catalpa

[sbwertz]

I'm visiting my Dad in Okmulgee, OK, and the neighbors were cutting down a small catalpa tree. I got one log about 2 feet long and 8" in diameter and one about 3 feet long and 4 inches in diameter. Also called catawba.

Is this a good turning wood?

Sharon

 

[rjwolfe3]

Not sure but I just picked up a big log myself. I did a search here awhile ago to see what others had turned and there was some pretty cool stuff! I am also trying to figure out something to do with the seed pods!

 

[Jon-wx5nco]

I've never heard of a catalpa tree...

 

[sbwertz]

I've never heard of a catalpa tree...

It's other name is catawba. Big leaves and seed pods. Grows all over down here.

Sharon

 

[Jim Smith]

It also tends to be a weed tree here in Georgia that is mainly tolerated because it brings in Catawba worms (catepillers) that are excellent bait for bream (Sunfish). The ones that I have to keep cutting down on a property I own have been a very soft wood that looks like it would shrink a lot and not show too much character. I may be wrong, but I don't think you'll be too impressed once you cut it into blnaks.

Jim Smith

 

[rjwolfe3]

They also call it a Cigar Tree. I was surprised that it grows in Ohio.

 

[fritz64]

it also grows in mi. and produces worms for bluegills and sunfish . soft wood

 

[Robert Taylor]

it indeed turns beautifully. it looks similar to oak and/or russian olive when finished. bill young has show many pieces that he has turned from catalpa.

 

[JohnU]

Ive turned some really nice catalpa. A little soft but no problems.

 

[TellicoTurning]

Agree with John, not bad wood to turn.. especially since it was free... but it tends to be pretty bland as grains go... and kinda soft. Now some of you casters, if you take the bean pods and cast them in a clear resin, that might make for a cool pen...

 

[PenMan1]

It also tends to be a weed tree here in Georgia that is mainly tolerated because it brings in Catawba worms (catepillers) that are excellent bait for bream (Sunfish). The ones that I have to keep cutting down on a property I own have been a very soft wood that looks like it would shrink a lot and not show too much character. I may be wrong, but I don't think you'll be too impressed once you cut it into blnaks.

Jim Smith

Jim:
I am only about 50 miles away from you and live on Lake Oconee. The next time you need to get rid of a small one ( I don't want to use a backhoe to dig it) please PM me.

Those worms make the best bream and crappie bait I have ever used! I'll transplant the tree, then we can go fishing!

 

[thewishman]

Every time I see Okmulgee, I think of Elmore Leonard.

Catalpa leaves and seed pods make me think of dinosaur food - very primitive looking, like ginko trees.

 

[grub32]

Yeah and if you have a big one, like I used to...They are a pain to clean up after...I would have cut mine down and turned it into firewood if I hadnt moved...Agree with the rest of you...Its plain for the most part.

Grub