Hawaiian curly Koa stabilization

[bigcountry11]

Never turned this wood. Does it require stabilization? I see it sold as stabilized sometimes.

 

[KenV]

It turns just fine without any treatment. Nice wood to turn. Usual sharp tools and do not hog off wood.

 

[Dan Masshardt]

I wouldn't bother stabilizing. I don't think I've ever had one have a problem. It wouldn't hurt though if you're the kind of person who loves to stabilize everything.

 

[jsmithmarcus]

I have turned a few koa pens without stabilizing. I have had good results and it is beautiful with a CA finish.

 

[bigcountry11]

Thanks guys, I ordered a few beautiful blanks

 

[hippi]

no you do not need to it is real easy to work with how ever it is a soft hardwood so be careful win you put it together as for a finish goes i like spray or dip lacquer i do not like the feel of ca

 

[robertkulp]

Koa does not need to be stabilized, but does benefit from it. Koa is a softer wood and stabilization increases its durability. Koa has a natural chatoyancy that is amazing under a high gloss finish. It has a 3D holographic affect that appears to shift and move in the light.