Turning oak?

[Woodchipper]

Have several pieces of red oak that are cutoffs from stair treads. Have some ideas for wood turning. Anyone have any experience turning it? Thanks.

 

[ed4copies]

Do you use carbide tools or HSS?

 

[1080Wayne]

Are you thinking crosscut or lengthwise ?

 

[Woodchipper]

1080Wayne, stacking two 4x4 pieces with wood glue and making a bowl. Might turn one at 45 degrees to get a "decorative" grain look.
Ed, HSS tools.

 

[Pens By Scott]

What are your ideas? or blank size required?

 

[jttheclockman]

Absolutely no problem Use either HSS or carbide or combination. There is nothing difficult when turning red oak. Sharp tools are a must though. Just like any other woods or even burls cross grain can present tear outs but that is with just about all woods. They make many decorative trimmings as well as tools and bowls from this. A good wood glue will work just fine. Red oak is an open grain wood so it will soak up glues as well as finishes so be aware of that. Size does not matter. Go for it. Over the years I have used tons of red oak in my scrolling hobby of all sizes shapes. cutting with fine scrollsaw blades works well so turning tools will cut like butter. Router bits as well.

 

[egnald]

I have turned a variety of oak species before. Sharp tools. - Dave

 

[Woodchipper]

Thanks to the group. Getting ready to head for the shop.

 

[keithlong]

Also remember patience is good too

 

[Woodchipper]

Patience? Don't mention that word to my wife. You will get a big laugh from here. I am doing better after 53 years.Shop will be working tomorrow afternoon. Now that I have the grinder set up, I'll make sure the tools are sharp.

 

[SabertoothBunny]

Oak can be a little more splintery than other woods but it is perfectly fine to turn. Oak turns beautifully like other woods so long as you use the same care.

 

[NJturner]

Oak is very open grained, so be prepared to potentially use a filler or some type of finish that will settle out flat once the wood is sanded. As everyone said, be sure to keep your tools sharp or it will tear out.

 

[RDHals]

Red Oak can have a rather unpleasant odor to it. Reminds me of those old open troth urinals'. It's worse if it's wet, but be prepared.

 

[jttheclockman]

Red Oak can have a rather unpleasant odor to it. Reminds me of those old open troth urinals'. It's worse if it's wet, but be prepared.

Man I disagree with this 100% but that is just an opinion. Amazing what people's senses pick up. I have cut, sanded, routed, scrollsawn more oak than you can shake a stick at To me I love the smell of this wood. All my moldings, doors, wood floors which are white oak, and woodwork in my house is red oak. I will take all the red oak you want to get rid of. I have combined red oak and walnut in so many projects over the years.