Black Palm- easy or difficult
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Drewby108
Member
Razor sharp tools help significantly, as well as putting a coat of thin CA every few passes to help stabilize the wood.
But this material is splintery, temperamental, and tough to turn if you rush it. I personally love the stuff as a finished product, but the process can be frustrating
But this material is splintery, temperamental, and tough to turn if you rush it. I personally love the stuff as a finished product, but the process can be frustrating
woodwzrd
Member
I love the finished look of Black Palm but won't touch it with a tool until I have stabilized it. Even then it can still be a little splintery if you get to aggressive with it.
I will say that it is a tricky , and a bit of a pain to turn.
The palm woods are actually in the grass family as opposed to trees/shrubs. The dark fibers running the length of the wood are quite hard, and the lighter part filling in the space between the dark fibers is soft and even punky. I like to drill it, cut the corners off on my band saw, to make the cross section octagonal, and then I soak it with thin CA to stabilize it. Then I glue in the tube and turn it, adding more thin CA as necessary.
This said, it is one of my favorites once the work is done!
The palm woods are actually in the grass family as opposed to trees/shrubs. The dark fibers running the length of the wood are quite hard, and the lighter part filling in the space between the dark fibers is soft and even punky. I like to drill it, cut the corners off on my band saw, to make the cross section octagonal, and then I soak it with thin CA to stabilize it. Then I glue in the tube and turn it, adding more thin CA as necessary.
This said, it is one of my favorites once the work is done!
egnald
Member
I like the results, but I either disposed of all I had or gave it away two or three years ago. I just didn't want to ever have to deal with the splinters ever again. - Dave
Scotty
Member
Very splintery and I had a rash come up from it. I won't turn it anymore but it makes a nice finished product.
RunnerVince
Member
Not super fun to turn, but super fun to show off. I guess you have to decide if "the juice is worth the squeeze."
GFHWoodWerks
Member
I've never heard that expression, to funny.
Drewby108
Member
The plant type is called a monocot, meaning the seedling will sprout with a single embryonic leaf. Bamboo also belongs in this group.
Trees and true wood-bearing plants are dicots, and they sprout with paired leaves.
mark james
IAP Collection, Curator
A challenge for sure - but well worth the effort.
GFHWoodWerks
Member
Such a great resource. Everyone should bookmark it.Black Palm | The Wood Database (Monocot)
www.wood-database.com
sorcerertd
Member
Is it just me? I haven't really had any trouble with it. Now, I have been very careful, but I really like the stuff. It makes a great finished product. I've been meaning to buy some more. If nothing else, it will help you learn patience. 
This magic wand is probably my favorite item I've made with black palm so far.
This magic wand is probably my favorite item I've made with black palm so far.
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I'm so glad you asked. This was one of my first pens when I didn't know any better. You know, when all your cuts are finishing cuts? The top is end grain too! It took me Forever but I did it. I've since turned red palm for a gavel handle and that was much less fun as I assumed myself skilled enough to get it done quicker - splinters galore!
Drewby108
Member
I made a maple wand with black palm where the hand holds. Just a simple straight profile, but boy did it look handsome as a finished piece contrasting the white of the maple.
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SabertoothBunny
Member
It is one of the more difficult woods to turn because it is prone to splitting and breaking apart. I have successfully turned it 1 time without the blank exploding. If palm wood isn't stabilized I would consider other woods to turn.
