Why not more black palm?

[Cwalker935]

I have not seen many black palm pens posted, why is that? It is a really interesting looking wood. I have only turned some slims with it and am thinking about turning some higher end stuff. I have seen some posts about it being difficult to turn but have not had any problems. Is it harder to turn on larger pens?

 

[kingkeyman]

I turn a lot of black palm. I love the stuff. It works just as well for the larger pens. It is the only material that I don't use a skew on. You have to cut straight at the grain. If you go at an angle it tends to peel instead of cut.

 

[mark james]

Hi Cody: Well... it can be difficult, but a worthy challenge.

You searched for black palm - The Wood Database.

Hard fibers, soft wood. On the high side of the Janka scale. May have high silica which will dull tools.

But then, ... a beautiful wood.

(My son turned a bowl from Black Palm last Thanksgiving...) Many bad words resulted!!! He got frustrated and left it on the chuck... I did finish it and sent it to him - came out nice for a small peanut bowl 6" H x 5" W. BUT, it was a challenge.

Post your results!

Mark

 

[Wraith]

My issue hasn't been turning Black Palm. It has been stopping it from splitting on the pen, in the winter in the super dry environment.

 

[MikeinSC]

I don't like it because it splits easily and using a ca finish takes a quite a bit of work. I have enough issues with it that doesn't make up for the beauty so i pass it over. Unless aim being paid.

 

[CrimsonKeel]

Black Palm does make a spectacular pen. However it blows up quite frequently on the lathe. Bundle of loosely held together matchsticks is what I've heard it called.
I think a lot of turners just don't want the hassle of all the prep work going to waste.
I know myself I have made one successful pen with it and 3 exploded chunks of waste blanks. However if your turning stabilized then its real easy to turn.