Softining Hard wood?

[Mark4583]

I have some Black Walnut Burl, pretty wood but hard as a rock.
any way to soften up a bit to turn?
Thanks

Mark

 

[ctEaglesc]

Nope just send it to me.[^]
I was once told if you cannot straighten out the fairway try turning the club head.
Have you considered sharpening your tools?

 

[Dario]

Hard wood may be difficult to work with but well worth the effort.

Work with what you have...you will be rewarded later.

 

[Mark4583]

Yea I sharpend a couple time's. kept thinking I was getting my edge wrong till I went to another blank and it came off real nice.
Ive turned bowls and kept wet to help turn better but didnt know what effect it would have a on a dry pen blank.
Thanks

 

[Rifleman1776]

There are woods that are hard but a joy to turn. There are woods that are hard and very difficult to turn. Walnut (usually) presents no difficulties for turning, it may be the #1 most popular wood for turning (larger objects) of all time. Methinks technique and sharpness of tools is what is giving your problems, not the wood.

 

[Ron in Drums PA]

Originally posted by Mark4583
<br />I have some Black Walnut Burl, pretty wood but hard as a rock.
any way to soften up a bit to turn?

What are you trying to turn and what tools are you using?

 

[Mark4583]

Did a Atlas pen in Black Walnut burl. I mostly use a Skew

 

[Ron in Drums PA]

Then I would repeat what everyone else has said

Better technique and better sharpening.

http://www.penturners.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=20019&whichpage=1#205878

 

[bob393]

Yah black walnut burl is a great wood, just keep at it.
Sharp tools and go slow.