/r_ReportsConten...show_tell.aspx

someone is showing off a bowl turned with cherry laurel

[Les Sayers]

Thanks for that.

Sounds very similar to the wood I have - I didn't know anything about the controlled drying after submersion.

I suppose I should try a piece "green", and leave some to season.

Will give it a try and see what happens - time to sharpen a few gouges!

TA

Les

[Anna]

Laurel can be beautiful. I'll see if I can get a video capture of the laurel bowls someone at our local woodturning meeting did last night (I was playing with a new video camera and decided to video our meeting), but they were gorgeous. The wood was practically white, almost ivory, with interesting patterns.

For controlled drying, I think what they do is to submerge the wood in denatured alcohol for a few hours to overnight, then they let the surface dry a little, then wrap it for slow drying. They said it might take 3 weeks to dry. I wasn't particularly listening because I had no plans to do any drying right now and I thought I can always just ask them when I'm at that stage.

[RayintheUK]

For controlled drying, I think what they do is to submerge the wood in denatured alcohol for a few hours to overnight, then they let the surface dry a little, then wrap it for slow drying. They said it might take 3 weeks to dry.

You've got the drying method right, Anna. Les, methylated spirits is as close as you'll probably get to denatured alcohol in GB. Brewers, the decorating suppliers sell it in 5 litre containers, in case there are any branches (no pun!) where you are.

From another forum, for info:

Just to say that I have tried turning laurel quite successfully, a couple of lengths trimmed from a bush in the garden which was about 25 years old. Only small stuff, 4" to 5" diameter max., and not very straight so no long vases!

Air dried and no end sealing (didn't know any better then!) - struck me as almost a poor man's box. Not a lot of figuring, but quite a lot of small knots which were interesting. Took and held a good sharp/clean finish.

HTH

Ray.

[Les Sayers]

Anna and Ray

Much appreciated - often seen denatured alcohol in posts and wondered what it was.

Too bad SWMBO can't drink it anymore, now that I need it

Seriously I am never disappointed by the information so freely given.

I will try some tomorrow and season the rest.

Watch this space

TA

Les

[Les Sayers]

Hi again.

Just finished turning an unseasoned piece about 18" long by about 4" in diameter.

Turns very well indeed - I was only playing and just used a range of tools to see what was possible. No problems. I made a sort of big candle holder which is now soaking in "Meths". I will let it soak for a few hours and wrap in clingfilm and dry slowly for a few days then into some heavy brown paper.

I expect that I will turn it again at a later date to tidy it up and see how it goes when seasoned/dry.

I don't expect the piece to be very interesting, no obvious figuration, except for a few very small knots, and a uniform "cream" colour; but we'll see what happens.

If anything interesting happens I will let you know.

It seems quite strong so might be useful for furniture as in Poplar.

Anyway - BFN.

Les

[BobSch]

My only suggestion: use Stanley tools

[RodKirby]

Saw a person's post from Canberra (not sure where that is) that said they were turning campher laurel?

In case anyone's interested, Australia's Capital city...