Banksia Pod Turning

[John Abt]

Does anyone know where I can find information on turning Banksia pods? I tried to turn some last year but it was not a pleasant experience. I seem to have lots of tearout and fighting the stringy insides (I wish I could describe it better).

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Steve Worcester]

Cindy has a couple here

http://www.cindydrozda.com/Assets/html/Portal/handouts.html

 

[john lucas]

do a search on here. We just discussed these a month or so ago.

 

[Mr. Don]

John.. I do not understand "stringy"...I have turned some and hollowed as well. It has been my experience that they turn very nice once you get by the outer crust and "velvet". Just like any other wood...use sharp tools. Turns and sands like normal. I get some very nice effects, depending on the orientation of the pod and if any, what I fill the seed holes with. Play with it, and you will be pleasantly rewarded with some really nice results!!

 

[John Abt]

Thanks for the responses.

Steve, Cindy's articles were exactly what I was looking for.

Mr. Don, "Velvet" was what I was talking about. I just didn't know what to call it.

 

[fgvanatta]

Here's what Aussie turners have been doing with Banksia pods lately: Banksia Stuff

 

[Allen Alexopulos]

Hi John,

I posted a photo of a Banksia pod turning that I recently completed in the Member's Gallery. FYI...

Best Regards,
-Allen

 

[John Abt]

Allen,

It was your piece that got me interested in trying Banksia again.

Cheers.

John

 

[john lucas]

Here are the posts I was talking about earlier.
http://www.aawforum.org/vbforum/showthread.php?t=7096&highlight=Banksia+pod