QuarkVI
18th April 2016, 08:58 PM
Hi,
Managed to get hold of some manuka/kanuka (not sure how to differentiate timber - believe kanuka is called burgan in Aus) from a mate's fire pile.
Absolutely beautiful timber and not too bad to turn despite its density and hardness BUT I have yet to find a piece that isn't cracked like crazy or makes even more cracks as I hollow (assume stress release). Been trying to make some small boxes and out of a box of firewood I have yet to find a piece that isn't too cracked ... some of the cracks seem to be pre cutting as there is a seam of bark right into the pith. And they aren't fine cracks either (which I don't mind).
So has anyone got tips on how I can harvest the timber to get something to turn? Do I have to try and get wide enough diameters so that I split out a wedge from the round and go that way? It would be a pity to only use it for finials.
cheers
Robin
Managed to get hold of some manuka/kanuka (not sure how to differentiate timber - believe kanuka is called burgan in Aus) from a mate's fire pile.
Absolutely beautiful timber and not too bad to turn despite its density and hardness BUT I have yet to find a piece that isn't cracked like crazy or makes even more cracks as I hollow (assume stress release). Been trying to make some small boxes and out of a box of firewood I have yet to find a piece that isn't too cracked ... some of the cracks seem to be pre cutting as there is a seam of bark right into the pith. And they aren't fine cracks either (which I don't mind).
So has anyone got tips on how I can harvest the timber to get something to turn? Do I have to try and get wide enough diameters so that I split out a wedge from the round and go that way? It would be a pity to only use it for finials.
cheers
Robin