Shopsmith Forums

I have been asked to design a display stand for a retail antique dealer out of quarter sawn white oak. The design I have in mind requires a round piece of white oak that is about 2-3” in diameter.
I would like to know if white oak is a good wood for turning. Because of Oak’s open grain, I’m concerned about chip out. Has anyone had experience with turning white oak?

Bob
San Diego

Sure! It'll work good. The funny thing to me is only two opposite sides of the turning will show the quartersawn ray ribbons. You don't even have to use quartersawn to get this effect. Even with flat sawn, two opposite faces will show ray ribbons.

Use sharp tools and you should have good luck. When roughing your stock stop it and inspect occasionally to locate areas that might have tearouts. You can then treat these areas more gently.

I have turned a number of pieces of white oak and as Charlese mentioned you might experience some tear out. His advice is excellent. You should pay particular attention to the sharpness of your tools - white oak, if seasoned, is quite hard and your chisels may dull rapidly.
Dick