Locust Wood Blank

[DorenaGay]

I have a wooden pen blank that is labeled LOCUST in my stash. (I think it came from Wood Craft a few years ago when I lived in Houston). Does anyone have experience turning this wood? Anything I need to look out for?

 

[Woodchipper]

Watching this post.

 

[Todd in PA]

It turns like any other hardwood. I've turned some from a black locust tree that was removed from my yard, and some locust burl from Croatia. Vibrant yellow wood. Fun fact: it effloresces under black light.

 

[henry1164]

Agree with Todd - no special care is needed beyond good turning for locust. I've turned a lot. Regarding the fluorescing action - here are pics of black locust before and after using black light.

 

[Woodchipper]

An aside, we used locust fence posts on the farm many decades ago.

 

[JohnU]

I would add, being a wood with an open grain, when sanding next to the bushings, be careful not to get metal dust in the wood grain.

 

[Mortalis]

I would add, being a wood with an open grain, when sanding next to the bushings, be careful not to get metal dust in the wood grain.

Who sands with the bushings on? Just asking?

 

[JohnU]

Who sands with the bushings on? Just asking?

Maybe just me… lol but I don't turn down to the bushings. I always try to leave the blank slightly proud so I don't hit the metal bushings before switching to my finishing bushings. Sometimes I finish sanding with them.

 

[mark james]

Who sands with the bushings on? Just asking?

Many do... many shouldn't.

Swap out for bushings designated for sanding only, not final dimensions. AND, measure your components and sand/finish to that dimension. I did not trust stock bushing measurements, use the final component(s)/ measurements and aim for those.

IMO: A good caliper is more useful than stock bushings. Measure the components, don't rely on the bushings measurements.

Have FUN!

 

[DorenaGay]

Who sands with the bushings on? Just asking?

I sand with the bushings on!

 

[DorenaGay]

Maybe just me… lol but I don't turn down to the bushings. I always try to leave the blank slightly proud so I don't hit the metal bushings before switching to my finishing bushings. Sometimes I finish sanding with them.

Thanks for the heads up about sanding! I also sand with the bushings on!

 

[Woodchipper]

I gave up bushings and turn between centers. Calipers are a must: turn to "almost" there and then carefully turn to dimensions of the pen components. I measure the components and record them on a Dollar Tree dry erase board for reference.