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Manzinita Root

L

LANKFORD

Joined
Mar 21, 2006
Messages
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Location
Vienna, Virginia
I have what I think is a manzinita (sp?) root. How do I approach making something out of this piece? Cut all the ends off and hope for a solid middle for turning something? Any suggestions appreciated.
 
I've also got two small chunks of manzanita root, and have been wondering what the heck to do with it. I could make pen blanks I suppose, but I don't have a mandrel or kits for it yet.

Any suggestions?
 
One thing to be keerful bout with manzanita root. Depending on the type of soil it grew in, it will have pockets of sand or rocks mixed in with it. Sand isn't that big an issue. It will instantly dull tools but resharpening is no big issue and you can clean the pocket out at that point. Now rocks, on the other hand, can be a bit iffy at 300-2000rpm.

I think, cause of that, you see more carved Manzanita than turned.

dietrich

P.S.(got anyone with connections at a hospital or dentists office? If so, x-ray it)
 
rocks in roots

are rocks common for all roots or just that particular type of wood

anything else to watch out for besides nails in blanks???????? 😕
 
I have turned some manzanita and really like the results. If u feel your tool go dull instantly stop the lathe and check for rocks. I turned a pen from a small piece but dulled 2 bits drilling it. Think outside the box with the roots try to use them as much as possible. I have looked at a piece on and off for two weeks before deciding on how to turn it. Most important thing is wear a face shield.
 
Hey Charlie,

Most root balls will have rocks and dirt mixed in with the roots, even when they've grown together well. There's a trade off between possibilities and risk. Just wash well (pressure washer if you got it), turn with light cuts, and keep your ears and fingers listening for that ticking sound and regular vibration. And a big and loud second on always wearing a face shield.

By the way, how did that maple turn out? Any nails? I'm turning a piece right now so hope you got a clear piece.

Dietrich
 
maple

i am in the process of turning it this week, i have been messing around with a dry kiln, and am using some older wood up experimenting

i came across a double oven of which i am using the top oven with different wattages of bulbs and cheap fan to dry rough turned blanks

i may also try some whole blanks in it but i much prefer turning green wood than the ole dusty dried blanks 😀 😀
 
I have turned several pieces of Manzanita Burl, the largest a 12 in bowl turned a little less than a half in thick, aside from all the cracks, voids, rovks and sand it held together well. Turning through the roots (and rocks) was like being on the wrong end of a shooting gallery. I don't know if it is me, somekind of allergy, but my first piece I turned I wore a respirator and a face shield. I could hardly open my eyes for a week. Now when working with the wood I wear goggles and a respirator even when I'm cleaning up the shavings.

Good Luck!

F Denton
 
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