White Walnut

[Cwalker935]

Has anyone made a pen from White Walnut? A cousin gave me a couple of boards today at a family reunion.

 

[Dan Masshardt]

You mean walnut sapwood?

 

[Charlie_W]

You mean walnut sapwood?

That was what I was getting ready to ask!

 

[Cwalker935]

You mean walnut sapwood?

No, after doing some googling I just learned that white walnut is another name for butternut. The grain pattern in the boards looks like walnut with a lighter color.

 

[mark james]

You mean walnut sapwood?

No, after doing some googling I just learned that white walnut is another name for butternut. The grain pattern in the boards looks like walnut with a lighter color.

I have been sorting "a bunch" of blanks from an estate sale... There were some Butternut included.

They look fairly plain, but with nice grain, and I suspect they will do just fine with a walnut oil/Danish Oil finish.

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[alankulwicki7]

White Walnut is another name for Butternut. Very similar grain to Black Walnut but just a lighter color (or at least in my experience). Mostly plain but it will have some figure in spots....

 

[Magicbob]

I have made pens and a small dish out of "white walnut" or butternut.
Some times it is plain grained and sometimes it can get pretty.
I think it looks good with the darkening caused by using BLO before a CA finish.
It turns well and easy.

 

[Charlie_W]

Cody, it would be interesting to see the outcome if you ebonized a couple of those blanks. The easiest method is to use India ink.

 

[GaryMGg]

Butternut is very soft compared to black walnut.
You can dent it with a fingernail.
It typically mills and finishes well.

Walnut sapwood is usually white; butternut is creamy brown.

 

[eharri446]

I have heard that it will stain your hands. Someone mentioned that you should wear gloves while turning it.

 

[KenV]

Butternut is an excellent carving wood.