What's It Good For?

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 1:32 pm

I just uncovered, in the corner of my shop, a stack of 16"to18" cutoffs of 12X2 alder. When I hauled this home, I think I intended to use it for turning.
Now I'm not so sure.

Is alder a wood that can be turned? (by a raw amateur turner?)

james.miller · Post by **james.miller** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 3:47 pm

Dusty,

Alder turns very nice, it is relatively soft so cuts easy, stained it can look like Cherry or Maple and probably some other woods.

I took the class at Woodcraft on Begining Hollowform and we turned Alder.

It is also good for a glue block for bowl or vessel turning because it's usually very stable.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 1:38 am

Red alder (Alnus rubra) is the major hardwood species used in Oregon and Washington (conifer country). It grows along the Pacific coast, in the Pacific Northwest, from Alaska to Northern California. There is no major color difference between heartwood and sapwood. The color of the wood varies from a light tan to a pale white with faintly distinguished growth rings. It is used for furniture making and also cabinet doors and millwork such as window casings.

Yes, it is rated as excellent tor turning.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 6:52 am

Thank you very much. Maybe I should use it to practice some. I have never turned except for in SS Traveling Academy.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 9:20 pm

I'm in the same boat - only a very little practice in turning. Today, I started turning more salt and pepper grinders. It always has been a bit scary for me to start a turning project. I've studied the books and watched videos on turning, but I always seem to have problems in positioning the gouges/chisels. However it's good when a sharp tool finds the correct angle.

Best wishes on your practice!

Greenvilleguy · Post by **Greenvilleguy** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 7:49 pm

Chuck,

I started turning regularly about 18 months ago. I remember the scary feeling you describe and the gouge catches. Both the scary feeling and the catches are now gone.

I wish I could offer you a magic tip, but I think that practice is the only answer. I'm sure that you've read to always "ride the bevel" with the gouges and this will prevent catches. That's true. It's also counterintutive to me, but gouges cut better on their side and at an angle to the work.

With practice, you'll find this is second nature and there are times when you don't ride the bevel intentionally, i.e. shear scraping and still bad things don't happen (well not as often anyway).

Anyway, let me encourage you to get in there and start turning. It's really been rewarding for me.